Third Trimester Pregnancy Is A Time Of Many Changes!

The third trimester pregnancy is the last 12 weeks of pregnancy. Here are the physical, emotional, and baby changes to expect.

Weeks 28-31

Physical

• Constipation

• Heartburn,indigestion,flatulence,and bloating

• Hearty appetite

• Leg cramps

• Occasional headaches

• Itchy abdomen

• More intense fetal movement

• Achiness in the lower abdomen as the round ligament begins to stretch.

• Difficulty sleeping

• Shortness of breath

• Mild swelling of feet and ankles.

Emotional

• Continued absentminddedness

• Increasing excitement

• Continued anxiety about motherhood.

• Boredom has now set in with the pregnancy.

Baby

• The baby is gaining weight rapidly and is developing fat under the skin.

• By the end of the month, the baby will weigh about 3 pounds and is about 16 inches long.

• The lungs are beginning to function.

• Eyebrows, eyelashes, and fingernails are now present.

Weeks 32-35

Physical

• Strong fetal movement

• Achiness in the lower abdomen as the round ligament begins to stretch.

• Constipation

• Heartburn,indigestion,flatulence,and bloating

• Occasional headache

• Hearty appetite

• Difficulty sleeping

• Shortness of breath

• Mild swelling of feet and ankles.

• Leg cramps

• Itchy abdomen

Emotional

• Continued increased excitement.

• Continued anxiety about motherhood and the baby's health.

• Anxiety about labor and delivery.

Baby

• The aby is about 5-6 pounds and is 18-20 inches in length by the end of the month.

• Baby will not be kicking as vigorously since the room in the uterus has become cramped.However, youi still feel approximately 10 movements in 2 hours.

• The baby does have regular sleep periods.

• Brain develpement continues.

Weeks 36-40

Physical

• Fetal movement will feel more like squirming now. However, you still should feel 10 movements in 2 hours.

• Constipation

• Heartburn,indigestion,flatulence,and bloating

• Occasional headache

• Hearty appetite

• Backache

• Leg cramps

• Itchy abdomen

• Difficulty sleeping

• Shortness of breath-this will get better once the baby starts to drop.

• Increased swelling of the feet and ankles

Emotional

• Relief-you are finally at the end!

• You may become a little impatient and restless.

• More anxiety about the baby's health, motherhood, and labor and delivery.

Baby

• Most babies have settled into the head down position by this point.

• Baby has very tight sleeping quaters now. Still, continue to count 10 movements in 2 hours.

• Baby will grow about another 2 inches and add about 2-3 more pounds before delivery.