Previously, We have had a detailed discussion on Changes that happens in the body of pregnant women in the first trimester and second trimester. The third trimester of a woman’s pregnancy starts from week 29 to week 40, months seven, eight, and nine. Feelings at this stage of pregnancy tend to go from tiredness and worry to excitement about the baby coming into this world. Your baby continues to grow, and your changes in your body start to slow down. As the third trimester progresses, they’ll have a better chance of being born early, i.e., premature.
Body Changes During Third Trimester
These are the following Top 10 changes that happen during the third trimester in the body of pregnant women :
Braxton Hicks Contractions
These are the pre-labor contractions that a woman goes through in the third trimester. Your cervix starts to get thin and soft in preparation for labor. Braxton hicks contractions are normal and happen to all pregnant women. When you start to get Braxton hicks, you might want to start packing your labor kit and be ready to go to the hospital for birth anytime soon.
Sudden Pain And Muscle Cramps –
Body Changes During Third Trimester
Women in the third trimester can suffer from sudden pain in some areas while coughing or sneezing, or even peeing. The only way to avoid this is to avoid sudden movements that cause such pains. Women in the third trimester also feel muscle cramps. This happens due to a lack of calcium in the body.
Inefficient Sleep –
Body Changes During Third Trimester
Women can also face difficulty in sleeping. The overwhelming emotions of having a baby and other hormonal changes can cause issues with sleeping. Since taking a good amount of sleep is necessary for your and the baby’s health, it’s important to practice regular sleep habits. You might have to stay more active during the day, so you feel tired and eventually sleep at night without any difficulty.
Fatigue –
Body Changes During Third Trimester
There is a subsequent increase in feeling more tired and weak. This happens due to low nutrient levels in your body. It would be best to have a healthy diet and rest more to avoid increased fatigue. You can always ask someone to do the chores and take mid-day naps to feel more active and less tired.
Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are normal. They tend to appear on your body during pregnancy since your skin stretches out as the baby grows. When the baby is finally born, your skin tends to go back to the initial stretch, thereby leaving stretch marks. Stretch marks can’t be avoided. Eventually, these turn into whitish and tan-colored lines, which aren’t visible after some time.
Dry Skin
This is one of the common Skin Problem Faced By Women During Pregnancy. Your skin may start to turn dry and itchy during the third trimester. The dry skin can be easily healed. You can always use oils and lotions to nourish the skin, so it doesn’t get drier. Glycerin is advised to reduce skin itchiness and dryness. If the itching is severe, you must contact your doctor and take proper medical assistance.
Heartburn In Third Trimester
The valve between the esophagus and stomach relaxes due to pregnancy hormones, which cause stomach acid to leak into the esophagus. This acid leak causes heartburn.
Tips To Prevent Or Control Heartburn:
- Eating healthy food.
- Having frequent meals.
- Eating small portions at one time.
- Eating now and then.
- Avoiding fried food.
- Spicy food increases heartburn.
- Avoid taking junk foods.
- Citrus fruits help to improve the taste.
- Lift your shoulder and head while you rest or sleep. Use little heightened pillows to feel comfortable.
- Do not bend or pick things from the floor directly in the third trimester.
- Wear loose and comfortable innerwear as well as clothes to support the growing belly.
Breathing Troubles –
Body Changes During Third Trimester
In the third trimester, it’s common to feel shortness of breath sometimes. Try to follow simple tips such as:
- Take proper rest.
- Have a sufficient sleep.
- Follow the proper routine.
- Eat frequently.
- Take a small meal at a time.
- Wear loose and comfortable clothes.
- I prefer to wear cotton clothes.
- Sit in proper posture.
- Take small naps if required.
- When u feel shortness of breath, try to take a small and deep breath. It is ok to take it through your mouth.
- And luckily, if you started feeling relaxed and your breathing trouble is relaxed, that means your baby is moving down into the pelvis and preparing for the birth process.
Groin Pain
Some pregnant women can have groin pain in the third trimester. You should take proper precautions and rest whenever your body requires it.
Hemorrhoids In Third Trimester
Pregnant women can have hemorrhoids in the third trimester. Try to follow proper routines and eating habits to avoid such troubles. Avoid staying in one position for a long time. Like standing and sitting with proper gaps and intervals of time. Pelvic floor exercises can help a lot.
Happy Birth!
So, These Are The Top 10 Body Changes That Happens During the Third Trimester Of Pregnancy. Please feel free to share your thoughts and experience in the comment box below. I wish every pregnant lady a very happy and safe pregnancy and baby birth!
Tinydale is on YouTube. Click here to subscribe for the latest videos and updates.