As you approach your delivery, you are more emotionally and physically challenged due to the baby’s size and position in the uterus. Part of the challenge is the baby’s movements, which tend to become more obvious, together with increased discomfort. Your breasts may have gained an additional 2 pounds with the nipples producing excess colostrum that leaks. Let’s discuss some other changes that you will need to address. Weight gain You will gain close to 25-35 pounds of weight before delivery, which may also come from your baby’s weight, the larger breasts, increased blood volume and other changes.
Backaches- these are part of the changes you experience as pregnancy hormones relax the joints between the bones in your pelvic area. To reduce backaches, choose seats with good support, apply ice pack or heating pad to painful areas or go for body massage.
Braxton hick’s contractions- these may continue from the second trimester resembling labor contractions, but tend to be painless and weaker.
Shortness of breath- as your uterus continue to expand underneath your diaphragm, you may experience breathing difficulties. Just practice good posture to allow your lungs to expand. Heartburn- to combat heartburn, eat meals in smaller bits, and drink a lot of water. Try to avoid spicy foods, dried foods, or citrus fruits. Swelling- This is basically caused by the pressure the uterus exerts on your veins, causing blood to be returned to various body parts. Reduce swelling by propping your legs frequently, and avoid standing for long durations. Hemorrhoids and spider veins, and varicose veins- bluish and reddish veins may occur beneath the surface of the skin especially the legs.
Hemorrhoids are varicose veins at the anal area, and may be treatable by sitting in a warm water bath. Try to avoid constipation, drink a lot of water and eat food rich in fiber.
Vaginal discharge – having heavy discharges in your third trimester is normal; unless you note amniotic fluid discharge that warrants consulting your doctor. Bleeding- experiencing spotting may signal a dangerous condition, such as placental abruption (this is the separation of the placenta from the uterine wall) or preterm labor. It may also signify placenta previa, where the placenta may drop low to cover the cervix.
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