You’ve made it! Congratulations on making it to your 3rd trimester of pregnancy.
At this point in your pregnancy there are many emotions that you may be feeling. Excitement and nervousness are probably the top two emotions that you’re experiencing. There are probably some nerves that have begun to kick in and definitely some nesting is taking place. All of this is normal and quite common for women to experience. Just remember to take care of yourself and listen to your body, as it will tell you if you are doing too much.
The 3rd trimester is the stage during which the most dramatic growth change in the fetus occurs. By the 7th month, the fetus is approximately 2 ½ lbs and up to 15 inches long. In the following month you will see the fetus almost double it’s weight and add another 2-3 inches in length. The 3rd trimester is truly the stage of rapid growth. Your baby finished most of its development by the end of the 2nd trimester and so the 3rd allows for the weight gain to flourish. This is also the time where your wrinkles begin to smooth out as your body fat increases. The baby will begin to respond to light and can open and shut its eyes. You will notice that between weeks 37 and 40, the head of your baby will shift and settle into the pelvic canal (ie. engagement or lightening). Unfortunately for your bladder that also means you will have to use the washroom more often!
There are also some discomforts that you may have now, since your belly has gotten bigger and there is more pressure on your lower back. Here are some of the main irritants and some helpful suggestions:
It is important to watch for any signs that may be early labour and/or stress that the baby may be under. If you experience any discomfort over a period of time, then you should always contact your doctor.