The Third Trimester
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 Weeks 28 - 42.  Most pregnancies are expected to be 40 weeks, but sometimes baby can take 42 or even 43 weeks from the last menstrual period to be born.  They come when they're ready.

Full term is considered to be 37 weeks.  But some babies just won't stay put that long.  For more information about prematurity, check out the March of Dimes website.

Some things to keep in mind at this point, call them tips from those who have been there....

1)  Ultrasound is not an accurate estimator of weight, nor is it accurate to determine due date after 28 weeks.  It is also not 100% accurate in determining gender - surprises happen.

2)  Unless your body is ready - NO induction techniques (chemical or natural) will work.  And induction attempts before your body is ready usually results in unnecessary C-Section.  To avoid a section due to induction failure - do not let them break your water.  That way, with membranes intact, you can go home, and see what happens - and reschedule an induction attempt in several days if you don't go into labor on your own by then.

3)  Breast size is NOT an indication of the ability to breastfeed.  Nor is leaking during pregnancy, or your mother/sister/cousin/neighbor/friend's experience.  Getting good information and support is key.  And pumping is NOT a way to determine if you have "enough" milk or not.

4)  Doctors in different practices give different advice.  Do some research of your own and realize that what Doctor says does not have to be gospel.

5)  Every pregnancy/labor/delivery is different - even for us multipara/grandmultiparas.  Just because something happened "last time" - doesn't mean it will happen again.  This also goes with "family history" - just because your sister/mother had a problem, doesn't mean you will.

6)  Every patient, including pregnant women, have the right to refuse a test or treatment if they so desire.  Making educated choices is key.

7)  NO doctor knows everything, and they also can not see the future.  They make educated GUESSES based on what they have seen previously - but it doesn't mean that YOU will follow the same pattern.  See #6.

8)  Losing your mucus plug is not necessarily an indication of impending labor.  It can regenerate itself. 

9)  If your water is broken, you can still wait and deliver without worrying about a dry birth.  Amniotic fluid (like the mucus plug) regenerates - frequently - and even a few days is ok, with medical supervision.

10)  Breech today does not mean baby will stay that way... some babies wait to flip until the last minute.  It does NOT have to be a guarantee of a C-Section, either.  Between natural flipping techniques or the doctor performing a ECV (external cephalic version) - and some docs will even deliver a breech vaginally if s/he hasn't flipped in time.  Again - informed decisions.

11)  Not all babies like the swing/bouncy seat/car seat/__________ (fill in the blank with any "soothing" article).  Having all the latest gadgets does not insure that they won't be a waste of space and money.

12)  This is NOT your mother's, mother-in-law's, sister's, or anyone else's delivery.  It is yours and you have the right to have who YOU want in attendance and no one more. 

13)  No matter what your stand is on the latest "debatable" issues (circ, breast vs. bottle, cloth vs. disposable, etc.) just doing what YOU believe is in your baby's best interest is the best way.
 

All these changes....

Mother:

Irregular, painless contractions of the uterus may be experienced. (Braxton Hicks contractions)
Heartburn, hemorrhoids, shortness of breath, and difficulty sleeping may be experienced in the early part of the third trimester.
Toward the end of the third trimester, breathing may improve due to the uterus settling down into the pelvis, this may also cause an increase in frequency of urination.

Baby:

The baby becomes aware of sounds outside the body, the pupils can react to light
The baby stores fat under the skin
The baby increases the store of maternal antibodies and thus resists some diseases.
By 40 weeks, the baby is 45-55cm long (18-22in.) and usually weighs at least 3200g or 7lbs.

And these tests....

Group B Strep - A swab type test done around 35-37 weeks.  It is estimated that 15 - 40% of pregnant women will test positive for GBS.  It is often treated with IV antibiotics during labor.  If left untreated, approximately 1% of the babies born to infected mothers will contract Group B Strep.

Group B Strep Assn.                    Group B Strep support                    Gentle Birth - GBS

Fetal Kick Counts - As you get further along in your pregnancy, your doctor may ask you to take fetal kick counts to make sure your baby remains active.  While it is not unheard of for an unborn baby to sleep 60 minutes or more, activity of 10 kicks per hour is considered normal.  If you do not feel 10 movements in one hour, continue counting for a second hour.  If during that second hour you still do not count 10 movements, contact your physician or midwife immediately.

NST - As pregnancy progresses to 40 weeks and beyond, a Non Stress Test (or NST) is often performed to track fetal movements and heart rate.  During a NST you will be hooked up to an external fetal monitor which will track the baby's activity.  if baby is sleeping, you may be encouraged to drink sugary juice or soda, or to poke baby and wake her up.

Some great links....

Third Trimester Ultrasound Pictures

Ultrasounds at  Amazing Pregnancy

Your baby's development, week by week

Third trimester development photos
Copyright © 2007 Beyond Pregnancy.  All rights reserved.
Revised: 03/27/07.