The last third of pregnancy is called the third trimester. It covers the period from the 27th week of pregnancy until birth. Many pregnant people enjoy this phase. However, you may feel restricted by your weight and by your belly. You may also experience new pregnancy symptoms.
New symptoms are noticeable
In the last trimester of pregnancy, heartburn, digestive problems and water retention are common. Many pregnant people also complain during this time that they are not getting enough air. This is because the uterus presses against the diaphragm from below, constricting the lungs. Four to six weeks before the birth it lowers again and you can breathe a literal sigh of relief. In the next period, the body prepares for the upcoming birth. The cervix, the tissues of the vagina and perineum loosen, as do the pelvic floor and the birth canal. Immediately before delivery, the mucous plug that lies in front of the cervix dissolves.
Practice contractions and labour contractions
Uterine contractions are not unusual in the last trimester of pregnancy. The uterus will contract and relax again. These are Braxton Hicks contractionsBraxton Hicks contractions Übungswehen Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular contractions that can already begin occurring in the 20th week of pregnancy. These contractions are usually perceived as tension or a pulling sensation in the abdomen. During a Braxton Hicks contraction, the uterus contracts and relaxes again. It strengthens the muscles and improves the blood supply to the placenta and the foetus. Braxton Hicks contractions are different from pre-labour contractions, which only begin occurring in the 36th week of pregnancy, and from active labour contractions, which indicate the birth is imminent., also known as ‘practice contractions’, which strengthen your muscles. Starting at 36 weeks, you'll probably experience false labourPre-labour Senkwehen Pre-labor, commonly and incorrectly known as ‘false’ labour in English, occurs especially during the last month of pregnancy. Pre-labour contractions occur irregularly and manifest as a tension or pulling pain in the abdomen and also aim to make the baby slide deeper into the mother's pelvis. As a further consequence, the whole abdomen sits a little lower. Pre-labour contractions differ significantly from Braxton Hicks contractions, which can occur as early as 20 weeks into pregnancy, and labour contractions, which herald the imminent birth. as well. This moves the baby even deeper into your pelvis. You should check with your midwife or doctor if the contractions occur more than three times an hour. If you have contractions, it is best to go directly to the clinic or birth centre you have chosen. You can recognize labour pains by their frequency and length. Braxton Hicks contractions are 20 to 30 seconds long, while labor contractions last around 60 seconds. You can also tell that you are having labour contractions by the fact that they do not subside when you put your body in a relaxed position. If you take a bath, the contractions get stronger. Braxton Hicks contractions ease in warm water.
Your baby in the third trimester
In the last stage of pregnancy, your baby's organ and brain development are complete. In the case of a premature birth, the baby has a better chance of survival starting from the 27th week of pregnancy. Babies born after the 37th week of pregnancy are not referred to as premature. The baby continues to increase in size and weight during the last trimester. Its nails and hair grow. Often the lanugo hairLanugo hair Lanugobehaarung Lanugo hair is the term used to describe the delicate fuzz of hair on unborn babies. This is mostly shed by the time of birth. In womb, this hair causes the custard-like vernix caseosa to stick. The vernix caseosa helps ensure that the baby's skin is protected from being softened by the amniotic fluid and from sound, pressure and vibration. that has covered its body up to this point also disappears now. Other babies, especially children of dark-haired parents, are born with this delicate fuzz of hair. They lose it only after some time. With the help of Braxton Hicks contractions, the baby usually moves into the birthing position by early in the third trimester. Then it sits with its head down. If the baby is breech, your midwife will show you exercises that can help the baby turn. There is little space left in your uterus now. That's why the baby assumes a curled-up fetal position. As the due date approaches, fatty tissue forms under the baby's skin. It will be an important source of energy shortly after birth. A baby weighs between 2,800 and 4,200 grams at birth. They are usually 50 to 52 centimeters long.
Check-ups
At the beginning of the last trimester, the third major check-up takes place. Another ultrasound examination will be performed at this appointment. Of course, this is also about your health. Your current weight, urine values, haemoglobin levelsHaemoglobin Hämoglobin In biology, haemoglobin is the blood pigment of the red blood cells. Haemoglobin binds to and transports oxygen and carbon within the body. When the haemoglobin value is too low or too high in the blood, it can be a sign of various diseases. and other measurements will be recorded in your maternity record (Mutterpass). Starting in the 32nd week of pregnancy, your doctor or midwife will examine you every two weeks.
Pre-birth errands
You should take advantage of a birth preparation course by the beginning of your third trimester at the latest. Decide on a birthplace and register there for delivery. You can pack your hospital bag well ahead of time just in case. In the 35th week of pregnancy, maternity leave begins and you can get some rest.