By your third trimester, you’re probably accustomed to feeling your little one wriggling about, you’re actually looking pregnant and hopefully, you’re glowing. Now begins the heavy trimester. With your baby growing exponentially, these last few weeks are important for your baby’s development, but they can also be some of the most uncomfortable. Here’s a week-by-week pregnancy guide of what you can look forward to:
WEEKS 28-30:
What’s happening to you?
As your little one grows, they become heavier and start pressing against some uncomfortable places. Some women experience restless leg syndrome and others experience heartburn, constipation, flatulence, hemorrhoids and dizziness. Because you feel uncomfortable, you may have trouble sleeping and feel clumsier than usual.
What’s happening to baby?
Your baby will be growing from the size of an eggplant to the size of a small cabbage. Their eyesight will develop during this period, their lungs will start to mature and they’ll start putting on some skin and body fat.
WEEKS 31-33:
What’s happening to you?
You’ll probably be gaining a healthy 500g a week. To sustain your baby’s growing needs, your blood volume will be increasing by about 40-50% - the cause of that lovely pregnancy glow! Braxton Hicks contractions are common at this time, and they’re just intermittent uterine contractions, not to be mistaken with pre-term labour! Don’t be alarmed if your breasts start to leak colostrum in eager anticipation of breastfeeding. Certain activities might bring on tingling or numbness in your hands, which will be relieved after pregnancy.
What’s happening to baby?
Your baby grows from the size of a coconut to a pineapple. They’ll be moving around a lot and turning their head from side to side and their heart beat is around 150 bpm. During this time, they have fully developed toenails, fingernails and hair. Their skin smoothens as their body plumps and their skeleton hardens.
WEEKS 34-37:
What’s happening to you?
Those Braxton Hicks are still to be anticipated! These can happen quite often at this stage of your pregnancy, especially if it’s your first baby. You’ll feel pretty exhausted during this time, but may have difficulty sleeping. Your uterus now reaches up to your rib cage because your little one has engaged into your pelvis.
What’s happening to baby?
Your baby’s central nervous system is maturing, preparing their brains for future development. Their kidneys are now fully developed and the bulk of their basic physical development is complete. If they are born between these weeks, it is generally fine and their development isn’t much affected. They may just need to be put into special care as their lung function is usually not optimal yet.
WEEKS 38-40:
What’s happening to you?
You’re probably feeling pretty ready to bring your little one into the world. Watch out for your water breaking during this time. If it hasn’t happened by week 40, you might need to go in for fetal testing, heart rate monitoring, and a cervical exam.
What’s happening to baby?
By week 39, they’re the size of a mini watermelon. Their organs are mature and they’re ready to grace the world with their presence.
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