Third Trimester of Pregnancy
Pregnancy Weeks 29-40
Making the Third Trimester Fun
Many women "feel" like the third trimester of their pregnancy is the longest. This is because during the third trimester, your baby will add more weight than he or she has throughout your entire pregnancy!
Your body will also work very hard to prepare your body for labor, releasing a hormone called Relaxin among other things to help loosen your joints and ligaments in preparation for labor and delivery. You should be extra cautious during exercise to avoid injuring your body during this very special and delicate time of pregnancy!
Many women start wondering "when" they will have their baby during the third trimester. The fatigue women experience during the first trimester often returns during the third trimester. Instead of trying to fight it, try to relax and take a nap if you can.
That said you also don't want to rush your baby's entry into this new and interesting world. Most babies are not ready for delivery until about weeks 37 on, when most healthcare providers consider babies "full-term." Even if your pregnancy is full-term however, you may find you still have to wait some time before you get to meet the newest member of your family..
When Will I Have My Baby?
"When will I have my baby" is the million dollar questions expectant mothers ask during the last trimester of pregnancy. As you become more bloated and tired, you will find you are eager to deliver.
Be patient. While some women deliver during week 37, it isn't uncommon for first time mothers to go to 41 weeks before delivering their baby! So, even if you hit week 37, you may find you still have a few more weeks togo before you meet your newborn baby. Relax.
During this time you will feel more Braxton Hicks contractions. These are contractions often called "false" labor that prepare your body for pregnancy. You may feel your abdomen tighten and cram for a few minutes, and then this sensation passes. This may continue for a few minutes or up to half an hour, and then go away. Unless you have consistent contractions that last for about a minute for an hour or more (and consistently become harder) you probably aren't in labor just yet.
Don't worry. If you aren't sure whether you are or "aren't" then ask your doctor. If you think you may be in the early stages of labor, some things that may help include:
Your midwife may encourage some natural labor induction techniques if you reach full-term and show no signs of labor or delivery. Most doctors will not induce your baby unless you or your baby's health is at risk, or unless you have passed week 41.
But hang in there... in no time at all you will experience the most remarkable and rewarding times of your life... the birth of your baby! When you do finally go into labor, you will find the time passes quicker than you expect, and you will forget all the side effects of pregnancy once you meet your precious newborn baby for the first time. Live life to the fullest, and enjoy the newest addition to your family.
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