Once you near the final trimester of your pregnancy, you’re likely to feel a range of emotions, including excitement, and perhaps a little anxiety. Here are some of the things to prepare yourself for as your body gets ready to deliver your new bundle of joy.
Fatigue and Discomfort
As your baby gets bigger, you’re likely to become tired quicker. This is also due to the fact that the growing fetus needs more vitamins and nutrients, so you may need to eat a little more than usual to keep up your energy and adequately feed the baby. Make sure you are eating healthy foods that provide you and baby with all the nutrients you need and that will help boost your energy. The baby is also moving more in the last trimester of pregnancy, which could cause discomfort. You may find that you have to take breaks more often in the middle of performing tasks that require standing for long periods of time. It’s also common for you to sleep sitting up, or completely on your back during the third trimester, as these positions will likely be most comfortable due to your growing belly.
Weight Gain
By the time you reach your due date, you will have gained between 25 and 35 pounds, according to the Mayo Clinic. While you may have been gaining weight throughout your entire pregnancy, you’ll put on pounds at a faster rate during the final trimester. Some of the weight gain, of course, will be due to your growing baby. However, some of the pounds come from your larger uterus and breasts, as well as the placenta and amniotic fluid. Your body also stores more fat during pregnancy, and you’ll have a higher volume of fluid and blood in your body which contributes to weight gain.
Increase in Breast Size
Most physicians in Winter Haven will assert that pregnant women gain about 2 pounds of breast tissue while pregnant. As you get closer to delivering your baby, the weight of your breasts will likely increase a little more. Your breasts may also start producing colostrum, a light yellow fluid that is filled with vitamins and minerals the baby needs the first two or three days after delivery.
Heartburn
In your third trimester, your uterus grows significantly, and may cause your stomach to shift out of its regular position, which can lead to heartburn. To keep your body from producing too much stomach acid (and to keep the acid in your stomach), try eating several small meals throughout the day. This keeps digestion from being so taxing for the body. It’s also a good idea to drink lots of water, and to stay away from sodas and fried foods during the final trimester of pregnancy. For severe heartburn, consult your physician to ask about heartburn medications that are safe for pregnant women.
Shortness of Breath
It’s common to become winded during this stage of pregnancy as the uterus stretches under the diaphragm (the muscle right beneath the lungs). Once the baby moves deeper into the pelvic area, which occurs a few weeks before delivery, shortness of breath may improve. Throughout the last trimester, practicing good posture and sleeping in a semi-sitting position can take away pressure on the lungs and restore the breath.
These are just some of the symptoms you can experience as you near labor and delivery. However, it’s important to remember that every woman’s body is different, and some symptoms may last longer than others. In general, following a healthy diet, exercising moderately, and practicing stress reduction techniques like meditation can make your third trimester bearable!
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