The third trimester of pregnancy, also known as the baby stage of pregnancy, is the final phase of creating a new life. A lot of development takes place in your baby, during the last stage. You, too, undergo many changes in your body. However, instead of worrying about the approaching due date, you should take each day with patience and positive outlook.
Third Trimester Effects
You notice swelling in your hands and feet in the third last month of pregnancy. Besides this, there will be leg cramps, because of the increasing demand of calcium, minerals, and vitamins by your baby. Some of the problems you might face in the second last month of pregnancy include, fatigue, indigestion, heartburn, shortness of breath, and sleeping disorders. This happens because your baby becomes 16 inches long and around 4 pounds heavy.
You can deal with these problems effectively with the help of a balanced diet and relaxation techniques. In the last month, the head of your baby will slide to your pelvic area. This is a preparation for delivery. As you approach the last days of pregnancy, you will start feeling energetic. Your breathing will become easy and you will urinate frequently. The level of anxiety increases significantly. There is a feeling of holiness in you. All these changes are normal. They indicate that everything’s going on properly.
Third Trimester Fetal Growth
The 30th week leads to the rapid development of your baby’s brain. He or she can open and close her eyes and generate tears. Your baby is now three pounds. The 32nd week sees lesser movement of your baby due to insufficient space inside. Your baby has developed all her five senses. Now, your baby’s average weight is 3.75 pounds and length is 16.7 inches.
The 33rd week and 34th week see the dropping of the testicles of your baby into the scrotum, in case it’s a boy. He starts practicing breathing too. The 35th week sees the full development of your baby’s hearing ability. At this time, your baby weighs almost 5.3 pounds and is 18.2 inches long.
The 36th week sees your baby growing to about six pounds. He or she is now 18.66 inches long and weighs 5.78 pounds. The baby slides into the birth canal at this stage. The 37th week sees the development of a sleeping pattern in your baby. Therefore, it is very important that you follow a regular daily schedule, so that your baby is not confused regarding daytime and nighttime. She also gets chubbier.
The 38th week sees the growth of soft hair on your baby’s head, almost one inch long. Your baby might experience hiccups in this week. This happens because the amniotic fluid enters the windpipe while thy\e baby practices breathing. The 39th week sees the development of your baby’s lungs. He or she gains around 7.25 pounds and is 19.9 inches long, by now.
Finally, week 40 arrives! You can deliver anytime. Be ready to welcome your baby!