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  YOUR THIRD TRIMESTER

  May 30, 2022

  With the baby’s head pressing down on your bladder, it definitely means you will need to visit the washroom more frequently.

   

  Hooray, you are now on the final stretch of your pregnancy journey!

   

  While this is the most thrilling of all trimesters because your baby is almost due, it may also be the most challenging. Fret not! Listed are some of the challenges and ways to help you get through your third trimester:

   

  1. Frequent urination

  Do not be alarmed if you once again find yourself visiting the washroom as often as you did in the first trimester, if not more! With the growing baby’s’ head pressing down on your bladder, you will need to relieve yourself more frequently – including a few times at night. You may want to avoid drinking fluids just before bedtime to minimise late-night washroom visits. Regardless, remember to keep your body hydrated throughout the day.

   

  2. Fatigue

  After the burst of energy you have experienced during your second trimester, you might find yourself slowly slipping back into fatigue and tiredness once again. This is because the position and size of your baby bump might make it difficult for you to get comfortable in any sitting or rested position. Coupled that with several nighttime washroom visits, it is of no wonder you are back to feeling exhausted. Whenever possible, take short naps throughout the day when you feel tired to ensure enough rest even before delivery.

   

  3. Backache

  During your pregnancy, your hormones will start preparing your body for labour by loosening your muscles, joints, and ligaments. This can be tough on your back and may cause you some discomfort. Practice good sitting postures and choosing chairs with good back support will help to ease the pressure on your back. Wearing low-heeled, comfortable shoes with good arch support will also help with backache. However, if your pain is persistent or getting worse, please consult your doctor immediately.

   

  Practicing good sitting postures as well as choosing chairs with good back support will help to ease your backache.

   

   

  4. Shortness of breath

  With your baby growing inside you taking up more and space, your baby bump will be expanding upwards. This expansion will reach just under your rib cage, leaving limited space for your lungs and causing you to experience shortness of breath. Practising good posture will allow your lungs some room to expand and help ease your breathing, as will propping up your head and shoulders with pillows when you sleep.

   

  With your baby growing, your bump will be expanding upwards until it reaches just under your rib cage, causing shortness of breath.

   

   

  5. Oedema (Swelling Feet)

  Many expectant mothers will experience oedema or swelling in their fingers, ankles, and feet during their third trimester. Oedema may be caused by additional fluid retention, hormonal changes, and weight gain. Propping your feet up on a stool or box whenever you sit for any extended duration will elevate your feet while you sleep will give you some relieve. Buying shoes of a bigger size may also help provide you comfort while you walk during the day.

   

  Many expectant mothers will experience edema or swelling in their fingers, ankles and feet during the third trimester.

   

   

  6. Heartburn

  Heartburn is a burning sensation around your chest and throat. As pregnancy hormones relax the valve between your stomach and oesophagus, this can allow stomach acid reflux into your oesophagus to cause heartburn. To prevent heartburn, eat your meals more frequently, but in smaller portions, instead of the regular three big meals. Also, avoid fried food, citrus fruits, chocolate, and spicy food as they tend to trigger production of stomach acid.

   

  7. Uterus contractions

  Braxton Hicks contractions are contractions of your uterus in preparation for giving birth. You will feel a tightening in your abdomen that comes and goes at irregular intervals and usually lasts for about 30 seconds. While they can be uncomfortable, they usually aren’t painful. It is quite tricky to tell whether the contraction that you are experiencing is a practice or a real one because Braxton Hicks can get stronger when you are approaching your expected delivery date (EDD). If your contractions seem to happen more frequently and is increasing in strength, do contact your doctor immediately.

   

  It is quite tricky to tell whether the contraction that you are experiencing is a Braxton Hicks contraction or a real one.

   

   

  8. Cleaning Urges

  As you approach your expected delivery date (EDD), you may be filled with a strong urge to clean, tidy, and organise your home in preparation for the arrival of your baby. This urge is known as the nesting instinct. The nesting instinct is strongest in the later weeks closer to delivery. It is good to focus your energy on putting final touches to your baby nursery, washing baby’s clothes, and installing the baby car seat. However, do not overexert yourself. Remember to be careful during preparation of your house. It is an old wives’ tale that once nesting urges begin, labour is about to come on!

   

  The nesting instinct is strongest in the later weeks closer to delivery.

   

   

  As you approach and reach the end of this pregnancy journey, please bear in mind that the end of your pregnancy can only mean the start of your parenthood journey and opportunities with your little one. We wish you a safe delivery and may this delivery be the best one yet!

   

   

   

   

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