Managing Your Wellbeing In Your Third Trimester

Pregnancy can be a tough journey for many women. The first trimester is marked by tiredness and morning sickness. The second trimester can be difficult as your movement and sleep patterns change. However, the third trimester can be the most challenging for many women. 

Why is the third trimester so difficult?

Several factors play into the challenges of the final trimester of your pregnancy:

• Your baby is nearly finished with many developmental stages and is now just growing larger. This growth requires an increased metabolic demand, which can leave you feeling more tired.
• You have less fulfilling sleep. Because your baby is getting bigger, there's increased pressure on your ribs and bladder. As a result, it's harder to sleep through the night without needing to use the bathroom, and you cannot breathe as deeply, which makes deep sleep more elusive. 
• The increased physical demand on your body begins to take its toll. You may have joints that are consistently sore, you might have trouble with fluid retention and heartburn. Your appetite might go down because there's more pressure on your digestive tract. 

These symptoms make the days seem to go by more slowly, which can also be a mental test.

What can you do to stay healthy during the last weeks of pregnancy?

Even though you might not feel like it, try to stay active during the final trimester. Staying active does not have to mean anything intense. Instead, choose exercises that help you prepare for birth. You might go for walks around the neighborhood to keep your legs strong and to get fresh air. You can do gentle yoga and simple strength exercises using resistance bands.

Exercise helps your digestion during the second trimester. It can also help you sleep better at night and improve your mood.

Choose foods that a nourishing and simple in order to avoid heartburn. A bowl of oatmeal provides energy and fiber. You can also choose foods that are easy to digest, such as fruit smoothies. If you're having trouble digesting meat, consider eating yogurt or using a protein powder to help keep your protein high. Always take your prenatal vitamin, because as your baby is growing so rapidly, your body will need to provide the nutrients needed for such explosive growth. 

When should you be concerned as your due date approaches?

You will have more frequent doctor appointments during the third trimester, but you should contact your OBGYN immediately if you notice any bleeding, decreased fetal movement, dizziness, headaches, changes in vision, persistent itchiness, or leaking amniotic fluid. 

For more information on obstetrics, contact a professional near you.

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