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Third Trimester Changes: What to Expect
Third Trimester Changes: What to ExpectAs you enter your third trimester, you and your baby are closing in on the finish line. This stage of pregnancylasts from weeks 28 through 40.During these final weeks, your baby will continue to grow, putting more pressure on your bladder and otherorgans. As a result, you may need to pee more often. Or you may have trouble taking deep breaths.You may still have symptoms like heartburn, constipation, hemorrhoids, and back pain. And some of thesemay get worse. You may also have some other uncomfortable symptoms like: Hot flashes; Swelling of yourfeet, hands, and face; More body hair, sometimes in new places; Fluid leaking from your nipples; Leg cramps;Trouble sleeping; And false and real contractions.By 29 to 32 weeks of pregnancy, your baby is as big as a head of cabbage. Their brain continues to develop.They can hear and see. And the lanugo, a soft downy hair on their skin, starts to disappear.Around 36 weeks, your baby’s bones have hardened. But their skull stays soft, so it can fit through the birthcanal. They continue to gain more body fat. Your baby is now about the size of a melon.By the last weeks of pregnancy, your baby’s major organs like the lungs and brain are fully formed. They areready to function. So, too, are their muscles, bones, and nerves. Your baby may now shift positions, so theirhead is facing down.Soon, you will enter labor and give birth to your baby. Get ready to meet them face to face!This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.© The Wellness Network
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