As your due date is fast approaches; the third trimester may get very tiring and uncomfortable. This part of pregnancy may get challenging, not only physically, but emotionally as well. The position and the size of your baby may make you feel very uncomfortable. But as the due date approaches, be positive and look forward to giving birth to your child. This will help you cope up with the symptoms and the anxiety. You will feel the movement of your baby as he or she grows. This is a very exciting sensation; however, it comes with discomfort and other symptoms.
Continued Breast Growth
In the third trimester, your breast will have an additional 2 pounds of breast tissue. In this stage, your nipples will be excreting yellowish fluid called colostrums. Colostrums will nurture your baby during the first days of your child as she or he comes out.
Weight Gain
you will gain 25 to 35 pounds more as your due date approaches. The baby also adds to this weight. Other factors that add to the weight are the increased volume of blood and fluid, extra fat, uterus, breast, amniotic fluid, and the placenta.
Braxton Hicks Contractions
you will still be having the unpredictable contractions to prepare for the real thing during your due date. Braxton Hicks Contractions will help you have an easier delivery.
Back aches
while your body gains weight; the joints in your pelvic area are being relaxed by the pregnancy hormones. This will bring aches to your back. Sit on comfortable chair, wear shoes with lower heals not flat shoes and apply heating pad or ice packs in the part of your back that is painful.
Shortness of Breath
your uterus will expand as your child grows. Your uterus will eventually get winded with your diaphragm causing you to have shortness of breath. Make sure you have good posture and good pillow as you sleep so that you can breathe properly. However, as the baby settles deeper into your pelvis, then you will be able to breathe better.
Heartburn
as your baby grows during the third trimester, your uterus may push your stomach. This will lead into heartburn. Make sure you drink a lot of fluids and you eat small meals to keep the acid from going t the wrong places.
Swelling
During the third trimester, you may have swollen feet and legs. This is because the blood running towards your legs feet are being pressured by your growing uterus. You hands and arms may also get the same reaction and numbness. These dilated blood vessels may even make your eyes and face puffy.
Varicose Veins and Hemorrhoids
the increase in your blood circulation during the third trimester may create sprouts and spots of tiny blood vessels in some parts of your body such as the arms, necks and your face. You may also have these swollen blood vessels in your rectum and your legs.
Frequent Urination
As your baby grow and as your baby gets deeper into the pelvis, your uterus will put more pressure on your bladder making you urinate more. This pressure may even cause you to leak when you laugh, sneeze or cough.
Vaginal Discharge
During the last period of your pregnancy, heavy vaginal discharge will become normal. Wearing a panty liner will make you feel more comfortable.
