The third trimester of pregnancy generally spans weeks twenty-eight through forty, though healthy babies may be born a bit sooner or later. During the third trimester, continuing growth and development in the mother and fetus cause many changes to occur. When the mother reaches the third trimester, she should begin preparing for labor. As the body readies for birth, a woman’s cervix begins to thin out and open. The mother could still have some of the same discomforts she had in her second trimester.

Frequent urination Occasional headaches

Round ligament pains Itching

Constipation Stretch marks

Tender breasts – As the mother reaches the end of her pregnancy, hormones in her body cause her breasts to increase even more in size, to prepare for breastfeeding.

Hemorrhoids – The mother might begin to experience discomfort from hemorrhoids now from the increased pressure of the growing baby on the veins in the mother’s rectum.

Heartburn – As the baby gets bigger, the mother’s uterus pushes on her stomach and can cause heartburn.

The baby is still growing and moving, but now it has less room in the mother’s uterus. Because of this, the mother might not feel the kicks and movements as much as she did in the second trimester. During this final stage, of pregnancy, the baby is continuing to grow. Even before the baby is born it will be able to open and close its eyes and might even suck its thumb. As the mother’s body starts to prepare for birth, the baby will start to move its position. The baby will start dropping or moving down the lower abdomen.

For several months, the umbilical cord has been the

baby’s lifeline to the mother. Nourishment is transferred

from the mother’s blood, through the placenta, and into

the umbilical cord to the fetus.

The fetus sleeps 90 – 95% of the day, and sometimes experience REM

sleep, an indication of dreaming.

Continue to Labor and Delivery

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