Some Things You Need To Know About The Third Trimester Of Pregnancy

Physiology

During the third trimester, the final weight gain takes place. The fetus grows more rapidly and can gain up to 28 grams per day. The belly will transform in shape and droop due to the fetus turning in a downward position and getting ready for birth. The expanding abdomen is often the cause of discomforts like back- ache and a weak bladder. A woman will also feel more frequent and strong movements of the fetus inside her.

Tests In The Third Trimester

The following are the common tests you can expect in the third trimester.

• Checking of blood pressure
• Doppler fetal heart rate monitoring- This is done by a hand-held ultrasound transducer to detect the heartbeat of your baby during prenatal care.
• Pelvic examination
• Biophysical profile testing- This is a detailed ultrasound test done in your doctor’s office. During this test, your doctor looks for movements of your baby’s arms and legs and breathing movements.
• Amniocentesis- This test is done to determine your baby’s fetal lung maturity, to diagnose if it has any chromosomal disorder, and to rule out any uterine infection. The doctor will take a sample of your amniotic fluid. This fluid surrounds your baby in the uterus.

Signs Of Approaching Pregnancy Due Date

Pregnancy due date will be uppermost in your mind as your trimester stage progresses. Here are some common signs.

• Mucous plug- The mucous plug covering the cervix is usually expelled three days before childbirth.
• Water breaking – Towards the end of pregnancy the amount of collagen decreases in the chorion, the outer layer of the bag of water. Collagen is the extra protective tissue that provides protection to the amniotic membrane. As the collagen decrease, the bags of water break. This event happens either during labor or prior to the onset of labor.
• False contractions – Also called Braxton Hicks contractions, these contractions start about 6 weeks into your pregnancy. However, it is advisable not to make your own judgment. If you have, more than four contractions in an hour call your doctor immediately.
• Nesting – You will be surprised to learn this! As the labor approaches, you may be smitten by the nesting instinct. This means you will develop a distinctive urge to clean, tidy and organize everything around your house. Unbelievably, this is a frequent occurrence during pregnancy.