The third trimester is the last leg of the race that is pregnancy. Here, the belly is pronounces and the due date draws nearer and nearer. This is the time when a woman will feel ready to give birth and will fully feel the baby growing inside of her. This is a physically and mentally trying time for a woman. The baby’s position can make it hard to feel comfortable, and a woman can feel stressed if the due date approaches and then passes without contractions. The following are some things to expect when in the third trimester.

Back Pain

Back pain is common for the third trimester. This is because the baby is constantly moving and because he or she is growing and gaining weight. Additionally, the mother’s body will produce hormones that relax the joints of the bones in the pelvic area so that the body is able to give birth. This is tough on the hips and on the back. This is why it is important to try and sit down as much as possible, to invest in massages, and to wear shoes that have good arch support.

Heartburn

It is common for mothers to experience heartburn during the third trimester. This happens because the growing uterus pushes the stomach out of its usual position. Heartburn happens because of the displaced stomach acid. To remedy this, women should eat small meals and try to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, if not more. Fried foods and anything carbonated should be avoided to get rid of the pregnancy-induced heartburn issue.

Hemorrhoids and Varicose Veins

During pregnancy, blood circulation increases. Thus, some of the blood vessels may experience strain. Thus, reddish spots or lines may appear on the skin. The strain that happens in the rectum is called a hemorrhoid. If these veins or issues are painful, one should elevate the legs as much as possible and invest in support stockings. Avoiding constipation by ingesting fiber and fluids will lessen the likelihood and severity of hemorrhoids.

Urination

The baby is always growing and moving around during pregnancy. This can result in pressure on the mother’s bladder, which in turn can make the woman feel as if she needs to urinate more. This frequent urination may happen more at night and can cause some leakage when the mother laughs, coughs, or sneezes. Panty liners are a great way to deal with this. If there is any pain or burning along with urination, then the woman may have a urinary tract infection. This should be treated right away or kidney damage could happen as well as a preterm labor.

The third trimester is the home stretch for a pregnancy. This is when the woman wants everything to be over. Past symptoms become more pronounced as the baby grows and develops into a form that can exist outside of his or her mother. This is both an exciting and nerve-wracking time for any mother-to-be.