What Will Happen to My Body in the Third Trimester?
You’re in the home stretch mumma. Your little one is shifting, turning, wriggling and getting ready to meet you. Your body is doing everything it can to bring them safely into the world. You’re almost there.
Your Baby is Moving and Getting into Position
Around week 31 your baby is getting stronger. You might feel like there’s a full little workout happening inside your tummy as they stretch and move their arms and legs.
By week 34 things start to feel different. As your baby gets bigger they run out of room, so you’ll notice less kicking and more gentle wriggling and rolling.
Around week 32 your baby will start turning head down, getting into position for their big arrival. By week 36 they’ll drop further down into your lower belly which is actually a sign that labour is getting closer.
Counting Kicks
By week 37 your baby might feel a little less active simply because space is so tight. Your doctor may ask you to count kicks. Feeling around 10 movements in a two hour window is a good sign your baby is doing well.
If you reach week 40 and their kicks feel like they’re pressing into your ribs, it’s completely okay to give that little hand or foot a gentle nudge back.
Aches and Pains
Shooting pain down your legs
Sometimes called sciatic pain, a sharp shooting feeling from your lower back down the back of your legs. It happens because your baby is pressing on a nerve in your lower spine. Gentle stretching and a warm compress can help.
Back pain and sore joints
Carrying the extra weight puts a lot of strain on your back and hips. Rest when you can and try not to stand for too long at a stretch.
Sharp pains down below
As your baby drops lower you might feel sudden sharp little pains between your legs down there. It’s just your muscles adjusting to the weight. Uncomfortable but completely normal. 😄
Leg cramps
Especially at night in the final weeks. Drinking enough water throughout the day really helps with this.
Your Belly, Skin and Hair
Belly button popping out
As your tummy grows the pressure will eventually push your belly button outward. Completely harmless and it goes back after birth.
Itchy belly
As your skin stretches it can get really itchy. Keeping it moisturised helps a lot.
Stretch marks
You might notice pinkish or reddish marks appearing on your belly, thighs or breasts. They fade to soft silvery lines over time. They’re a reminder of what your body did mumma. Wear them gently.
Extra hair
Your hair on your head is probably looking thick and beautiful right now. But you might also notice hair growing in unexpected places like your face or tummy. It’s the hormones and it settles after birth.
Breathing and Your Heart
Feeling out of breath
You might feel breathless just walking to another room. Your growing uterus is pressing on your lungs and your body needs more air than usual. Once your baby drops lower you’ll breathe easier.
Heart racing
Feeling your heart beat faster or skip is common because your body is working so hard. Mention it to your doctor if it worries you.
Feeling dizzy
Avoid lying flat on your back as the weight of your uterus can press on blood vessels and make you feel lightheaded. Always sleep on your left or right side.
Digestion and Bathroom
Heartburn and indigestion
Your baby is taking up so much space that your stomach gets squeezed. Smaller meals and avoiding heavy or spicy food before bed helps.
Constipation
Very common in the third trimester. Keep up your fibre and water intake.
Piles
Straining in the bathroom can cause swollen uncomfortable veins around your butt hole. Ice packs and safe creams from your pharmacist help.
Loose stools as labour gets close
As labour approaches your body loosens things up which can cause nausea and loose stools. It’s actually one of the signs that things are getting started.
Your Breasts
Fuller and heavier Your breasts will get bigger and more tender as your body prepares for feeding your baby.
Changes in appearance
You might notice darker veins and small bumps around your nipples. Completely normal.
Leaking
You might notice a yellowish fluid leaking from your breasts. This is called colostrum and it’s your baby’s first food. Rich, golden and full of everything they need. Your body is already thinking ahead.
Swelling
Puffy hands and feet
Some swelling is completely normal in the third trimester. Putting your feet up when you can will help.
Tingling fingers
Fluid buildup can press on nerves in your wrists causing tingling or numbness in your fingers and hands. It usually settles after birth.
Restless legs
That uncomfortable jittery feeling in your legs at night. Eating more iron and folate rich foods can help.
Sudden severe swelling
If you notice sudden bad swelling especially in your face along with headaches or blurry vision, please see your doctor straight away. This needs to be checked.
Practice Contractions
Your belly might suddenly feel rock hard at times, these are your uterus practising for labour. They can feel uncomfortable especially if you haven’t had enough water. Drink water and rest when they come.
How Will I Know It’s Real Labour?
Real labour feels different from practice contractions. Here’s what to look out for..
Mucus plug
A clear or slightly blood tinged discharge. A sign your body is getting ready.
Regular cramps
Contractions that come and go at steady intervals and get stronger over time.
Back pain
A deep aching pain in your lower back that doesn’t go away.
Water breaking
A gush or trickle of fluid. When this happens mumma…it’s time.
Your Emotions
Feeling all over the place is completely normal. Anxious, excited, exhausted, irritable, emotional, and sometimes, all in one afternoon. You’re allowed to feel it all.
Nesting
A sudden urge to clean and organise everything. Your body’s beautiful way of getting ready for your baby.
If you go past your due date
Feeling frustrated and completely over it is valid. Just speak to your doctor if the joy feels completely gone. You don’t have to carry that alone.
You are so close mumma. Your beautiful little one is almost here.