Third Trimester Pregnancy Symptoms

What happens during the third trimester of your pregnancy

So mother-dearest-to-be, you've reached trimester number three! Usually this is between 28 to 31 weeks. Some women feel absolutely great at this point while others have increased third trimester pregnancy symptoms and are patiently making their way through the process of creating this new life in the womb.

Seventh Month

The position of the fetus is more easily felt at this point. This is the month the mother will take the glucose screening test and the anemia test. Some additional third trimester pregnancy symptoms include more vigorous fetal activity, more frequent fetal activity, enlarged breasts, Braxton-Hicks contractions (the uterus hardens for a moment and then softens), colostrum or pre milk leaking from the nipples, excitement, dreaming about the baby, more concern about motherhood and restlessness.

During the seventh month, the glucose test is done to make sure the mother doesn't have gestational diabetes. The test for anemia ensures both mother and baby are getting enough iron, which is vital to development of the fetus.

Eighth Month

Well, at 32 to 35 weeks, the pregnant woman is almost there. Now the mother should feel regular baby movements. These are the new symptoms: pelvic pressure and aches, increasing shortness of breath, dropping of the baby, increased Braxton-Hicks contractions, more clumsy behavior (feeling off-balance when walking or waddling), eagerness for the pregnancy to end, incontinence, pain between mother's ribs, the possible need for a slip-resistant mat for taking a bath and driving for more than one hour may be exhausting. A Group B Strep test will be done during this month to prevent serious infection of the baby.

Ninth Month

This is the final one! Between 36 and 40 weeks the pregnant woman's new arrival will be here. Since the baby has grown, she will feel less kicking and more squirming. The vaginal discharge will become heavier and maybe even streaked with red as the cervix begins to dilate. The ears may become stuffy. During the final month there may be some pelvic and/or buttock discomfort. It's typical to have more frequent and stronger Braxton-Hicks contractions, which are now painful. This month the mother-to-be may be able to express colostrum. Watch out for alternating periods of fatigue and bursts of energy. A burst of energy is called the nesting syndrome and is a clue that delivery will come very soon! Two more possible third trimester pregnancy symptoms that occur during the ninth month are a loss in appetite and easier breathing since the baby is no longer sitting on the mother's lungs. Of course there may be a relief that the mother is almost there. On the other hand, the mother may also be impatient. If a woman has reached 40 weeks without labor starting, she may want to try some gentle methods to induce labor naturally.

Just realize this is a special time for the mother-to-be. Most pregnancy symptoms are temporary and bearable for a most worthy cause.

More Pregnancy Symptoms:

First trimester
Second trimester