The third trimester: What to know about the final three months of pregnancy

You’re in the last few innings of your pregnancy, and that’s great news. A lot of changes are in store for you and your baby during the final three months of pregnancy. You may feel more tired and anxious during the third trimester. Weeks 29 through 40 may seem to fly by when you are having a good day, or to drag when you don’t feel your best. No matter how you feel, our Austin and Dripping Springs OBGYNs have the experience and expertise to help you navigate your final stage of pregnancy.

Prenatal appointments in the final three months of pregnancy

Your physician will perform a pelvic examination to see if and how much your cervix is dilated. During the third trimester, you should expect screening tests for gestational diabetes, Group B strep and iron deficiency anemia, as well as a Tdap vaccine. As your due date gets closer, talk to our Austin and Dripping Springs OBGYNs about your preferences for labor and delivery and creating a birth plan.

How your body changes

During the final three months of pregnancy, you are changing mentally and emotionally. While you enjoy feeling your baby move, some of the changes may not be quite as exciting and may cause discomfort. Here are some of the changes you may experience in the third trimester.

• Backaches

• Heartburn

• Shortness of breath or feeling like you get winded easily

• Hemorrhoids

• Spider and/or varicose veins

• More frequent urination and pressure on your bladder

• Anxiety about labor, delivery and being a new mom

• Sleep issues

• Breast tenderness

• Braxton Hicks contractions

Don’t let this long list make you nervous. Not every woman has every symptom, and our team can help you cope with all the issues you may have.

Fetal development during the third trimester

By week 40, your little one will probably weigh between six and nine pounds and be about 19 to 21 inches long. Throughout your final stage of pregnancy, your baby’s lungs, brain and kidneys continue to develop and mature. By the third trimester, your baby can hear, see, suck his or her thumb, and cry. During the last few weeks, your baby should move into a head-down position in preparation for his or her birthday.

Rely on our Austin and Dripping Springs OBGYNs during every stage of your pregnancy

At every stage of your pregnancy and beyond, you and your baby need expert medical care. For an appointment, contact us. We are here to help you and your baby have the best pregnancy and birth experience possible.