The third trimester of your pregnancy refers to weeks 29 to 40, which includes the seventh, eighth, and ninth months before delivery. During this period, your feelings of exhaustion will be replaced by enthusiasm for the baby’s arrival. However, there are specific precautions that need to be taken into consideration for the well-being of your fetus. The following article details 5 tips to get you through the last couple of months of your pregnancy.
1. Do not ignore your body’s signals:
By this point, your body becomes heavier and its development reaches its peak, so living for two people is no longer a new concept for you. This is when you are expected to have already mastered reading the signs your body gives you on a daily basis. A case in point is an increase in fetal movement as your baby grows bigger.
You are expected during the third trimester to pick up on signs that could mean your baby is in distress. These signs include keeping an eye on your baby’s kicks and movements. It is normal if your baby kicks 6 times or more per hour on average while you are resting. If your baby’s movement decreases or you haven’t felt them as much as usual, then you may want to consult your doctor.
2. Do not start a diet:
One of the facts of pregnancy is that women gain weight, so dieting — especially during the third trimester — should not be something you are considering. However, you should still keep a close eye on what you are supplying your body with. Keep in mind that your body requires an additional 200 to 300 extra calories, and it will always consider feeding the baby before feeding the rest of your body.
Come up with a balanced diet that incorporates nutrient-dense foods, fiber, whole grain products, fruits and vegetables, and lots of water. Avoid consuming sweets and treats, and integrate a variety of foods into your typical diet so you lower the risk of constipation. Do not cut all calories, especially as your delivery day approaches, as your body will demand richer nutrition for you and your baby.
3. Do not exercise excessively:
Unless you have a medical condition that confines you to bed all day, you should be involved in activities in the last trimester of your pregnancy. You will need to maintain your muscle strength so you lower your risk of developing blood clots. The activities should be regular, safe, low-intensity, and healthy for you and your baby.
Ask your doctor for recommendations, as there may be exercises that are perfect for you. Walking, pregnancy yoga, swimming, dancing, or Pilates can all be ideal activities to stay active during the third trimester of your pregnancy.
4. Don’t avoid resting:
Contrary to the previous point, an excessive amount of activity can be tiring and even dangerous in the third trimester. Excessive exercise can exhaust the energy you produce from your calorie intake and can even send you into early labor.
There are specific medical conditions for which bed rest is prescribed to avoid pregnancy complications or preterm birth. These include growth problems in the baby, high blood pressure, threatened miscarriage, cervical insufficiency, and other issues. You may want to talk to your doctor before initiating any activity plan and ask about warning signs to keep an eye on.
5. Don’t let yourself go:
While pregnant, it may feel like it will last forever. However, you will soon go back to being ‘just you’ and having to deal with the consequences of decisions taken during the pregnancy period — positive or negative. Pregnancy weight is usually one of the issues pregnant women cannot get over, but you should keep in mind that your body will adjust in time and that breastfeeding and pumping often help get rid of most of it.
It is essential to not let yourself go, keep a positive attitude, and try not to adopt unhealthy habits — especially during the third trimester. During your maternity leave, enjoy some time on your own and prepare yourself for the arrival of your baby. Reduce the chances of developing depression by scheduling your day and keeping a to-do list. During this period, you can also try and learn new useful skills as you now have more time on your hands.
