Third trimester pregnancy refers to the last three months of pregnancythat is, the time from 28 weeks to the birth of your baby. This is the time of real preparation when you are packing your bags and getting ready for your little one to come into the world.
Bye go, you have come to the very end of your journey. There is now a full-fledged life in your belly. This third trimester pregnancy or the last three months is the most patient time. Your body will now feel much heavier than before, you will be out of breath for a while and you will feelwhen will this suffering end! But remember, at the end of this suffering lies ultimate happiness. Come on, in simple language like water, it is not clear how to handle yourself during this time and how to arrange a house for your baby.
The beginning of the end, New changes begin in the body at 28 weeks
The third trimester begins as soon as you reach 28 weeks. At this time, your baby is growing rapidly. His bones are getting stronger, he can now close his eyes and understand the sounds of light and air outside. Since your belly is now quite big, you may feel a little breathless when you walk. This is not a problem, but a natural change in your body.
Do you think it is good to lie down all day at this time? Not at all! Third trimester pregnancy means keeping the body active but carefully. If you do not feel too weak, then do light household chores. But be careful, do not carry very heavy pots or buckets. Drink enough water and whenever your body says ‘I can’t do it anymore’, stop all the work and take a little rest. The more your body gets during this time, the more energy your baby will have.
Managing back pain and swollen feet
The weight of the baby puts a lot of pressure on your back. Back pain is very common during this time of third trimester pregnancy. Whenever you sit, sit upright with a soft pillow behind your back. Many people’s feet swell. Do not sit with your legs hanging down for a long time. While sitting, keep your legs elevated by placing a pillow or a blanket under your feet. This will make you comfortable and reduce swelling.
Frequent urination
As the baby grows, it puts pressure on your bladder. During this time of third trimester pregnancy, you may have to run to the bathroom repeatedly. Do not reduce your water intake completely. Drink plenty of water during the day to keep your body clean and refreshed, but reduce your water intake a little 1-2 hours before going to bed at night. So you won’t wake up again and again and you will be able to sleep peacefully.
Baby’s movements, Understanding the response of the liver piece
Your biggest responsibility during this third trimester pregnancy is to keep an eye on your baby’s movements. Your little one is now starting to kick around inside your belly. Sometimes it will feel like he is showing his hands inside! This kick of the baby is a big proof that he is healthy. You should count the baby’s movements at least 10-12 times a day and night.
Do you think the baby is moving less today? If you see that the baby is not responding to you for a long time, don’t panic. Eat something sweet or drink a glass of cold water. Then lie on your left side and rest for a while. You will see that your little one is starting to move again. During this time of third trimester pregnancy, the baby’s movements are reduced or completely stopped. If this happens, talk to your midwife or doctor without delay. A baby’s kick means peace in your mind.
Talking to your baby
Although it may sound strange to hear, your baby’s ears are now fully developed. Your baby will be able to hear whatever you say during this third trimester of pregnancy. Talk to your baby, sing him a beautiful lullaby or hum a song. You will see that after birth, he will be able to recognize your voice and will feel calmer in your arms. This spiritual bond will make you mentally stronger.
Hiccups
Sometimes you will feel a rhythmic movement in your stomach, a bit like ticking. At this time of third trimester pregnancy, this is the baby’s hiccups. He is now practicing breathing. There is nothing to be afraid of, rather this is a good sign that the baby’s lungs are getting stronger.
Mental strength, The real weapon of a mother-to-be
Becoming a mother means not only a change in the body, but also a big change in the mind. During this time of third trimester pregnancy, the mind sometimes becomes chaotic due to the change in hormonesthis anger makes you cry. There is a lot of fear in the mind about delivery. There is nothing to be afraid of, all the mothers in the world have become mothers this way. The calmer your mind is, the calmer your baby will be.
Do you have bad thoughts all the time? Don’t let nonsense thoughts come to your mind. Part of third trimester pregnancy is to stay away from negative people or scary stories. Talk less to those who scare you about the birth of a child. Talk to the elders of the house, they will give you courage. Remember, God has given you such strength that you can accomplish the impossible. You are not alone, your entire family is by your side. Being a little happy every day means creating a beautiful world for your baby.
Sleep and rest as needed
At least 8 hours at night and 1-2 hours in the afternoon is the rule of third trimester pregnancy. Lack of sleep makes you irritable. Make a habit of sleeping on your left side because it improves the blood circulation of the baby. It is comfortable to sleep with a soft pillow between your legs. Sleeping in a quiet environment will increase your mental peace many times over.
Focus on hobbies
To keep your mind healthy, sew Nakshi Kantha or do small hobby work at home. Third trimester pregnancy means keeping yourself immersed in some good work. In this, nonsense thoughts do not come to mind. When you do something good, it has a positive impact on your child. Always try to keep yourself beautiful and fresh.
Nutrition and food, The importance of proper food
The baby gains the most weight in the last three months, so it is important to eat well during this time. Your bones, meat and intelligence are built by what you eat. Eat more green vegetables, eggs, milk and fish. Especially foods rich in calcium and iron will keep your body strong.
Do you want to eat very sweet or salty foods from outside? It is okay to eat a little sometimes, but do not eat street food at all. Drinking plenty of water is mandatory during the third trimester of pregnancy. Water will keep your body clean and reduce the burning sensation of urine. Coconut water will keep your body cool. Remember, eating healthy is the guarantee of a smart and cheerful baby. The right choice of your food will be the baby’s first best gift.
Do you want to know what to do next?
We learned about the physical changes in the last three months and how to keep your mind strong. But what is the difference between real pain and fake pain? Or how to pack a hospital bag? We’ll make things easier in Step 2 by covering practical solutions for third trimester pregnancy, signs of labor, and post-baby care. Remember, you’re the most powerful person in the world!
Recognizing the signs of pregnancy, When will you know it’s time to go to the hospital?
In the last three months, the stomach sometimes feels tight or stiff. Many expectant mothers are scared that this is labor pain. One thing to remember in the third trimester pain can be of two types. One is ‘false pain’ and the other is ‘real pain’. False pain is when the stomach suddenly tightens a little or the waist feels tight, but if you walk a little or lie down, it goes away. There is nothing to be afraid of.
But real pain is different. At the end of the third trimester of pregnancy, if you see that the pain starts to spread to the waist and comes forward and the intensity of the pain increases with time, then you will know that the time has come. This pain will come after a while and will last longer than before. Strengthen your mind; this pain is opening the way for your baby to come into the world. Chant the name of Allah and take long, deep breaths, you will see your courage increasing.
Water breaking
If you suddenly see a lot of water coming out like urine and you cannot stop it even if you want to, then you will understand that the water bag around the baby has broken. This is considered a major symptom of the third trimester. Whether there is pain or not, if the water breaks, go to the hospital or the midwife without delay. If you delay, there is a risk of the baby getting infected. Your awareness is now the biggest weapon to save the baby’s life.
Reddish glue mixed with blood coming out
Many times, before delivery, something like glue comes out in a light pink or reddish color. Midwives call this a ‘show’. If this appears at the end of third trimester pregnancy, it means that the cervix is starting to open. If this symptom appears, get ready. Inform your family and keep your packed bag handy. Your long nine-month wait is now about to be worthwhile.
Discover more here: Round ligament pain first trimester
Packing your hospital bag, What to pack?
You should pack your essentials bag by the time you are 36 weeks old. It is wise not to rush to get your teeth into the last part of your third trimester pregnancy. Pack at least 3-4 sets of soft cotton clothes, a towel, good quality soap, and a small, thin blanket in your baby’s bag. Your baby’s skin is very soft, so it is best to wash and clean old cotton clothes.
What to pack for yourself? Pack a loose maxi or salwar-kameez in your bag to prepare for your third trimester pregnancy so that it is easy to breastfeed. Also, keep all your medical reports and cards from your pregnancy in one place. It is very important to keep the names and numbers of 1-2 blood donors handy in case of emergency. If you need a cesarean section or if you lose a lot of blood, make sure that everything is ready in advance. If everything is organized, your mind will be much calmer and you will be able to wait for the baby to arrive with joy instead of fear.
Decorating the house and the blessings of elders
A strange addiction to cleaning the house or keeping everything organized before the baby arrives may hit you. This feeling at the end of the third trimester is called housekeeping. You prepare a place for the baby by sweeping the house and wiping it, but be carefuldon’t move any heavy furniture. The blessings and comfort of the elders of the house will give you a lot of mental peace. You are not fighting alone; the whole family is by your side.
Light food for energy
A lot of energy is needed during delivery. Eat easily digestible nutritious foods such as bananas, dates or honey during this period of third trimester pregnancy. Dates in particular work like magic to strengthen the uterine muscles and make the labor easier. It can be difficult to bring a baby into the world if your body is low on energy. So eat well and prepare yourself mentally.
Self-Management During Labor, Some Tips from Daimar
When the pain starts, don’t stay still. When the pain starts at the end of the third trimester pregnancy, walking lightly helps the baby to descend.If you feel pain, take a long breath through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth. This will ensure that oxygen reaches the baby’s body properly. Don’t waste your energy by screaming and shouting.
Do you think you can’t do it? Don’t lose your strength. You are ready to win this last battle of the third trimester pregnancy. The motherhood within you will give you infinite strength. When the midwife or doctor tells you to push, breathe in and press down. Remember, your precious baby will see the light of day only as a result of your every right effort. Your patience and courage will be the greatest achievement of your life.
Staying by your husband or loved one
Holding the hand of a loved one in times of difficulty can provide a lot of strength. Keep your husband or mother close during this time of third trimester pregnancy. The touch of their hand and the comfort will reduce your pain a lot. Don’t feel alone. You are about to create a new history.
Trusting in Allah
Finally, trust in Allah. He is bringing you through this journey of third trimester pregnancy safely, and He will make the end beautiful too. Recite Durood in your heart. Your pure mind and prayers will protect your child from all dangers. Now it’s just a few hours to wait to see a healthy and adorable baby.
Do you want to know the final victory and the rules after having a baby?
We learned all the rules for handling the pain of the last period and packing the bag. But what might your life be like in the first few days after the birth of your baby? Or how will your body heal like before? We’ve made it easy for you in the third trimester with the ultimate solution, success stories and baby care tips for the third trimester. Remember, the best gift of life is just a few days away!
The first few days after childbirth, the beginning of a new life
Wow, when your little one comes into your arms after a long 9 months of suffering, it will feel like you have all the happiness in the world in your hands. But after the exciting journey of third trimester pregnancy is over, the real physical and mental challenges begin in the first few days after delivery. Your body is now tired, like it has won a big battle. Be it a normal delivery or a cesareanyou need to give your body time to adjust. Don’t rush into heavy work. The uterus takes a while to return to its previous position, so you may feel slight twisting or pain in your stomachthere is nothing to worry about.
Do you think you can run tomorrow? Absolutely not! Take care of yourself for at least 40 days or 6 weeks. After the long journey of third trimester pregnancy, what you need most now is nutritious food and plenty of rest. Black cumin stew, gourd curry and chicken broth will make your body feel good. Eating these foods also improves breast milk, which is the life-saving nectar for your baby. Don’t be hard on yourself; everything will gradually become normal.
‘Baby Blues’ or low mood
Due to the sudden change in hormones after the birth of a baby, many mothers may feel sad or cry all of a sudden. This is called ‘low mood’. After the excitement of the third trimester pregnancy ends, this condition is called ‘baby blues’, which usually gets better after a few days. If you are feeling down, talk to your family members. Don’t stay alone when your heart is dead. The love and affection of the people of the house will quickly make you feel refreshed.
Breastfeeding
The first few days of breastfeeding can be a bit difficult for both you and your baby. It is a learning process. The ‘colostrum’ or colostrum that forms in your breasts towards the end of the third trimester of pregnancy acts as the baby’s first vaccine. Many people throw it away in fear, but beware! That milk will protect your baby from all diseases. Don’t lose patience; if you try regularly for a few days, both you and your baby will get used to it.
First care of a newborn, What you will know
When your baby comes out, his world changes completely. He suddenly comes from a dark and warm environment to light and air. You may have read or heard many books during the preparation for the third trimester of pregnancy, but in reality, if you look into the baby’s eyes, you will understand what he wants. In the first few days, taking care of the baby’s navel, keeping him warm and feeding him regularly every 2-3 hours is the main task.
Are you afraid that you won’t be able to take care of your child? Motherhood is a God-gifted quality; you will learn everything in time. Maintain direct skin-to-skin contact with your baby, which will further strengthen your bond. Talk to him – he will calm down when he hears your voice. The skin of a newborn is very soft, so it is better not to use any harsh chemical soaps or powders. Your touch is the safest refuge in the world for a baby.
Baby’s sleep schedule and your comfort
Newborns usually sleep 16–18 hours a day, but not continuously, but in short periods of time. Now your sleep routine will be completely aligned with your baby’s schedule. You may have become accustomed to sleeping less since the third trimester of pregnancy, now it will come in handy. When the baby sleeps, try to put aside other household chores and take a nap yourself.
Vaccinations and regular checkups
Vaccination should be started at a specific time after the birth of the baby. A vaccination chart is given on the hospital discharge paper immediately after the end of the third trimester pregnancy. Keep it very carefully. Make sure to weigh the baby regularly and give vitamin D or other supplements as advised by the doctor. A small vaccine can protect your baby from any major disease for life.
Conclusion
The main purpose of our discussion on third trimester pregnancy was to give you a clear idea about each stage of your pregnancy and to make you brave. We have learned how each week is a new milestone for you and your baby, from the fatigue of the first trimester to the joy of the second trimester and the preparation for the third trimester. This long 9-month journey of yours is not just a birth of a child, but it is also a new birth of yourself.
