Your last few months of pregnancy and what you need to know

The Third Trimester
	What to expect Physical changes Emotional changes Baby's development Health Tips Recommended products
Pregnancy Information - The Third Trimester. Free Help and Advice on Natural Remedies

The Third Trimester! Enjoy the last few months of
your pregnancy!

The third trimester can be thrilling and exciting as the time of birth approaches. Many parents simply cannot wait to hold their baby in their arms and are kept busy preparing for the new arrival by choosing names, buying and making clothes and preparing the nursery. Even though you may feel impatient and long for your baby's arrival, remember to savor these last few months of special physical closeness with your baby inside you!

What to expect during the last 3 months of pregnancy; physical and emotional changes

During the third trimester of pregnancy, your abdomen will continue to grow and your body will begin to prepare itself in earnest for birth as well as for breastfeeding. Let this be a special time of reflection and bonding with your baby, as well as a time to prepare for the arrival of this unique and precious person who is growing inside you!

At the same time, as the baby grows bigger, the expectant mom often becomes more tired. As in the first trimester, fears may surface again about your ability to care for and protect your child and there may also be concerns and anxiety around the process of birth itself - especially if you are a first-time mother.

As always, NaturalEco is here to walk with you through the last steps of pregnancy! See our great 'Tips for Pregnancy Health in the Third Trimester' at the bottom of this page for more help and advice. You are also welcome to use our free Ask Us email or telephone help line for more personalized service.

Physical changes in the third trimester

In the third trimester you may gain up to 12 pounds and your increasing size will begin to affect your activities and movement. As your growing baby begins to take up more space in the abdomen he/she may cause increased pressure on the other organs and structures, causing various symptoms.

Heartburn is common and is often accompanied by other digestive problems including constipation and hemorrhoids. The bladder may be compressed causing you to urinate more often as you probably experienced in the first trimester as well. Your breasts will become fuller, tender and may leak colostrum which is the milk that your baby will drink for the first few days of life if you breastfeed.

Due to the extra weight you are carrying you will probably find that your feet become sore and swollen in this last stage of pregnancy. You will find that you become tired much more easily and need to rest often. This is normal and it is important to take it easy and give yourself time off to prevent exhaustion.

From the beginning of the ninth month you may notice that the baby “drops" into the pelvis and your belly sits lower- this is in preparation for birth. This change also means that there will be less pressure on your lungs and you may feel more comfortable and find breathing easier.

Emotional changes

It is completely normal to experience mood swings, anxiety, and irritability in the last three months of pregnancy. You may feel emotionally vulnerable and anxious about the labor and birth process as well as how you are going to cope with being a mother to a real, live baby!

Although first-time moms are most likely to have these types of fears, the emotional aspects and expectations that come with the final stages of pregnancy are common to all pregnant women.

Your baby's development in the third trimester

Although you and your baby are entering the home stretch of pregnancy, there is still quite a lot of growing to do. This is the time when all your baby's body, brain and nervous system functions are being perfected and refined and when he or she begins to develop body fat (along with cute dimples!) as preparation for the first few days after birth - for keeping warm and also as a source of nutrition.

Your baby is running out of space to move around and because of this you may feel less kicking and other movements compared to the previous few months. While some babies are very active, others may move less; this may be a reflection of their unique personalities and is often continued after birth! Although the amount of movement differs from baby to baby, be sure to report any sudden or worrying changes in movement immediately to your health provider as a precaution.

By the third trimester, your baby's skin is covered in a white, waxy substance called vernix which is protective. Most of this will have disappeared by birth, but some may remain when your baby is born, which is perfectly normal. Later in the third trimester, your baby will begin to develop meconium in the intestines - which becomes the first bowel movement after birth.

At this stage babies undergo rapid brain and nervous system development and also begin to develop reflexes. They can open and close their eyes and begin to practice breathing movements by inhaling amniotic fluid into the lungs. Many babies hiccup as a way of exercising their lungs! The eyes can produce tears and brain scans during the third trimester have shown that babies of this age even show evidence of dream activity!

At 40 weeks, around your due date, your baby is about 20 inches long and weighs between 6 and 9 pounds. He or she will usually have turned 'upside down' (although not all babies do) with the head engaged in your pelvis, ready for birth!

Caring for your and your baby's health in the third trimester

Depending how far along you are, you will be seeing your obstetrician, midwife or health practitioner every 1-3 weeks in the third trimester. Ask your health care provider about preparing for and recognizing labor and what to do when you go into labor as well as warning signs that may indicate complications. It is also important to discuss breast-feeding and birth control options for after the birth.

Tips for Pregnancy Health in the Third Trimester

1. Continue to allow yourself time to relax and rest - this is especially important in the third trimester.

2. Your baby is now able to see light shining through your abdomen wall and will begin to develop a sleep-wake cycle based on the appearance of light as well as your own sleep patterns. This is the ideal time to begin establishing healthy sleeping habits by keeping regular bedtimes in order to begin teaching your baby the difference between night and day!

3. A healthy diet (lots of whole foods, fresh fruit and raw veggies) with regular exercise will help to keep you fit and also prevent constipation and circulation problems.

4. Playing music to your baby can never begin too early, many parents even begin to introduce storytelling during the third trimester. These activities are excellent for your baby's cognitive development as well as to further enhance bonding between parents and baby.

5. Make time to meditate - perhaps with the aid of specially composed music like our NaturalEco Rocking Chair CD. This will help with relaxation, natural birth and the peaceful transition of mother and baby after birth.

6. If possible, spend some time exposing your nipples to natural sunlight for a short period every day. This will help to prepare them for breastfeeding. Make sure that you continue to keep your skin, including the skin on your breasts, well hydrated to prevent stretch marks.

7. Make a list of what you want to happen (as well as what you don't want to happen!) during the birth and give a copy to all those who will be present at the birth so that you are sure that everyone clearly understands your wishes. For example, you may be opting for a drug-free natural birth, but may want to lay down some guidelines to follow in the event of an unexpected Caesarian.

8. Take this opportunity to spend lots of quality time with your partner. This will be in short supply later on! Other children in the family can also be well prepared for the birth according to their ages. Explain in an age-appropriate way what they can expect and acknowledge all their feelings about the new addition to the family.

How can NaturalEco help in the third trimester?

The following 100% best quality natural products from NaturalEco have been formulated for the expecting mom in her third trimester of pregnancy.

NaturalEco LastStage Essence contains natural flower essences for strength of spirit to help you through the last days of pregnancy. This essence also manifests dreams into reality and instills security and confidence in parenting ability.

NaturalEco Digesto-K granules treat and prevent digestive discomfort often experienced in the third trimester, including heartburn.

NaturalEco Faithful Feet Massage Oil and Foot Spa Concentrate contain essential oils for soothing swollen and painful feet.

Natural Eco StretchEasy Formula is an internal tissue salt remedy and skin tonic for preventing stretch marks and water retention.

Natural Eco StretchEasy Massage Oil contains essential oils to improve the elasticity of the skin and further prevent stretch marks.

Natural Eco MellowMama Aromatic Bath Oil is a wonderful aromatic bath product that promotes relaxation and contemplation and softens the skin.

NaturalEco Rocking Chair CD provides the best pregnancy relaxation and is encouraging for a relaxed and secure baby. Remember that your baby can now hear and benefit from the music too! Early exposure to music will help with cognitive development and the facilitation of early musical appreciation.

NaturalEco MamaGize Pick Me Up Spritzer contains essential oils chosen for their wonderful uplifting and energizing properties.

NaturalEco Propartum Drops contain specially formulated herbal ingredients in combination to prepare the body and uterus for the birth process.

Back To Top