|
Basic InformationMore InformationLatest NewsEven Mild Iodine Deficiency Can Affect Child's CognitionHealth Tip: Keep Teeth Healthy During PregnancyFor Pregnant Smokers, Vitamin C Might Help Babies' LungsSynthetic Pot Use Can Mimic Symptoms of Prenatal DisorderHealth Tip: Taking a Birthing ClassFDA Warns Pregnant Women About Migraine DrugsHospitals Enact Policies to Curb Early ChildbirthFlame-Retardant Chemicals Could Be Toxic to KidsKeep Beauty Regimen Safe During Pregnancy, Doctor AdvisesPediatrician Group Issues Home Birth Policy StatementUltrasound Best Detector of Dangerous Ectopic Pregnancies, Study FindsLow-Carb Diet Doesn't Improve Gestational Diabetes OutcomesHealth Tip: Ease Leg Cramps During PregnancyFish Oil Has No Effect on Depression in PregnancyEstrogen Level in Pregnancy May Affect Breast Cancer Risk in DaughtersDiclegis Approved for Morning SicknessHospitals Work to Reduce Unnecessary Early BirthsSmog Exposure During Pregnancy Might Raise Child's Cancer Risk: StudyIntegrated Model Can Predict Preeclampsia in First TrimesterRepeat Births by Teen Girls Still Too High: CDCStudy Pinpoints Women at Risk for Blood Clots From PregnancyPregnant Women Under Stress May Be at Higher Risk for StillbirthRubella in Pregnancy Rare in U.S., But Can Be Devastating for BabyVitamin D Important During Pregnancy, Study SuggestsWorking While Pregnant Won't Harm the Baby, Study FindsStress During Pregnancy May Raise Heart Defect Risk for BabyHypospadias Not Related to Organic Diet During PregnancyStudy: Antidepressant Use in Pregnancy May Not Affect Baby's GrowthMeth in Pregnancy May Blunt Child's Reaction to Stress: StudyHealth Tip: Enjoy Safe Exercise During PregnancyVitamin D Levels in Pregnancy May Not Affect Kids' Future Bone HealthKey Variables Examined in Gestational Diabetes AdvanceEctopic Pregnancy Treatments Have Similar Effects on FertilityHeavier Pregnant Women May Face Higher C-Section RiskCombo Treatment Might Beat Epidural to Ease Labor: StudyHealth Tip: Experiencing Nosebleeds During Pregnancy?Postpartum Anxiety More Common Than DepressionC-Section Rates Vary Widely at U.S. HospitalsHealth Tip: Coping With Itching During PregnancyNo Risks to Pregnancy Seen With Morning Sickness DrugU.S. Teen Birth Rates Highest in Rural Areas, Research ShowsTeen Pregnancy-Prevention Program Works, Study SaysFetal Heart May Develop Later in Pregnancy Than ThoughtBrains of Fetuses 'Build a Bridge' Between Regions, Images ShowToo Much Coffee in Pregnancy Tied to Smaller, Later Newborns, Study SaysProgesterone Shots May Not Prevent Preterm Birth of Twins: StudyRed Meat Intake May Raise Risk of Gestational DiabetesFolic Acid in Pregnancy May Lower Autism RiskObstetric Outcomes for Women With Asthma EvaluatedHigh Blood Pressure in Pregnancy May Predict Later Ills, Study Says Questions and AnswersLinksBook Reviews |
| |
The Third TrimesterJessica Evert, MDThe Third Trimester (Weeks 28–40)
The final stage of pregnancy, weeks 28 through 40, is often marked by excited expectation of the baby’s arrival. At this stage, it is a good idea to have your hospital overnight bag packed and ready to go.
Development. The growing fetus begins to be aware of its surroundings as the third trimester gets underway. Early in the third trimester, the fetus begins to open and close its eyes and suck its thumb. He or she also begins to respond to light and sound. As the fetus continues to grow, it has less and less room to move around. Some women report being able to identify the shape of an elbow or a heel poking into their abdomen. At the end of this trimester, (and the end of the pregnancy), the fetus moves into the position for birth, which usually means he or she moves into a "head down" position lower in the mother's abdomen, nearer to her pelvis.
The Mother's Experience. The third trimester can be marked by physical discomfort associated with the now large size of the developing baby and mother's associated weight gain. It is common for third trimester mothers to experience heartburn, significant hemorrhoids, increased body temperature, and more fatigue. Additionally, many women experience swelling in their ankles and fingers. Although some swelling is normal, you should alert your physician if you notice sudden, extreme swelling, or if you experience a rapid, sudden weight gain. These two symptoms may indicate a serious condition called pre-eclampsia (previously described in detail) which could harm your baby.
A new experience during this final phase of pregnancy is the onset of Braxton Hicks contractions, which signal that your body is preparing itself for labor. Braxton Hicks contractions occur in the uterus, last about 30 to 60 seconds each, and are usually painless. In contrast to Braxton Hicks contractions, real labor contractions occur with greater intensity, regularity, and frequency. Real labor contractions become more painful over time rather than getting better or less intense with time as will Braxton Hicks contractions.
ComplicationsThe third trimester ends with labor and the birth of the baby. It remains possible to enter into pre-term labor prior to your due date. Contact your physician to make sure you are not in preterm labor if you experience contractions that are accompanied by a watery or bloody discharge or back pain, or if you find you have more than 8 contractions per hour, occurring at regular intervals.
| 
