Third Trimester of Pregnancy

Congratulations! You have reached the 28th week of your pregnancy and you are starting your third trimester of pregnancy. Before you know it, you will be in labor and holding your newborn in your arms.

When Does The Third Trimester Start?

Labor is in your near future, but you still have 3 more months until your child is fully developed and ready to be born. During this time you will experience symptoms such as, increased back pain and extreme fatigue. And while your body is continuing to change, the fetus will be in the final stages of development. During this time you will want to arrange with your doctor your preferred labor plan and prepare for delivery, as well as your first days at home with your newborn.

Physical Changes in the Third Trimester

As your baby reaches its full term, your uterus and hips will continue to expand to accommodate the growing fetus. This means that you will most likely have gained 20-30 pounds by your third trimester, causing fatigue and back pain. At this point in your pregnancy it is best to take it easy and rest as much as possible. Depending on your condition, some doctors might even prescribe bed-rest.

You might develop varicose veins and stretch marks, and the closer you get to your delivery date it is more likely that your breasts will start to leak breast milk. But all of these symptoms are signs that your baby is reaching full-term and you are almost ready to deliver.

Child Development in Third Trimester

By the first week of your third trimester pregnancy your baby’s eyes will be partially open, complete with eyelashes. The fetus will also be about ten inches long as you enter the beginning of this trimester. At this point, the baby’s bones are also fully developed, even though they are still quite soft.

Reaching the end of your third trimester, the baby will practice breathing, his or her fingernails will grow, and rapid weight gain will bring your baby to full-term. By the end of your third trimester your baby will weigh between six to nine pounds, and will already be testing blinking and even dreaming!

Preparing for Delivery

Delivery is a unique experience for every woman and you should decide how you want to deliver your child based on your personal preferences. Even after consulting with a doctor and specifying your wishes, you should remember to remain open-minded during this naturally flexible time when things may not go exactly to plan.

Several delivery options include, a vaginal delivery in a hospital (with or without pain medication), a water birth, a cesarean section, or even delivery with the guidance of a midwife or doula.

The very last stages of your pregnancy are an exciting point in your life. Now is the time to reflect back on the past nine months, and prepare yourself for the child you are about to bring into this world.