The Third Trimester: Guiding Your Last Months of Pregnancy
The third trimester of pregnancy marks the final stretch of this incredible journey, bringing you closer to the moment you’ll finally meet your little one. Spanning weeks 28 through 40, it can be a time of excitement and anticipation, yet it also comes with its fair share of challenges. As your body continues to undergo remarkable changes, it’s crucial to prioritize self-care, preparation, and emotional well-being during this phase.
In this article, The BirthPlace at CMC shares our essential tips to help you make the most of your third trimester and ensure a healthy and comfortable experience for both you and your baby.
What to Do During Your Third Trimester
1. Prepare for Labor and Delivery
Now is the time to finalize your birth plan and discuss it with your CMC Women’s Health provider. Consider the following:
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Birth Preferences: Pain management options, labor positions, and who you want to be present during the birth.
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Packing Your Hospital Bag: Include essentials such as comfortable clothing, toiletries, baby clothes, and important documents. Check out our comprehensive Packing Guide HERE.
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Touring the BirthPlace at CMC: It’s always a great idea to familiarize yourself with your birth facility and its protocols. Conway Medical Center offers tours of our BirthPlace where you can have all your questions answered by Labor and Delivery staff when you attend our free Childbirth class. Can’t make it to a Childbirth class? You can view our online tour HERE.
READ MORE:
10 Tips for Making A Birth Plan
The birth plan is a document or outline of how you want your labor and delivery experience to be. It lets us know your preferences and how we can help you.
2. Educate Yourself
Knowledge is power. If you haven’t already, consider taking prenatal classes on:
- Childbirth Education: Learn about the stages of labor and delivery as well as your pain management options.
- Breastfeeding: Understand the basics and benefits of breastfeeding and learn more about ways that you can easily fit it into your particular lifestyle and work schedule.
- Newborn Care: Gain confidence in handling and caring for your newborn.
Conway Medical Center is proud to offer a variety of free educational opportunities to our expectant families including:- Childbirth Classes Offered monthly, instructors from the BirthPlace at CMC will guide you as you learn about pregnancy and prepare for childbirth. This valuable education will help you understand the process of labor and birth, pain management options, postpartum care, breastfeeding, how to care for your newborn, and much more. We’re here to answer all your questions and give you the tools to help you trust your inner wisdom and make informed healthcare choices for you and your new baby. View upcoming classes
- Breastfeeding Classes Offered every two months and led by our lactation consultants, this class provides you with all the breastfeeding basics. You will walk away with a general knowledge of latching, positioning, feedings, and breast care, as well as handling special situations and managing a breastfeeding lifestyle. View upcoming classes
- CMC Pregnancy App by Yomingo® This free app provides excellent resources for everything you want to know about pregnancy, birth, and beyond. The information is evidence-based, and the platform is easy to navigate. We want you to feel empowered and reassured, finding all the tools that you need to learn and prepare for the exciting journey to parenthood. (Video library, weekly milestones, kick counter, contraction timer, personal journal, feeding log, and much more!) Download the app
3. Rest and Sleep
Quality rest and adequate sleep are essential, though it may be challenging as your belly grows. To improve sleep:
- Use pillows: Support your body with pregnancy pillows or regular pillows.
- Sleep on your side: Preferably the left side to improve blood flow.
- Establish a routine: A calming bedtime routine can help you relax and fall asleep more easily.
- Practice Relaxation Techniques: Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and prenatal yoga can help reduce stress and promote a sense of calm.
4. Practice Prenatal Exercises
Regular, gentle exercise can help alleviate common third-trimester discomforts such as back pain and swelling. Consider activities like:
- Walking: It keeps you active without straining your body.
- Prenatal yoga: Yoga improves flexibility, reduces stress, and prepares your body for labor.
- Swimming: This low-impact workout exercises the whole body and also helps relieve joint pain.
READ MORE:
Learn More about Exercise and Wellness
Information to help you build a wellness plan for your mind, body, and soul.
5. Focus on Nutrition and Hydration
Eating a balanced diet is crucial for your health and your baby’s development. Ensure your diet includes:
- Protein: Essential for baby’s growth.
- Calcium: Important for bone development.
- Iron: Prevents anemia and supports increased blood volume.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and reduce swelling.
6. Plan for Postpartum Support
Preparing for the postpartum period is as important as preparing for labor. Consider:
- Support System: Arrange for help from family or friends in the first few weeks after birth.
- Postpartum Supplies: Stock up on essentials like nursing bras, pads, and comfortable postpartum clothing.
- Self-Care: Plan for your mental and emotional well-being, including potential counseling or support groups if needed.
7. Address Common Discomforts
The third trimester can bring various discomforts. Here are a few remedies that may provide relief:
- Swelling: Elevate your feet and avoid standing for long periods.
- Heartburn: Eat small, frequent meals and avoid spicy or fatty foods.
- Back pain: Practice good posture and use a support belt if needed.
8. Attend Prenatal Appointments
Regular prenatal checkups are vital during the third trimester. Your CMC Women’s Health provider will monitor your baby’s growth, check your blood pressure, and address any concerns you may have. These appointments also offer an opportunity to discuss your birth plan and any preferences you have for labor and delivery.
9. Monitor Your Baby’s Movements
Monitoring your baby’s movements in the third trimester can provide valuable insights into their health. Regular movements are often a sign that the baby is developing normally. A significant decrease or sudden change in movement patterns can sometimes indicate potential issues, such as fetal distress or problems with the placenta. By keeping track of these movements, you can detect any abnormalities early and seek medical attention promptly. This proactive approach can help prevent complications, ensuring a safer and healthier pregnancy for both you and your baby.
In addition to medical benefits, monitoring your baby’s movements can also strengthen the emotional bond between you and your unborn child. Feeling those kicks and rolls can provide reassurance and a sense of connection, making the experience of pregnancy more tangible and real. It also encourages you to be more attuned to your body and your baby, fostering a nurturing environment even before birth.
10. Choose a Pediatrician
Choosing your newborn’s pediatrician before they are born is an essential step in ensuring your baby’s health and well-being from the very start. Establishing a relationship with a pediatrician ahead of time allows you to find a healthcare provider who aligns with your values and meets your needs. It also provides peace of mind, knowing that you have a trusted professional to turn to immediately after your baby is born. Additionally, early selection of a pediatrician facilitates a seamless transition from the hospital to home, ensuring your baby’s first check-up and any necessary vaccinations are scheduled without delay.
Benefits of choosing a pediatrician before birth:
- Continuity of Care: Ensures your baby receives consistent care from a provider familiar with their medical history from day one.
- Peace of Mind: Reduces stress by knowing you have a trusted healthcare professional ready to support you and your baby.
- Early Guidance: Allows for early education and guidance on newborn care, breastfeeding, health concerns, and safety practices.
- Prompt Appointments: Facilitates scheduling the first pediatric visits and vaccinations without any delays.
Peace of Mind as You Ready For Birth
The third trimester is a time of anticipation and preparation and, as the big day approaches, it’s normal to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or prenatal massage to keep your stress levels in check. By focusing on your health, educating yourself, and planning ahead, you can create a positive and empowering experience for the arrival of your baby. Remember, every pregnancy is unique, so listen to your body and seek support from your CMC Women’s Health provider whenever needed.
Your Partner in Pregnancy and Prenatal Care
The BirthPlace at Conway Medical Center is committed to making your delivery experience as positive as possible. Learn more about how you can make your delivery smooth and stress-free with our hospital bag checklist or sign up for a childbirth or breastfeeding class at Conway Medical Center.
We know that you’re going to have a lot of questions regarding your pregnancy and delivery along the way and you’ll want to have an obstetrician that not only listens to you but also makes your health a top priority. CMC Women’s Health is the premier practice for women’s health here in Conway and the greater Myrtle Beach area. Whether for routine well visits, prenatal care, labor and delivery, or postpartum treatment, we are here for you. Call 843-347-7216 to schedule your first visit with us.
