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Third Trimester

It might be hard to believe, but you are in your final trimester of pregnancy! This means that in a few short months you will be holding your new baby in your arms.

Your baby is still growing and moving, but now it has less room. You might not feel the kicks and movements as much as you did in the 2nd trimester. You will also notice that you may have to go to the bathroom more often or that you find it hard to breathe. This is because the baby is getting bigger and it is putting pressure on your organs. Don’t worry, your baby is fine and these problems will subside once you give birth.

During this final stage of your pregnancy, your baby is continuing to grow. By the end of your pregnancy you should have gained about 25 to 30 pounds. About 7 1/2 pounds of that weight should be the baby. Even before your baby is born it will be able to open and close its eyes and might even suck its thumb.

Be sure to continue to visit your health care provider, and ask her to answer your questions and address your concerns about labor and delivery. The baby should be moving into its birth position, and your body will be preparing for the birth. Your health care provider can check your progress with a vaginal examination.

As the birth of your baby gets closer, you and your health care provider will discuss what kind of delivery you will have. Some women need to have a cesarean section (c-section), in which a surgical incision is made to remove the baby. If you are able to plan on a non-surgical vaginal birth, you may want to have your baby naturally, without medications, and you may want to take a childbirth class. Something else to consider now is if you plan to breastfeed or bottle-feed your new baby. Breastfeeding is best for your baby, so make sure to discuss it with your doctor.

Fetal Development In The Third Trimester

  • Seventh Month- The fetus is more active and is sucking its thumb now. Also, its eyelids are opening and hands grip.
  • Eighth Month- The fetus continues to grow and is about 11 inches long. The skin is covered by a thick, white, creamy substance called "vernix caseosa".
  • Ninth Month- The fetus continues to gain weight and the musculoskeletal system is maturing. The fetus will also usually settle into a position for delivery (head down and lower in the pelvis)