During the expectant mothers third trimester, which lasts from the 28th week until birth at approximately 40 weeks, her unborn child will grow and develop at a very rapid pace. As a result of this increased weight and development, the fetus' requirements for nutritional needs will have also grown. This will include the baby's needs for more calcium, more protein and more iron.
Due to the baby's greater size, the mother will often begin to experience an array of symptoms that can result in great discomfort for her. While most of the signs of late pregnancy are normal and not a threat to her health or her unborn child's health, it is important that a woman have an understanding of what to expect during the last few months. Just as there was great differentiation in experienced symptoms during the early stages of pregnancy, the same also holds true for the third trimester.
Many women will find that the nausea that they experienced in early pregnancy will return as they approach the end of their pregnancy. Pregnancy nausea in the third trimester is actually a common occurrence and is thought to be due at least in part to the fact that the baby is now placing a great deal of pressure on the mother's stomach. This added pressure often causes not only nausea but also heartburn. There is also the opinion that the nausea in the third trimester results due to the fluctuating hormone levels of the mother.
Just like the first trimester, it is common for women to feel very fatigued during the third trimester. There are several factors that most likely contribute to this fatigue. The greater size and nutritional needs of the baby place a great demand on the mother's body. Additionally, despite being tired, many women find it difficult to sleep as they near the end of their pregnancy. The pressure the baby is now placing on the mother's bladder can mean frequent interruptions to her sleep due to the need to urinate more frequently. Many women also face the problem of not being able to find a comfortable sleeping position because of their increased size.
Another symptom that can occur because of the baby's larger size is shortness of breath. As the fetus grows, there will be added pressure placed on the woman's diaphragm; this can then cause the mother to have some difficulty with breathing. Additionally the baby's larger size can also begin to affect the woman's posture, which can contribute to the back pain often experienced in the last months of pregnancy.
A condition known as edema frequently affects women in the last months of their pregnancy. Edema is caused by fluid retention and it results in a mild swelling of the feet and hands. While edema is not a concern for alarm, it should be monitored carefully to make sure that the swelling does not become marked; pronounced swelling could be indicative of the serious condition known as preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is defined as pregnancy-induced hypertension and it can place a serious risk on both mother and child. It requires the immediate attention of the woman's health care provider.
During the last trimester of pregnancy it is common for the woman to start feeling occasional, mild contractions. Some women will actually experience these contractions as early as 20 weeks. These contractions are referred to as Braxton Hicks contractions. Braxton Hicks contractions are not a problem; however, if the contractions should become more regular and increase in strength, it is advisable for the mother to contact her doctor.
Some of the other side effects caused by the rapid growth of the fetus in the third trimester include spider and varicose veins, constipation, diarrhea and leg cramps. These symptoms are also a normal part of the last months of pregnancy for many women; while they can result in discomfort for the expectant mother, they are not a cause for alarm. Nevertheless, if at any time the expectant mother has either concerns or uncertainty about any symptom that she is experiencing, it is always best to consult with her health care provider.
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