Are you in your third trimester of pregnancy or anticipating it, mama? It can be quite an exciting time as you count the days until your little one’s big debut.
While this is your “home stretch,” the remaining weeks of your pregnancy can either feel like a breeze, or come with symptoms that signify your little one is arriving sooner than later.
As your little one grows in your womb, you’ll definitely feel it. You’ll feel heavier, and more awkward as you waddle your way through the house and the hospital wings. Even simple things like getting out of bed or standing up may require some extra effort on your part, and some assistance from your partner.
While no two pregnancies are the same, there are some common symptoms that kick in during the third trimester. Here are ten of the most common third trimester symptoms to expect and look out for as you go through your 28th week onwards:
1.) Pregnancy Fatigue
You might have felt better during the second trimester after feeling sluggish early in your pregnancy, but pregnancy fatigue may return in the third trimester. Make sure to get enough sleep every night and take naps whenever you can.
2.) Stronger Kicks and Squirms
At the beginning of the third trimester, you’ll feel your baby move more. Their kicks and squirms will get stronger, and may even make you feel a bit of pain or discomfort.
3.) “Nesting” Instinct
At one point in the third trimester, you may feel the “nesting” instinct kick in. You’ll want to clean the entire house or run errands to get everything ready for your baby’s arrival. While this can be exciting for some mamas, always take it easy and make sure you don’t tire yourself out.
4.) Puffiness and Swelling
Slowed blood circulation due to your expanding belly and fluid retention are to blame for your pregnancy puffiness and swelling. Puffiness and swelling are often found in your legs, feet, ankle, hands, and face, and will often go away weeks after giving birth.
If swelling becomes extreme and comes with headaches, blurry vision, nausea, or belly pain, call your doctor right away, as these may be signs of preeclampsia, which is a dangerous condition in pregnancy.
5.) Numbness and Tingling
The swelling in your body may press on your nerves, causing numbness or tingling in your legs, arms, and hands. You may also feel numb in your belly area because of it being so stretched out.
When you feel tingling and numbness in your hands, it can be because of carpal tunnel syndrome, which occurs when pressure is placed on a nerve in your wrist. You may use wrist splints overnight to try and get rid of it, but the problem often stops after pregnancy.
6.) Body Aches
While this may have started in the second trimester, the added stress on your back will increase as your belly gets bigger. Your hips and pelvic area may also begin to hurt due to the added weight of your belly, and as pregnancy hormones make the joints between your pelvic bones relax and soften to prepare for childbirth.
7.) Hemorrhoids
Varicose veins in the rectum area usually occur in pregnancy and postpartum. These hemorrhoids may cause itching, pain, discomfort, and sometimes, bleeding. Ask your doctor for some possible treatments for your hemorrhoids if they get too uncomfortable.
8.) Rapid Breast Growth
As you inch closer to your due date, your nipples might start to get tender and leak colostrum. If you choose to breastfeed, colostrum will be your little one’s first meal.
If you start to leak colostrum, use breast pads to try and minimize discomfort and to save your clothes from getting wet.
9.) Shortness of Breath
As your uterus expands, your lungs will have less room to expand. Because of this, you may feel shortness of breath. Try to do some breathing exercises every day and make sure not to tire yourself out in your final stretch of pregnancy.
10.) Stretch Marks
Your skin gets stretched out to the max during your third trimester as your baby grows. This could cause stretch marks, which are small lines on your skin. These are often seen on your stomach, breasts, and thighs.
You may use stretch mark cream during pregnancy to try and minimize the discomfort it brings. Using creams may also help lighten the stretch marks.
As you get bigger in preparation for childbirth, it may be difficult to find a comfortable position whether you’re sitting or lying down. Try and get as much sleep as you can, with the side lying position most recommended. Sleeping on your left side helps circulation, which is important for you and your little one. You may also put a pillow between your knees or behind your back to make you feel more comfortable.
You got this, mama!
TAGS:third-trimester
