The third trimester marks the home stretch, as the body prepares for the birth of the baby, the end of your pregnancy is in sight. You’re almost there! The foetus continues to grow in weight and size, and the body systems finish maturing. The pregnant woman may feel more uncomfortable now and will likely continue to gain weight.

During the third trimester, the foetus continues to grow in size and weight. Mums body is still working hard at this point! The lungs are still maturing. The foetus starts to position itself head-down. By the end of the third trimester, the foetus is about 19 to 21 inches long and weighs about 6 to 9 pounds. Foetal development during the third trimester includes, allowing the foetus to begin seeing and hearing and the kidneys and lungs continue to mature. By the 36th week, the head may “engage” (drop into the pelvic area). This is a process called “lightening.” The bones of the skull stay soft to make it easier to pass through the birth canal.

In the third trimester, it is very common for the expectant mother to become more uncomfortable as the due date nears, not ideal when you’re so close to the end and looking forward to meeting your little one! As the foetus grows and crowds the abdominal cavity, it is often the case that the mother may have a hard time taking deep breaths or getting comfortable at night for sleep. This is why catching some zzz’s where possible is key in the third trimester. Traditionally, anxiety or stress levels are known to be higher as the pregnancy nears its conclusion, understandable as pre labour nerves begin to kick in. Several changes and symptoms that may be experienced during the third trimester include: Increased skin temperature as the foetus radiates body heat, causing the mother to feel warm/hot. The need to urinate more often because of increased pressure the baby puts on the bladder. Swelling of the ankles, hands, and face (oedema) as the body keeps retaining fluids. 

As your hormones fluctuate throughout your pregnancy and more so towards the end, hair may start to grow on your arms, legs, and face because hormones are stimulating the hair follicles and the expectant mothers hair may also begin to feel coarser. Leg cramps may happen more often. False labour (Braxton-Hicks contractions) may start at irregular intervals in preparation for childbirth. Stretch marks may appear on the stomach, breast, thighs, and buttocks as your body adjust and develops along with the baby.

Its is so important throughout your pregnancy to take care of yourself, but even more in the final trimester. Try and find ways to make sure you’re doing everything you can to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible and relax as often as possible before your little bundle of joy arrives and you life gets a lot busier! Keeping you energy levels and health in check is crucial both during pregnancy and after the baby arrives and this where Proceive can help. Proceive® Pregnancy Trimester 3 is specifically formulated to support the nutritional needs of mum and baby during trimester 3 of pregnancy. 

For more information on the third trimester, click here