All about the third trimester of pregnancy. Third trimester of pregnancy by week: how the baby develops What obstetric week does the 3rd trimester begin with?

Very often, pregnant women are confused and cannot understand which week the 3rd trimester begins. Sometimes doubts concern its duration and ongoing events.

How to determine the 3rd trimester of pregnancy?

Very often, expectant mothers are perplexed, because they don’t know. There are several variations, according to which this period falls on different periods.

But the division of pregnancy into periods is based on a single principle. In the first trimester, important organs and systems begin to form in the fetus. In the second, he improves and grows. The 6th month of pregnancy ends this trimester, and the woman begins to feel that she will soon become a mother. The baby's first movements and kicks occur in the third trimester. During this period, the baby primarily gains fat mass; its body systems are endowed with important qualities that can ensure vitality in the first weeks after birth.

Some classifications state that the beginning of the 3rd trimester is compared with the 24th week. Others begin counting this period from the 26th or even 28th week.

Now doctors very rarely calculate trimesters, preferring to use only weeks for calculation.

How long does the 3rd trimester last?

The onset of labor for every woman depends entirely on her body. Some others give birth prematurely. And all this is considered to be the norm.

We must not forget that doctors can only approximately determine the time of conception. But be that as it may, from what week the 3rd trimester begins still remains an open question. It is important that normally this period lasts no less than 12 and no more than 16 weeks.

The final stage of pregnancy should not end earlier than expected, so it is important to follow doctors’ recommendations, often be in the fresh air, eat a balanced diet and avoid physical and emotional stress.

Regular consultations with a supervising doctor will help you quickly get rid of any health problems that have arisen.

What happens in the 3rd trimester?

You already know when the 3rd trimester of pregnancy begins, so it's time to talk about what happens during this period with the expectant mother. The 6th month of pregnancy preceding the final stage forms a stable emotional state of the woman. As a rule, appetite preferences remain stable, the likelihood of developing a depressive state decreases, and increased fatigue goes away.

An important stage of the last trimester is going on maternity leave. By this time, it becomes more difficult for a woman to do her usual work, so she should rest more.

After the onset of the third trimester, expectant mothers begin to actively gain weight. During this period, you need to especially carefully monitor your own nutrition, because excess fat will be deposited in both the woman and the baby.

The large weight of the child can significantly complicate childbirth, and sometimes cause caesarean section. Also, excess weight often causes varicose veins and hypertension.

Third trimester: processes occurring in the female body

At the beginning of this period, the distance from the fundus of the uterus to the navel is 2-3 cm. Gradually, the uterus begins to press against the internal organs female body and move them up. As a result, the movements of the diaphragm are disrupted, a feeling of discomfort appears under the ribs, difficulty breathing and

At this time, the woman gains 400 g weekly. Towards the end of the 7th month, expectant mothers first encounter problems that most often occur painlessly. A large belly can cause insomnia, so it is better to immediately learn to sleep on your side.

Signs that a pregnant woman may notice during this period:

· increased discharge;

Digestive system problems;

· sprain in the lower abdomen, pain syndrome;

· discharge of colostrum from the breast;

· vomiting and nausea;

· training contractions;

· cramps in the calf area;

· active behavior of the fetus;

· clumsy body movements.

Nutrition in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy

At this time, it is more important than ever to eat right. Experts say that a balanced diet significantly reduces the likelihood of developing gestosis. Every expectant mother is able to follow rules that will help her and her child.

You should include lean fish and meat in your diet, but these foods should not be eaten in the evening. You should completely forget about chocolate, nuts, citruses, spicy, sour, fried foods, conservation.

But nutrition in the 3rd trimester should not be limited. You should not rely on sweet and flour dishes; you should give preference to vegetables and cereals. The fiber found in these food categories will help normalize digestion and keep you feeling full for a long time.

Norms during this period

During the pregnancy, the expectant mother undergoes a lot of procedures that allow her to monitor the condition of the fetus and its level of development, including ultrasound. The 3rd trimester is the final one, and this study is very important. Ultrasound diagnostics is a way to detect severe developmental disorders of the fetus; it is carried out in conjunction with hormone tests.

Goals of the third routine screening

Ultrasound helps to study in the womb. The 3rd trimester is a difficult period in pregnancy, so it is so important to play it safe and determine in advance the labor management strategy that will be used.

Ultrasound examination of the fetus allows you to clarify its anatomical parameters: approximate weight, size, compliance with the current stage of pregnancy. It is important not only to know what week the 3rd trimester begins, but also to detect defects and infections that were not previously detected in time.

Screening in the last trimester provides data on changes that have occurred in the cerebral cortex. Additionally, this procedure is used to measure volume amniotic fluid and eliminating possible complications during childbirth.

It is very important to undergo timely examinations prescribed by your doctor. Systematicity is not a whim of the doctor, but a vital necessity for both the pregnant woman and the baby. Stressful situations and poor environmental conditions are unfavorable external conditions that negatively affect the health of expectant mothers and their children.

Deviations in water volumes may indicate significant changes in the anatomy of a developing child. An ultrasound examination is also a chance to detect complications that may interfere with natural childbirth. We are talking about the development of neoplasms and incompetence of the cervix.

A pregnant woman should think about the baby first, which is why it is so important to eat right, not worry, and undergo the procedures prescribed by the doctor.

The third and final stage of pregnancy begins at the 28th week and lasts until the 40th week inclusive. During this period, the weight of the expectant mother reaches its maximum. In 13 weeks of the third trimester, she can gain up to 4-5 kilograms (plus those kilograms that were in the first and second trimesters). The size of the abdomen increases gradually, every week by 2-3 cm; by the 40th week, a woman’s stomach resembles a huge watermelon. Its girth is 95 - 100 cm (maybe more - this greatly depends on the individual indicators and body composition of the pregnant woman).

Tests and medical examinations

In the period from the 28th to the 30th week, the expectant mother, as a rule, registers for maternity leave at the antenatal clinic and receives an exchange card from the doctor.

The third trimester is a very important stage in fetal development, therefore to the expectant mother it is necessary to constantly be under the supervision of a doctor. At 30 weeks she will have a routine examination by a gynecologist. You will also need to take a vaginal smear for flora, general analysis blood test, blood clotting test, and general urine test. A little later, the expectant mother will be checked again for the presence of HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and syphilis.

At 30-34 weeks, the expectant mother will undergo another scheduled ultrasound examination of the fetus. The doctor assesses the condition and development of the baby, looks at his position in the uterus, and uses special equipment to check the functioning of the heart. In addition, the uzist determines the amount of amniotic fluid, checks the condition of the placenta (its thickness, place of attachment, structure, degree of maturity) and all organs of the fetus: measures the length of the bones, the circumference of the head and abdomen.

If the indicators deviate from the norm, the woman may be referred for additional examinations and scheduled to repeat the ultrasound in a short time. The doctor must completely rule out developmental defects and make sure that the small organism is developing in accordance with the prescribed schedule.

An ultrasound at 35 weeks helps doctors predict whether the baby will be large. If during the examination the fetal weight is more than 2.2 kg, then the pregnant woman will be warned that she will soon give birth to not just a baby, but a real “hero.”

At this rate of development, the weight of the fetus at the time of birth can exceed 4 kg.

Screening

In addition to ultrasound, third trimester screening includes several other types of examinations. So a woman may be prescribed Doplerometry (ultrasound of blood vessels). Using special equipment, the doctor examines the condition of the blood vessels of the uterus, placenta, umbilical cord and fetus.

The doctor must make sure that the blood flow, on which the oxygen supply to the fetus depends, is sufficiently well established in the body of the mother and her baby.

Another examination that is prescribed to a pregnant woman as part of third trimester screening is cardiotocography. This is a method of examining the functional state of the fetus, based on the study heart rate baby, as well as his reaction to uterine contractions.

It is advisable to conduct CTG in the period from the 30th to the 33rd week of pregnancy, when the fetus establishes a connection between the heart rate and its motor activity.

What does a child look like?

Throughout the third trimester, the baby is actively gaining weight. At the beginning of the 28th week, he weighs about a kilogram (height - 39 cm), at the end of the 40th week he can weigh either 2800 or all 4 kg (height from 48 to 51 cm).

If at 28 weeks he could still tumble freely in his mother’s tummy, then after the 35th week this becomes difficult. By 34-35 weeks, the baby has already taken its final position inside the mother, as a rule, this is the head-down position - this is how it will be easiest for the baby to pass through the birth canal.

By the third trimester, the fetus has basically formed all its organs and systems, and now they are maturing. By the 36th week, the baby begins to distinguish sounds and is able to respond to sounds and noise that come from outside. Gradually, the baby learns to inhale air through the nose.

The bones are finally strengthened. The only exception is the skull.

Until the very birth, the bones on the skull will not grow together and will be mobile so as not to interfere with the passage of the baby through the birth canal.

Almost all systems and organs develop sufficiently by the 38th week to function fully. The immune, endocrine and nervous system. The baby still eats and receives nutrients through the umbilical cord; the digestive system (stomach and intestines) will begin to work fully only after birth.

What happens in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy - sensations

With each week of the third trimester, the expectant mother gets closer to the cherished day - very soon she will be holding the baby in her arms. But for now you need to relax and wait a little longer.

The third trimester is one of the difficult stages of pregnancy. The belly increases greatly and because of this, the woman experiences a lot of inconvenience, especially at home.

It’s no longer so easy to wash the floor, you can’t quickly run to the store, because the process of getting dressed turns into a real quest.

Every day the center of gravity shifts more and more: the expectant mother experiences constant discomfort in the lower back, her gait becomes like that of a duck.

At the end of the third trimester, pregnant women often suffer from shortness of breath: the uterus enlarges so much that it greatly displaces the internal organs and puts pressure on the lungs. Urination becomes more frequent, because the uterus constantly puts pressure not only on the lungs, but also on the bladder.

Many women have trouble sleeping at this time. A pregnancy pillow no longer helps, and women toss and turn for several hours to find a comfortable sleeping position.

In the third trimester, it is important to monitor the symptoms of gestosis - a complication in late pregnancy, which is manifested by dizziness, blurred vision, change in the color of urine, and swelling. Even if you detect at least one of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor.

Fatigue accumulates and many women literally count the hours until they meet their little man.

Stomach ache

Throughout the third trimester, a woman may experience nagging pain in the lower abdomen. This is explained by the body’s preparation for childbirth - under the influence of the hormone relaxin, the ligaments of the pubic symphysis and pelvic bones relax.

Heaviness in the abdomen may appear due to training contractions, which begin at 35-36 weeks, but normally should pass quickly. If at this stage the pain becomes sharp and frequent, you should not attribute it to training contractions, because such sensations may indicate the onset of premature labor.

On the eve of childbirth, most pregnant women also experience slight pain in the lower abdomen. This is not surprising: the baby’s head has already dropped greatly and is pressing on the pelvic bones, causing slight spasms.

Lower back pain

The third trimester is a real test for the back of an expectant mother. The weight increases every week and the load on the spine increases. A woman may be bothered by aches and nagging incessant pain in the lower back.

To alleviate the condition, the doctor prescribes a special bandage that helps redistribute the load on the spine. It is prohibited to prescribe wearing it yourself, since it is necessary to take into account the position of the child in the uterus.

Discharge

Normally, discharge in the third trimester should be moderate, light, with a slight odor. By the end of the period, the discharge may be more abundant. However, if their intensity is greatly increased, you should immediately seek help from a doctor, as premature labor may begin.

Curdled discharge and itching in the vaginal area indicate the development of thrush. This is a common occurrence in the third trimester, since immunity decreases during pregnancy, and against this background, the fungus of this disease can begin to multiply. It is important to get rid of thrush before birth so that the baby does not become infected with it during passage through the birth canal. As for the color of the discharge: it should not be bloody or brown. This color may indicate placental abruption and previa.

Normally, the expectant mother should not feel sick either at the 28th or 40th week of pregnancy. If a woman experiences weakness, nausea (which also ends with vomiting), she should consult a doctor.

Typically, expectant mothers in the third trimester are bothered by heartburn, since the uterus puts quite a lot of pressure on the stomach. To feel heartburn as rarely as possible, a pregnant woman should switch to fractional meals.

Polyhydramnios and oligohydramnios

Amniotic fluid is the so-called habitat of the child. They protect the unborn baby from unpleasant influences and ensure his free movement. The course and outcome of pregnancy depends on the number of amniotic fluid.

An increased amount of water is called polyhydramnios. Symptoms of this diagnosis may include an increase in abdominal circumference above normal limits.

However, in the last trimester, oligohydramnios most often occurs - a lack of amniotic fluid. Insufficient amniotic fluid can lead to premature birth and impair the growth and development of the fetus.

Both diagnoses - polyhydramnios and oligohydramnios - are detected during an ultrasound.

What you can and cannot do in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy

Proper nutrition and diets

The expectant mother's meals should be balanced and divided (5-6 times a day). It is recommended to eat food that is steamed, stewed, boiled, or baked. It is useful to eat fresh vegetables, fruits, berries and herbs, as these foods prevent constipation and help normalize intestinal function. The main sources of protein are meat, fish, and dairy products.

As in the first and second trimesters, the expectant mother is now strictly prohibited from smoking and drinking alcohol. A woman in later stages should not overexert herself, climb high stairs, or lift heavy objects.

It is worth giving up air travel and sudden changes in climate and time zones.

If the birth took place between the 28th and 37th weeks of pregnancy, it is considered premature. From the 38th week, birth can occur on any day, so the expectant mother needs to prepare her bag for the maternity hospital in advance.

Starting from the 38th week, the baby is considered full-term, therefore, if necessary, according to the indications of the obstetrician-gynecologist (depending on the condition of the woman and the fetus), labor can be stimulated rather than waiting for its natural occurrence.

If labor does not occur, there is no need to panic; perhaps the gestational age was initially set inaccurately. Childbirth is considered timely from 38 to 42 weeks.

The third trimester of pregnancy is considered one of the most critical periods of gestation. During these months, girls experience serious changes in appearance and some discomfort in health. It is during this period that the girl begins to actively gain weight, about half a kilogram per week. Also, the 3rd trimester weeks of pregnancy are the final stage of gestation and end their traditional birth.

Many people prefer to prepare the children's room in advance in a suitable color scheme.

The gestation period is counted by obstetric weeks and from the date of conception, which sometimes leads to confusion in terms. What week does the third trimester of pregnancy begin? worries many mothers, because this period is extremely important. In this regard, mommy’s calculations will differ from obstetric dates by about a couple of weeks. The third trimester begins from the twenty-seventh week of gestation. The countdown by obstetric standards begins from the moment the last menstruation begins, i.e. the 27th week of pregnancy, if counted from the first day of the last menstruation, is considered the actual beginning of the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. Now mommy has officially entered the final stage of pregnancy.

Embryonic periods differ from obstetric ones by several weeks, then at what week does the 3rd trimester of pregnancy begin in this situation. Since the embryonic period begins from the moment of conception, only ultrasound diagnostics can accurately determine it. If we take the generally accepted 2-week difference as a standard, then the beginning of the third trimester of pregnancy occurs, according to embryonic calculations, at week 25.

How the baby develops

We found out when the 3rd trimester begins, now we need to consider some of the nuances of the baby’s development during these weeks. The third trimester of pregnancy is markedly different from other periods. The differences lie in the development of the baby and changes in the mother’s body, possible complications etc.

By the end of 26 weeks of pregnancy, the baby reaches a size of 32-34 cm, its weight is about 0.85-0.95 kg. The baby is practically formed, and in the process of pregnancy in the 3rd trimester, the final improvement of his body will occur, such as the formation of subcutaneous fatty tissue, the appearance of the rudiments of permanent teeth, etc.

The baby already recognizes his mother’s voice perfectly, he hears it and distinguishes it from the rest, so after birth he will never confuse this voice and will react to it first of all.
The baby is already opening his eyes, and their muscles are already actively working. According to scientists, at this age the baby already dreams.
During the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, the fetus moves quite actively inside, it stretches its limbs, turns over, and for the mother its every movement becomes more noticeable and sometimes more painful. Mommy already notices when the baby is active and when he sleeps off after vigorous activity.
Pregnant women experience frequent movements at the beginning of this period, but over time the baby grows and becomes cramped. Therefore, at this stage, too frequent movements gradually end. They are now becoming rare, but much more powerful.
If earlier the baby only pushed the mother, now it feels like the baby is deliberately kicking the stomach with all the strength of an infant. If you look closely at the exposed belly, you will notice its vibrations as the baby begins to roll over or kick again.
Childbirth is rapidly approaching, and movements begin to be felt in the upper abdomen, where its limbs are located. This indicates that the baby has already taken the cephalic presentation necessary for a successful delivery. If painful kicks are felt below, this means that the fetus is positioned with the pelvis down.

If the baby’s activity suddenly ends unexpectedly, then the mother needs to inform the doctor about this. Usually the reason for such a long absence of movements is normal sleep, which a gynecologist can easily determine using CTG measurements that display the fetal heartbeat.

Changes in the mother's body

At proper care stretch marks can be avoided

It is difficult to say exactly how many weeks the tummy begins to grow, because much depends on the patient’s constitution. But it is absolutely known in which trimester the belly of pregnant women is rounded the most. In the weeks of the last trimester, the most intense weight gain is observed, which generally reaches 12-15 kg.

At 27-28 weeks, mothers begin to complain of shortness of breath and frequent heartburn, lumbar pain and a forced awkward manner of walking. In addition, mothers note noticeable mobility of joint tissues and severe discomfort from the baby’s kicks, even painful spasms that occur if the fetus hits neighboring internal organs like kidneys, liver, etc. Such symptoms are temporary; when observing pregnancy week by week, it takes a very short time. The baby just grew up significantly and began to involuntarily put pressure on neighboring organs.

The danger of gestosis

Preeclampsia is considered one of the dangerous complications of late pregnancy. What do girls need to know about this condition? In fact, gestosis is a late-term toxicosis and negatively affects the activity of vascular structures, the brain or the kidneys. Preeclampsia is especially common at 6-8 months of gestation in patients with endocrine, cardiovascular, hepatic, renal pathologies, obesity or unhealthy habits.

Preeclampsia also often affects patients who are prone to stress and depression, who often give birth or have previously had artificial abortions. Gestosis often begins in pregnant women under 18 or over 35 years of age, as well as in those who have already suffered from this pathology in the past or are carrying twins, in first-time mothers and those living in poor environmental conditions. Characteristic features Late toxicosis includes hyperedema and nephropathy, the presence of protein in urine and preeclampsia, and in especially dangerous cases, eclampsia.

Although the pathology refers to toxicosis, it can seriously affect the fetus, and extremely negatively. What does not have the best effect on pregnancy:

Preeclampsia can lead to premature delivery;
At times, this pathological condition provokes acute oxygen starvation of the baby or fetal hypoxia already in the first week;
Preeclampsia is also fraught with delays in intrauterine development.

To avoid such serious consequences, you need to thoroughly prepare for such circumstances, reducing the occurrence of gestosis to a minimum. To do this, girls need to regularly go to scheduled appointments. gynecological examinations, take your diet more seriously and not eat whatever you want, especially salty and smoked foods, fatty and fried foods. And remember, pregnancy at any week is simply a physiologically special condition, but not a disease. It does not need to be carried in bed unless the doctor gives such recommendations. Try to move more, walk, especially before bed.

During pregnancy, it is imperative to monitor your weight; the body is already under increased stress, so there is no need to put extra pounds on it. It would also be useful to monitor the pressure; usually with gestosis it is increased and is different on both arms. Don’t forget to give your urine in a timely manner; in case of gestosis, protein is found in it, and also go for routine gynecological examinations.

Other complications

Don't forget about healthy products nutrition

Unfortunately, when managing pregnancy week by week, it can be noted that in each week of the third trimester a woman may experience some serious challenges. What dangers and inconveniences can this period of gestation bring? Firstly, nausea. If in the first months this symptom indicated the development of toxicosis, now nausea reactions are a consequence of the pressure of the enlarged uterine body on neighboring organs. If nausea is associated with severe edema and an increase in the pregnant woman’s body weight, then this symptom should be considered as a sign of gestosis. In this situation, you need to consult a doctor for urgent treatment.

Secondly, shortness of breath, it occurs even during normal movement around the apartment, not to mention walking down the street. Many mothers wonder how many weeks they will have to endure such torment with shortness of breath and dizziness. Experts say that such sensations will last almost until childbirth, because the uterus grows and puts pressure on the diaphragm, which prevents the mother from breathing fully. Usually, before delivery, the uterus drops down, which makes breathing easier, but then another problem is added - severe nagging pain in the lower back and groin - this is how the pressure of the uterus manifests itself.

Thirdly, almost no late pregnancy is complete without heartburn. It begins differently for everyone, for some in the first week of the third trimester, for others just before childbirth. There is no specific therapy for this condition, so you just have to endure it. When the uterus descends, this unpleasant symptom will no longer bother you.

Also common problems of late pregnancy include hyperedema, frequent urination and constipation. Frequent trips to the toilet are explained by the pressure of the uterus on the urinary tract, constipation is also associated with pressure, only on the gastrointestinal tract structure. In the latter case, you need to eat dairy products and vegetables with a high fiber content, drink more plain water, then constipation will not bother you.

Pain symptoms in the third trimester

Painful sensations in pregnant women in the last trimester of pregnancy deserve special attention. They should be treated with the utmost caution, because the third trimester of pregnancy may well end in premature birth.

Painful symptoms are localized in the sacral bones and articulation. This symptom is quite common among mothers and indicates that active preparation for childbirth is taking place. To reduce the severity of pain, mothers are recommended to wear a prenatal bandage to support the tummy and relieve stress on the vertebral structures.
Painful sensations in the lower abdomen - such a symptom may indicate a dangerous condition - hypertonicity of the uterine body, and these symptoms should not appear until 38 weeks. If a girl’s stomach turns to stone and the pain intensifies, then this indicates the beginning of a premature delivery process, i.e., childbirth.
Headaches are also considered quite common. Migraines can be explained by increased blood pressure, worries about childbirth, or lack of sleep.
Leg pain. Usually this symptom appears after long walks, it’s just that the weight now quickly increases, the center of gravity changes, and therefore painful discomfort occurs. Therefore, the third trimester of pregnancy requires the mother to rest more and wear flat shoes.

If the pain bothers you very much, you should not reach for the first aid kit and look for painkillers. When pregnant, it is generally best to avoid the pill. Try to lie down in a comfortable position, sleep a little, you can put a cool compress on your forehead or lubricate your temples with an asterisk. Usually, after a short rest, all unpleasant symptoms disappear. If abdominal pain does not go away, you need to urgently consult a doctor.

Chamomile tea is one of the best drinks

So, at the third stage of gestation, active preparation for childbirth begins, the pelvic bones gradually move apart, the uterine body descends into the small pelvis, etc. During this period, it is very important for mom to monitor her diet and other areas of life. Just don’t take everything so narrowly and go on a diet. Fasting is unacceptable for mommy. You just need to eat in a balanced manner so that your diet contains the optimal amount of microelements, vitamins and nutritional supplements. It is necessary to limit cakes and bakery products, pastries and pastries as much as possible. These products contain a lot of easily digestible carbohydrates and fats, which lead to a quick gain of extra pounds.

The drinking regime also deserves attention, and drinks such as tea and alcohol, coffee and energy drinks, and sweet sodas are prohibited for pregnant women. The caffeine contained in most of these drinks causes an increase in tone and performance, increases blood pressure and increases the pulse rate - all this negatively affects the well-being of the fetus, impairing its blood supply. Alcohol has a toxic effect on the baby, poisoning his entire body. Therefore, while the birth is approaching, mommy can only drink plain water, compotes or fruit drinks, herbal teas from chamomile or rose hips, natural juices, etc.

The changes that occur at this stage significantly limit the patient’s motor capabilities. Excess weight causes back pain, so even simple walking can cause a lot of discomfort such as shortness of breath, clumsiness of gait, pain in the legs, etc. But some mothers who were actively involved in sports before conception maintain their shape while carrying a baby. Experts say that during pregnancy, water treatments in the pool, regular walking, fitness for pregnant women or gymnastics are useful. These workouts will help keep your body in shape and make childbirth easier.

It is worth mentioning separately about the intimate side of married life. Until how many weeks can spouses have sex? Doctors say that there are no restrictions on sexual activity at 27-42 weeks of gestation. Spouses may well fulfill their intimate needs to the extent necessary for them, the main thing is that intimacy does not cause discomfort to the girl and does not cause painful sensations or other unpleasant consequences. And never forget that sexual intercourse is a powerful stimulant that triggers labor.

Dangers of the third trimester

At the third stage of pregnancy, very serious dangers can await the mother. Therefore, you need to know their signs in order to prevent danger in a timely manner. So, let's start with the most common problems like premature birth, leakage of amniotic fluid or placental abruption.

Premature birth. If the baby appears before 38 weeks, then he is considered premature, and the delivery has the status of premature. This can happen with excessive physical activity and psycho-emotional experiences, severe stressful situations or taking medications that promote uterine contractions. Premature labor is manifested by pronounced contractions at regular intervals. You need to urgently call an ambulance, otherwise you could lose your baby.
Placental abruption. A similar dangerous condition occurs when falls, blows to the abdominal area, severe gestosis or hypertension in a pregnant woman, as well as against the background of endocrine pathologies. Characteristic signs of placental abruption are acute, severe pain and bleeding, accompanied by fainting, weakness and nausea. An ambulance is also required.
Premature rupture of water. Also a common complication in the last months of pregnancy. If there are no contractions, cervical dilatation and bleeding, then obstetricians prolong pregnancy. If the fetus experiences hypoxia due to a lack of amniotic fluid or an infection occurs, then a cesarean section is performed or doctors stimulate delivery with specialized medications.

Changes in the third trimester of pregnancy affect absolutely all organic and vital areas of the patient. Mommy's life changes significantly at this stage. If earlier the mother was in some kind of prostration and euphoria, now she clearly understands that soon she will have a baby, who does not forget to remind her of this by pushing and kicking her mother’s belly and ribs. At this time, you need to be more attentive to any changes in your well-being. Serious attitude for pregnancy will help the birth take place on time and without complications, and the baby will be born strong and healthy.

The third trimester of pregnancy - fetal, or late fetal, lasts from 29 to 40 weeks. This is the trimester, which is characterized by the preparation of mother and child for the upcoming birth, the final intrauterine birth, the formation of organs and systems to the extent necessary for entering the world. The remaining processes of formation and growth will occur outside the mother's womb, and in order for these processes to proceed normally, development must proceed normally in the perinatal period. This period requires compliance with the requirements for a pregnant woman and medical supervision.

In the third trimester, a woman should visit weekly antenatal clinic and undergo routine inspection. Ideally, a weekly visit to the doctor throughout the pregnancy process, but if everything is proceeding normally and without visible negative signs, consultation visits may not be so frequent. By 37-38 weeks, not only does more time appear due to maternity leave, but preparations for childbirth also begin, which must be strictly controlled. A change in hormonal levels that occurs due to the natural course of events, during which the prevalence ends and estrogens come into force, which begin to be actively synthesized as soon as the baby reaches a certain degree of readiness for life outside. Estrogens cause several processes at once:

the tone of the uterus increases;
training contractions begin to appear;
the cervix matures and shortens;
the cervical canal opens slightly;
the mucus plug comes off;
the formation of a generic dominant begins, a state when all thoughts and aspirations are aimed at the speedy birth of a child.

When estrogens reach their peak concentration, the fetus stimulates the production of prostaglandins in the mother's body, which becomes the start for the birth process. In addition to measuring blood pressure, weight, height of the uterine fundus, diagnostic palpations to determine the tone of the uterus and auscultation of the fetus with a stethoscope, the expectant mother is checked for the presence of hidden edema in order to identify gestosis, which also occurs in healthy women. The main purpose of listening to a raft is to determine its heartbeat.

Tests in the third trimester of pregnancy

During this period, an exchange card is issued, which will be urgently needed in the future, first of all, upon admission to the maternity hospital. To obtain an exchange card, you will need to undergo the following tests:

once every 6 weeks - vaginal smear;
biochemical blood test (blood test for antibodies to HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, which are taken every six months for 2 last months trimester;
triple screening, which includes ultrasound, cardiotocogram, Dopplerography and biochemical research in case of certain contraindications or diagnosed disorders;
to identify hidden processes of inflammation;
every 2 weeks, a urine test to monitor the condition of the kidneys and the absence of pathological processes in the body.

All these tests must be taken, because based on them, and on the results of visual examination, palpation and listening, the doctor can draw up not only a general clinical picture of the course of the last trimester, but also take measures if necessary, or the appearance of pathology, and state not only the body’s readiness for childbirth, but it is also sufficient to reliably establish the date when childbirth will take place. Modern technologies make it possible not only to undergo a 3D/4D ultrasound, in which the child can be seen in motion in a three-dimensional visual image, but also to receive a disc with a recording as a memory.

Signs of a frozen pregnancy in the third trimester

Expectant mothers at the very beginning of pregnancy often experience fear, hearing from all sides about the increasing incidence of frozen pregnancies. Often this turns into an obsessive thought.

Constant monitoring using laboratory data will make it possible to get an impression of how normal the gestation of the fetus is, and whether its condition corresponds to those parameters that, on average, indicate normality for all components. there is a discrepancy between the size of the uterus and the gestational age, cessation of the fetal heartbeat and general negative sensations of severe malaise. To identify them, routine examinations are needed. The pregnant woman herself should also be on alert, constantly monitoring her condition and at the first negative observations she should immediately consult a doctor.

Condition of a pregnant woman in the third trimester

In the third trimester, it is difficult to predict a possible scenario for the development of events. In some women, it no longer grows during this period, and the placement of the fetus occurs due to the capacity of the pelvis. In small and thin people, on the contrary, it increases. The body of some pregnant women gains weight, despite strict control and diet, more than during the entire period of pregnancy, while others, on the contrary, lose weight. Because the body gets rid of excess fluid, restructuring itself in the process of preparation.

The process of the body’s activity is purposefully aimed at achieving a single goal; the placenta begins to shrink in it and the natural consequence of this is the launch of the corresponding hormones. In the last weeks of pregnancy, the uterus tightly covers the fetus, the adrenal glands of which begin to secrete a stress hormone, which contributes to the emergence of a generic dominant, which not only stimulates, but also pushes the trigger mechanism. A kind of barrier is formed to protect the female body from external response factors; the hormone produced by the pituitary gland () stimulates preparatory measures.

In the third trimester, a woman’s pelvic bones move apart, the cervix becomes elastic, blood circulation becomes more active, and training contractions appear. During this period, under the pressure of an enlarging uterus and a growing fetus, a woman may experience pain in the back and lower back, and sometimes in lower limbs, if blood vessels are pressed, hemorrhoids may progress, the process of defecation may be disrupted, pressure on the bladder leads to more frequent urination, and deteriorating kidney function can lead to the appearance of edema. A fairly large percentage of pregnant women develop varicose veins, which poses a risk of thrombosis and other vascular pathologies. All this especially applies to those who have already had unsuccessful pregnancies, or women giving birth after 35 years. Increased weight and size of the fetus lead to rapid fatigue, decreased motor activity, A big belly interferes with bending over, tying shoes and performing other usual actions.

Nausea in the third trimester of pregnancy

Nausea in the third trimester, according to representatives of certain medical circles, may be a consequence of natural processes occurring in the body and be the same normal accompanying symptom as similar phenomena in the first trimester. However, the more widespread belief is that nausea during this period becomes a sign of any negative diseases present in the body. If a pregnant woman undergoes regular examinations with her attending physician and passes all necessary tests, then she should definitely inform her doctor about this phenomenon.

In any case, the third trimester requires the mother in labor to pay utmost attention to the state of her health, and to immediately notify the doctor about any new symptoms. pathological condition. The cause must certainly be identified and eliminated so that its effect does not negatively affect the condition of the fetus. We should not forget that nausea can be a sign of certain problems with the kidneys, which is very dangerous before future childbirth, and during its course.

Pain in the third trimester of pregnancy

Pain in the third trimester can be either temporary or spastic in nature, and every woman faces this. This could be pain in the back and lower back due to the load on the spine, abdominal pain caused by problems in the digestive tract, which are usually caused by the pressure of the fetus on the intestines. Pain may occur during the passage of the mucus plug, or during training contractions, which sometimes appear several weeks before childbirth. Many doctors believe the main cause is hormonal dysfunction, which involves an increase in the level of male hormones. Women most often encounter such problems long before conception. Hormonal dysfunction can cause missed abortion. If pain occurs, you must immediately go to the hospital for examination.

If pain is accompanied by prolonged, unbearable attacks and bleeding, this may be a threat of miscarriage, or premature birth if the normal delivery date has not yet approached. In this case, you should call an ambulance and go to the maternity hospital, where they will either help you calm down and calm the pain, or provide assistance, or put you in storage.

Discharge in the third trimester of pregnancy

A pregnant woman should normally have leucorrhoea. This is a consequence of natural processes occurring in the body, therefore, if there is no discharge, or it is very scanty, you should consult a doctor about this topic. The consistency and volume of leucorrhoea changes as the due date approaches; it becomes more liquid and increases in volume. And this is also a normal process. During this period, brown discharge may appear, indicating the placement of the placenta, or reddish discharge, which indicates blood loss from the vessels of the uterus. The appearance of yellow or green mucus even indicates a pathogenic process, which should be addressed to a doctor immediately.

Colds in the third trimester of pregnancy

A cold during this period is an extremely undesirable phenomenon. The expectant mother should carefully monitor her health. Dress warmly in winter time year and avoid drafts and air conditioning in the heat. In any case, taking medications for this later is extremely undesirable, so treatment is carried out by proven folk remedies in the form of herbal teas, medicinal decoctions, gargling and other methods. Raspberries, lemons and citrus fruits should be consumed with caution because they are potential allergens.

Temperature in the third trimester of pregnancy

A temperature in the third trimester of 37-37.4 degrees may be normal in some cases. The slight increase may be due to increased level in the body, or general hormonal changes, the natural course of pregnancy. Heat, without visible reasons in the form of a cold, serves as a basis for immediate consultation with a doctor, since it indicates the presence of an acute inflammatory process.

Nutrition

Nutrition during pregnancy should be as complete and balanced as possible and provide all the necessary nutritional components for a healthy pregnancy. In the presence of certain pathologies, it is prescribed therapeutic diet, which must certainly be agreed upon with a nutritionist, and correspond to the purposes of its purpose. In the normal version, the optimal option would be fractional nutrition in small portions, with thorough chewing of food, which is not redundant, but in no case forces the body to starve.

Fetal size and weight in the third trimester

The size and weight of the fetus are calculated using various formulas and depend on various individual indicators. The norm can be 2 kg or 4, depending on many factors, for example, the height and weight of the parents.