Welcome to the last trimester of your pregnancy!
So… you’re nearing the end of your pregnancy – no doubt there have been many moments of both joy and tears throughout – and maybe a little “is this even real??” panic every now and then.
Your body too has worked hard and continues to do so as it nurtures your baby ready for birth.
Now, if you are going through the last trimester of your pregnancy you are probably experiencing some changes and… wondering what’s next in this incredible journey – so here is a list of 5 things to know about the last trimester of your pregnancy!
LUNG AND KIDNEY DEVELOPMENT
The last trimester of your pregnancy is the most important for your baby’s growth, this is the time where the biggest and fastest growth spurt occurs.
This NHS guide gives you a week-by-week overview of how your body change – and how baby also changes!
But back to your last trimester remember: this is a vital stage for the development of your baby’s lungs and kidneys.
THE SENSES
During the latter stage of your pregnancy (months 7-9) Your baby begins to use their eyes and can differentiate between light and dark.
They pick up on sound, so when you’re rocking out while you wash the dishes you may well be influencing their musical tastes for later in life!
And when you talk to them, they can hear your voice and some start to suck their thumb, (so cute if you see that on a late scan!)
At this stage, babies can also smile in the womb too at this age – when newborns smile it’s not always wind, as some would have you believe!
BABY’S POSITION
In the last 6 weeks or so, your baby will drop down and engage in the birth canal, ready for delivery – in a first pregnancy, this is usually around 4-6 weeks before the birth.
With subsequent pregnancies, it might not happen until right before labour!
CHANGES IN YOUR BODY
Your body will change so much during all stages of pregnancy, a big (and unfortunate) change in the last trimester will be getting a backache, due to the amount of weight you are carrying at the front.
There is not much that can be done about this apart from resting and looking after yourself.
Supporting your lower back with cushions can ease the pain, as can taking warm baths or going for a swim.
Your breasts will have already grown, ready to accommodate milk for your baby, however, you’ll notice an even bigger increase as the birth draws closer, They may even leak a bit of milk – don’t panic!
This is normal!
VIVID DREAMS
Towards the end of your pregnancy, you may experience really vivid dreams.
These will feel so incredibly real. Some may be enjoyable, but along with the good side of this experience, you may also get nightmares.
These happen due to the hormone levels from your pregnancy and should stop once your baby arrives.
Some of these aspects of the last trimester of your pregnancy might not sound that great but focus on the fact that your beautiful baby will soon be here in your arms.
The side effects won’t be there forever and you can marvel at the third-trimester development of your baby growing inside you. Most importantly, look after yourself.
Take time out to relax and rest, while you prepare for the birth!
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