Trimester 3: an important phase of pregnancy for both mother and fetus

Congratulations! In a few months, you will be able to meet the prospective baby. Trimester 3 is the end of pregnancy which is quite challenging for pregnant women physically and emotionally. There are also various changes that occur in the body of the mother and fetus. Here are things to know about the 3rd trimester of pregnancy.

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Changes felt by the mother in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy

The 3rd trimester of pregnancy starts from 28 weeks of gestation to 42 weeks.

In addition to an enlarged stomach, here are some other things that happen to the mother's body during the third trimester of pregnancy:

Back pain

As the gestational age gets older and the body weight increases, the stomach will also get bigger. This condition makes back aches and pains.

Plus the pregnancy hormones work to relax the muscles, ligaments, and joints between the loosened pelvic bones. This condition actually occurs to make it easier for pregnant women to release their babies during labor.

Swelling in certain parts of the body

The hands, feet, and fingers of pregnant women will generally swell at this stage.

Swelling during pregnancy is normal, occurs due to excess fluid (edema) caused by the body to produce 50 percent more blood than before pregnancy.

To reduce swelling, extend your legs forward and prop them up on your chin chair when sitting.

Meanwhile, while sleeping, place a thick pillow over your feet overnight to reduce the risk of dangerous pregnancy complications.

Braxton Hicks aka false contractions

In the 3rd trimester before the D-day of labor, you will start having several false contractions or Braxton Hicks.

Braxton Hicks feels like a mild cramp in the lower abdomen, but there is no need to panic as this is normal. Sometimes mothers-to-be find it difficult to distinguish between false contractions and real labor contractions.

In addition to the three things above, pregnant women will also experience several conditions, such as:

• Shortness of breath
• Heartburn
• Urinating frequently
• Hemorrhoids and varicose veins occur in the legs
• Feel the fetal movement

The movement of the fetus in the womb should be more active near the time of delivery. This is because he will change position, from initially curling up with his head on to slumping down into the mother's pelvis in preparation for birth.

If you feel the baby's movements are weak, try to eat something and then lie on your left side. This method stimulates the fetus to move through food intake from the mother.

If the fetus does not move at least 10 times in the next two hours, immediately consult a doctor.

Fetal development in 3rd trimester

During this late pregnancy, what happens is not only changes in the mother's body but also the development of the fetus which is getting better.

At 28-42 weeks of gestation, fetal development that occurs is:

Gestational age 7 months (28-31 weeks)

In the 3rd trimester or 7 months of pregnancy, the fetus is still in the stage of perfecting its physique towards the birth process. The skin is less wrinkled and the color is slightly reddish.

The fetus's body is also able to store several nutrients such as iron and calcium from the food that the mother eats.

At 28 weeks of gestation, the fetus begins to hear and respond to sounds by creating movements in the abdomen. This is a sign that the 3rd trimester is going well.

Gestational age 8 months (32-35 weeks)

In the second half of the 3rd trimester, the fetus's body weight is ideal for birth. The fine hair aka lanugo on your little one's body has started to disappear. The skin becomes smoother, pink, and slightly covered with a white vernix substance.

The fetus is still developing its immune system to fight several diseases that may strike at birth.

Gestational age of 9 months (36-40 weeks)

In the 3rd trimester, to be precise the 37th week of the womb, the fetal body and organs are fully formed.

The head has been covered with fine hair, the genitals such as the testes or labia have formed, and the fetal nails have grown long.

The fetus's skin is more flexible towards the day of its birth because the layer of fat covering the baby's body in the womb has begun to decrease.

Prospective babies also can hear and see in the womb. In addition, your little one will also gain weight significantly at the end of this pregnancy.

Reporting from the Women's Health page, at the end of the 3rd trimester, 9 months of gestation, the fetal weight has reached 4 kilograms and reaches 50 cm in length.

Bad conditions that can occur in the 3rd trimester

Entering the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, there are several danger signs that mothers should pay attention to, such as:

1. Bleeding

Vaginal bleeding that occurs in the 3rd trimester may be caused by placental problems, such as placental abruption and placenta previa.

Placental abruption is a complication of pregnancy when part or all of the placenta detaches from the uterine wall prematurely.

Meanwhile, placenta previa occurs when part or all of the placenta covers part or all of the cervix (cervix).

Immediately consult a gynecologist because this could be a danger sign of pregnancy in the 3rd trimester.

2. Preeclampsia

Minor complaints such as headaches or stomachaches are considered normal during early pregnancy. The cause is most likely fatigue or lack of sleep.

But don't underestimate the two, especially if they are accompanied by shortness of breath, visual disturbances, sudden bruising in several parts of the body, and swelling at the same time.

These symptoms can be a sign of preeclampsia, which is a dangerous pregnancy complication.

Pregnancy checks that need to be done in the 3rd trimester

To support the development of the fetus that is about to be born, there are several prenatal checks that need to be done, such as:

1. Ultrasound

In the 3rd trimester, doctors will continue to routinely undergo ultrasound examinations to monitor:

• fetal position (breech, transverse, head down, or normal position).
• Fetal movement, especially at 35-37 weeks of gestation
• Amniotic fluid
• Measure the length of the mother's cervix

The condition of the fetus can also be observed through ultrasound, whether it is receiving enough oxygen and nutrients or not.

After 36 weeks of gestation, babies generally move less because their bodies have filled the uterus.

However, if the fetal movement gradually weakens until it stops, this is something to watch out for.

2. Group B streptococcal screening

In addition to the ultrasound examination, you also need to get a group B streptococcal test in the 3rd trimester. This test serves to detect the presence of group B streptococcal bacteria in the mother.

Group B streptococcus is the most common infection that also often endangers the health of newborns.

Babies can be at risk for mental retardation, vision problems, and hearing problems if the mother has these bacteria.

Doctors can treat the mother with antibiotics to protect the baby from contracting this infection from birth.

Changes in sexual arousal in 3rd trimester of pregnant women

If in the second trimester, sexual arousal increases, in the final trimester, the libido of pregnant women will decrease as in the first trimester.

This change is influenced by the feeling of discomfort in the stomach that is getting bigger and bigger to prepare for the birth of the baby.

In addition, stomach cramps, swollen feet and a feeling of fatigue have started to reappear, making pregnant women less enthusiastic about having sex.

When sexual arousal decreases, it can be tricked by choosing a comfortable sexual position during late pregnancy. As an example, spooning (lying on your side), women on top, to sit on the edge of the bed or chair.

If sex is difficult or uncomfortable, try other ways to increase intimacy with your partner.

There are several conditions that make it better for you to avoid sex during pregnancy, such as:

• Experiencing vaginal bleeding of unknown cause.
• The amniotic fluid breaks.
• The cervix begins to open prematurely.
• Placenta previa.
• Have had a premature baby or are at risk of preterm delivery.
• Pregnant with twins.

Pregnancy checkups regularly at an obstetrician, to find out the condition of the body in a healthy state for sexual intercourse.

Nutrition that must be fulfilled in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy

Given that the fetus in the womb is getting bigger, the nutrition and nutrition intake of pregnant women must be increasingly considered.

The following are various nutrients that the body needs during the third trimester:

1. Vitamin D

In the 3rd trimester, vitamin D is very important. Vitamin D is needed by pregnant women to help regulate calcium and phosphate levels in the body.

Pregnant women can eat some of the following foods in the 3rd trimester, such as:

• Salmon
• Egg
• Whole grain cereals
• Milk

The vitamins in these foods help to keep your baby's bones and teeth healthy and strong.

2. Vitamin C

The need for vitamin C in pregnant women generally must be increased by 25 percent in this 3rd trimester.

It is recommended to get vitamin C while pregnant by eating the following foods:

• Orange fruit
• Berries (strawberries and blueberries)
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Tomato

The function of vitamin C during pregnancy is to increase the immune system of pregnant women and the health of the fetus. Vitamin C also protects cells and tissues from free radical damage.

3. Vitamin A

Pregnant women also need more vitamin A in the 3rd trimester. Vitamin A serves to support the development of fetal vision.

You can get vitamin A from:

• Spinach
• Broccoli
• Mango
• Sweet Potatoes

The antioxidant content in vitamin A is also needed to increase immunity so that the mother doesn't get sick easily.

4. Iron

The closer to the time of birth, the need for iron for pregnant women increases. This is because the more blood volume required by pregnant women and the fetus.

Iron deficiency during pregnancy can cause premature birth and low birth weight (LBW). For that, pregnant women need to meet their high iron needs.

The need for iron for pregnant women in the third trimester is 39 mg. You can meet this iron requirement from:

• Leafy greens (spinach, broccoli, and kale)
• Red meat
• Egg yolk
• Nuts.

Combine with foods that contain vitamin C to help the body absorb iron.

5. Calcium

Baby bone development also occurs very rapidly in this third trimester. Therefore, mothers need to meet their calcium needs of 1200 mg per day.

Pregnant women can get calcium from milk and dairy products, green vegetables, bone fish (such as anchovies and sardines), and soybeans.

Choose low-fat milk and dairy products if the mother wants to maintain her weight.

Things that need to be done in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy

Entering the third trimester of pregnancy, it makes you more alert in doing various activities. However, large pregnant women should not eliminate daily activities.

In this 3rd trimester, there are several activities that need to be done, such as:

Stay active

Pregnant women in the 3rd trimester are still allowed to do their usual activities. In fact, it is recommended to be more active at the end of this pregnancy, even though you may not be as active as when you were young first.

Choose physical activities that are more comfortable for the body, such as being able to take a leisurely walk around the house complex with your husband, prenatal yoga, or even swimming.

These activities tend to be safe and healthy for pregnant women in their 3rd trimester of pregnancy.

In the journal Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, pregnant women in the 3rd trimester are advised to do physical activity.

The goal is to support the development of the baby in the womb, prevent gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and maintain body weight.

Take a childbirth preparation class

You can try birthing preparation classes at the hospital where pregnancy checks are made.

In these classes, you can practice proper breathing techniques to make you more relaxed during labor.

In addition, you and your partner can learn different ways to hold a baby, bathe a baby, and everything you need to know about being a new parent.

Left side sleeping position

When you are big pregnant, you should avoid sleeping on your back. Apart from being uncomfortable, the supine position will block the flow of blood to the baby through the placenta.

Quoting American Pregnancy, pregnant women are encouraged to lie on their left side because the uterus will naturally rotate to the right throughout pregnancy.

Lying on your left side brings the baby to the middle of the stomach. This will increase blood flow as well as nutrient intake through the placenta.

To make it more comfortable, you can slide a pillow between your legs to help support your body.

Pay attention if you want to travel far

Traveling long distances during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy is quite risky. The reason is, there are several health risks that lurk such as blood clots due to sitting too long, exposure to infections, and various pregnancy complications.

Quoting from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), if the condition requires leaving, then avoid driving.

Doctors usually allow flights until around 32-34 weeks of gestation, unless there is a high risk of preterm delivery.

Also, try to get out of your seat and walk at least every hour or two.

Try to keep eating clean and well-cooked food to prevent exposure to infections from bacteria that can harm pregnancy.