Third trimester of pregnancy (week 29 to delivery)
You have now reached your final stretch of pregnancy and probably very excited and anxious for the birth of your baby. This handout will help you understand what to expect in the third trimester of your pregnancy.
What happens during antenatal visits in the third trimester?
- Physical examination: At each visit, your blood pressure will be checked and the doctor will examine you to check the growth of your baby and listen to the baby’s heartbeat.
- Lab tests: Indirect Coombs test in Rh negative women (with Rh positive partner) at 28 weeks , Hemoglobin at 36 weeks , Urine examination at 36 weeks , Viral markers at 36 weeks
- Ultrasound: A routine ultrasound is usually done around 34 weeks to check on baby’s growth or well-being, a Doppler may be requested by the doctor, which checks the blood flow to the baby. In case any abnormality is detected on ultrasound or Doppler, a repeat ultrasound may be advised.
What common problems I may encounter in the third trimester?
- Backache: As the strain on your back increases with the increasing weight of the baby, some backache is not unusual. Regular exercises and maintaining a good posture can help.
- Heartburn: During the third trimester, growing uterus pushes the stomach upwards from its normal position, which increases the acid reflux, resulting in heartburn. Eating small meals and drinking plenty of fluids between meals can help. Avoid fried foods, carbonated drinks, citrus fruits or juices and spicy foods.
- Swelling: Swelling of legs and feet is common in the third trimester as the growing uterus presses on the veins that return blood from the legs. Swelling in your legs, arms and hands can also put pressure on the nerves, causing tingling or numbness. Put your feet on the foot stool while sitting or lie down for a while whenever you get a chance.
- Shortness of breath: You can have shortness of breath even with a little exertion in late pregnancy as the uterus pushes against the diaphragm and reduces the lung capacity.
What is the importance of exercise in the third trimester?
Regular exercises during late pregnancy helps in reducing the backache and strengthening the muscles and ligaments. They also help in descent of head, shortening the labor and in a normal delivery.
What is the importance of watching for fetal movements?
Babies also have sleeping and waking hours, and by now you would know your baby’s rhythm. If a baby seems to be unusually quiet, or not kicking as much as on other days, report to the doctor/hospital. The doctor/nurse in the labor ward will check your baby’s heart beat and take a 15-20 minutes tracing of the fetal heart rate pattern. You will be allowed to go home if the doctor is satisfied with the NST tracing.
How will I know that I am in labor?
The onset of labor is usually marked by the onset of painful uterine contractions or labor pains. They usually start from the back radiating to the lower abdomen and thighs.
These may be preceded or associated with passage of blood mixed mucous discharge (show), which occurs as the mucous plug gets dislodged with the opening of the cervix (mouth of the uterus).
Initially, the uterine contractions may be erratic, coming at long and variable intervals. This is the latent or preparatory phase of labor which can last anywhere between a few hours to few days.
How will I know that I am in labor?
The onset of labor is usually marked by the onset of painful uterine contractions or labor pains. They usually start from the back radiating to the lower abdomen and thighs.
These may be preceded or associated with passage of blood mixed mucous discharge (show), which occurs as the mucous plug gets dislodged with the opening of the cervix (mouth of the uterus).
Initially, the uterine contractions may be erratic, coming at long and variable intervals. This is the latent or preparatory phase of labor which can last anywhere between a few hours to few days.
Watery discharge (rupture of membranes)
Bleeding
If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, report if there is severe headache, blurring of vision, decreased urine output or pain in upper abdomen.
