Third Trimester: The Last Trial Before Complete Happiness



Posted: Thursday, January 28, 2010

by Marie Aquino

Do you think the first trimester of pregnant is the hardest part because of the morning sickness you experienced? Not really. That was just a taste of the hardships you are going to encounter.

The third trimester is the hardest part of pregnancy because everything begins to feel uncomfortable and hard. This period begins with the rapid growth of your baby, due to this, you will become larger. Your larger tummy makes it really hard to lie down and find a sleeping position that is comfortable. Your sleep may also be interrupted most of the time due to frequent bathroom breaks, Braxton Hicks contractions, and movements of your baby.

As your baby grows, you will experience frequent heartburns, backaches, and pain in your pelvic area once your baby settles down to his or her birth position. This is also the period wherein your baby needs huge amounts of calcium for the hardening of his or her bones and in case you do not consume enough calcium, you will experience leg cramps. So better eat calcium rich foods and ask your doctor for a prescription of calcium supplements.

Water retention begins during this period and may become worst as your delivery day approaches. You may not fit into your shoes anymore; this is because your feet grow a size bigger due to water retention. Drink lots of water, lessen your salt intake, and eat fiber rich food to alleviate the condition.

One of the things that pregnant women look forward to is when they begin to feel their baby moving. It is amazing and really exciting but once you reach the third trimester, your baby's movements may begin to be uncomfortable and at times, painful. His or her feet can sometimes get stuck in one of your ribs. A good way to soothe your baby is too caress your tummy while he or she is moving.

Braxton Hicks contractions or practice contractions increase during this period. This is in preparation for labor contractions. Braxton Hicks contractions are painless contractions, you uterus hardens for a few moments and will eventually go back to normal. Unlike labor contractions, these contractions are less regular and shorter. Drinking water, changing your position, or walking can help stop these contractions.

You begin to tire easily and feel breathless during this period. To gain more energy, have small frequent naps during the day. Napping can also help compensate for the lack of sleep during the evenings.

You may also feel emotional in the third trimester. You may feel fat and ugly because of the changes you are going through. You may feel tired of being pregnant and you start to wonder how long will it take before you deliver your baby.

Pregnancy is definitely not easy. It is hard and you have to make a lot of sacrifices. It is not entirely happiness and excitement; there are a lot of changes that you have to go through. The third trimester is the hardest part of pregnancy, but it is also one step closer to seeing and holding your little angel. So don't feel down, are going through are definitely worth it!

Want to know more about what happens in every trimester and in every week of pregnancy? Visit www.pregnancycheatsheets.com   for an intensive week by week pregnancy account.

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