Finally, we have come to the third trimester; also the FINAL :). Another three more months to go and our baby will physically in our arms ~ what a journey!
This is the time we prepare for our baby's delivery. Perhaps most MTBs will be excited going through the checklist for baby's stuffs, or deciding whether to do it the 'natural-natural' delivery or using pain-relief (epidural). Whichever method we choose, our hope is to have a smooth and safe delivery.
What we will experience during this period:
1. Some uncomfort due to our weight increase, and false labour contractions.
2. Hair grows at a faster rate on the arms, legs and face; due to increased hormone stimulation of hair follicies.
3. An increased in body temperature as fetus continue to grow.
4. An increased in urinary frequency as fetus growth adds the more pressure to our bladder. DO NOT cut back fluid intake - just visit the restroom when you need.
5. More swelling, especially to ankles, fingers and face; due to water retention. Continue to drink lots of water and rest (on your left) when you can with feet elevated.
Caution: If sudden, extreme swelling is observed in any of the mentioned areas, or a sudden weight gain, consult doctor immediately as this may be a sign of preeclampsia; high blood pressure. In most serious case, it can restrict blood flow to the placenta. Should the blood flow to the placenta be restricted it could seriously harm your baby.
6. Colostrum, a fluid in the breasts that nourishes the baby until breast milk becomes available, may begin to leak from the nipple. Colostrum is the first milk that your breasts produce for your baby. It is a thick, yellowish fluid that contains antibodies that protect new babies from infections. If leaking becomes a problem, purchase disposable or cloth nursing pads (that we can use when nursing our newborn) to place inside our bra. Our breasts have most likely increased in size and fullness as pregnancy has advanced. As we near the end of our pregnancy, hormones in our body cause our breasts to increase even more in size, to prepare for breastfeeding. Your breasts can feel full and heavy, and they might be tender or uncomfortable. Time to buy a well-fitting maternity or nursing bra which offer extra support.
7. We will feel fatigue as we are carrying more weight now and may have trouble sleeping at night. Make sure we have more rest and cut down on nonessential activities, to prepare us for labour and delivery.
8. Periods of shortness of breath as our body takes in more oxygen to use with development of our baby.
Solution: Sit up straight rather than in a slumping-position. Avoid overexertion, and sleep in a semi-propped-up position with two or three pillows.
Caution: If with ample rest, fatigue still persists, consult doctor as this may be a sign of anemia; lack of iron.
9. Sex during the last trimester may be uncomfortable for some, due to increasing belly size. However, it does not mean that sex during pregnancy is unsafe or uncomfortable for all; listen to your body - and doctor's advice.
10. Experienced of Braxton Hicks Contraction (False Labour). These uterine contractions begin sometime after the 20th week of pregnancy and usually feel like a painless tightening of your uterus. They last about fifteen or thirty seconds. It becomes more frequent as deliuvery date draws near.
Solution: To relieve any discomfort during these contractions try changing your position and moving around. Many women find that they can use this time to practice their breathing exercises in preparation for the delivery. If you find that the contractions are very frequent or are accompanied by pain or vaginal discharge, report them immediately.
Other Continuation of Previous Symptoms includes:-
- More frequent leg cramp
- Worsen constipation; drink lots of water, increase intake of whole grains, vegetables, fruits.
- Worsen heartburn as baby gets bigger and uterus pushes on stomach.
- Increased white colored vaginal discharge.
- Backaches
Okay, so much for sharing with you what I have learnt.
Now, I myself am in the third trimester. Am I excited? You bet!
I can feel Alexis's movement every now and then. She seems to be more active during night time, and early in the morning (starting from 4-5am!). She responds to my calling her by giving me a 'punch'. Other than these cute and amazing responses from her, of course there are discomforts.
Like those symptoms I mentioned above, my urine frequency increased tremendously; I can visit the restroom as much as 7-8 times within a 3-hours period (while I am taking my morning nap after breakfast). Backaches getting intense. Oh, my fingers (knuckles) feel pain too, especially during the night and early in the morning - could be due to water retention. Feeling fatigue than previous and of course, a little clumsier as belly size increased.
However the discomforts are, I am preparing myself for labour and delivery and YES, looking forward to it. Now my only concern is - to go for 'natural-natural' or epidural. How strong is my threshold for pain?? God, I ask for you to give me the strength.
Can anyone tell me HOW pain is it???
This is the time we prepare for our baby's delivery. Perhaps most MTBs will be excited going through the checklist for baby's stuffs, or deciding whether to do it the 'natural-natural' delivery or using pain-relief (epidural). Whichever method we choose, our hope is to have a smooth and safe delivery.
What we will experience during this period:
1. Some uncomfort due to our weight increase, and false labour contractions.
2. Hair grows at a faster rate on the arms, legs and face; due to increased hormone stimulation of hair follicies.
3. An increased in body temperature as fetus continue to grow.
4. An increased in urinary frequency as fetus growth adds the more pressure to our bladder. DO NOT cut back fluid intake - just visit the restroom when you need.
5. More swelling, especially to ankles, fingers and face; due to water retention. Continue to drink lots of water and rest (on your left) when you can with feet elevated.
Caution: If sudden, extreme swelling is observed in any of the mentioned areas, or a sudden weight gain, consult doctor immediately as this may be a sign of preeclampsia; high blood pressure. In most serious case, it can restrict blood flow to the placenta. Should the blood flow to the placenta be restricted it could seriously harm your baby.
6. Colostrum, a fluid in the breasts that nourishes the baby until breast milk becomes available, may begin to leak from the nipple. Colostrum is the first milk that your breasts produce for your baby. It is a thick, yellowish fluid that contains antibodies that protect new babies from infections. If leaking becomes a problem, purchase disposable or cloth nursing pads (that we can use when nursing our newborn) to place inside our bra. Our breasts have most likely increased in size and fullness as pregnancy has advanced. As we near the end of our pregnancy, hormones in our body cause our breasts to increase even more in size, to prepare for breastfeeding. Your breasts can feel full and heavy, and they might be tender or uncomfortable. Time to buy a well-fitting maternity or nursing bra which offer extra support.
7. We will feel fatigue as we are carrying more weight now and may have trouble sleeping at night. Make sure we have more rest and cut down on nonessential activities, to prepare us for labour and delivery.
8. Periods of shortness of breath as our body takes in more oxygen to use with development of our baby.
Solution: Sit up straight rather than in a slumping-position. Avoid overexertion, and sleep in a semi-propped-up position with two or three pillows.
Caution: If with ample rest, fatigue still persists, consult doctor as this may be a sign of anemia; lack of iron.
9. Sex during the last trimester may be uncomfortable for some, due to increasing belly size. However, it does not mean that sex during pregnancy is unsafe or uncomfortable for all; listen to your body - and doctor's advice.
10. Experienced of Braxton Hicks Contraction (False Labour). These uterine contractions begin sometime after the 20th week of pregnancy and usually feel like a painless tightening of your uterus. They last about fifteen or thirty seconds. It becomes more frequent as deliuvery date draws near.
Solution: To relieve any discomfort during these contractions try changing your position and moving around. Many women find that they can use this time to practice their breathing exercises in preparation for the delivery. If you find that the contractions are very frequent or are accompanied by pain or vaginal discharge, report them immediately.
Other Continuation of Previous Symptoms includes:-
- More frequent leg cramp
- Worsen constipation; drink lots of water, increase intake of whole grains, vegetables, fruits.
- Worsen heartburn as baby gets bigger and uterus pushes on stomach.
- Increased white colored vaginal discharge.
- Backaches
Okay, so much for sharing with you what I have learnt.
Now, I myself am in the third trimester. Am I excited? You bet!
I can feel Alexis's movement every now and then. She seems to be more active during night time, and early in the morning (starting from 4-5am!). She responds to my calling her by giving me a 'punch'. Other than these cute and amazing responses from her, of course there are discomforts.
Like those symptoms I mentioned above, my urine frequency increased tremendously; I can visit the restroom as much as 7-8 times within a 3-hours period (while I am taking my morning nap after breakfast). Backaches getting intense. Oh, my fingers (knuckles) feel pain too, especially during the night and early in the morning - could be due to water retention. Feeling fatigue than previous and of course, a little clumsier as belly size increased.
However the discomforts are, I am preparing myself for labour and delivery and YES, looking forward to it. Now my only concern is - to go for 'natural-natural' or epidural. How strong is my threshold for pain?? God, I ask for you to give me the strength.
Can anyone tell me HOW pain is it???
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