3rd Trimester (28-40 weeks)

What’s happening to me? What can I do about it? purple or red marks (striae or stretch marks)on abdomen, breasts , and thighs after birth, the stretch marks will gradually become faint and change to tan or white some women never lose their stretch marks dry, itchy skin try to use glycerin soap avoid long, hot baths apply oils or lotions to keep your skin moisturized, especially after shower or bath calamine lotion may relieve the itching if you have severe itching, talk to your health care professional increased fatigue (feeling more tired) rest often and listen to your body ask someone to help with daily chores if possible, stop work early if you are overtired feelings of doubt or fear about labour develop a birthing plan talk to your health care professional about concerns and plans for labour learn about labour and birth so you know your options attend prenatal classes pre-labour or Braxton Hicks contractions these contractions are normal tell your health care professional if contractions are regular and become uncomfortable muscle cramps in legs, especially at night make sure you get enough calcium in your diet avoid getting too tired put your feet up exercise daily take a warm bath before going to bed stretch your lower leg area before going to bed feeling impatient because the pregnancy seems as though it will never end a full term pregnancy is anywhere from 38-42 weeks call upon your support team when you feel frustrated and talk about your feelings hemorrhoids avoid constipation and straining do pelvic floor (Kegel) exercises rest and sleep on either side with a pillow between your legs; do lie flat on your back try not to sit or stand for long periods of time - change positions often or walk around for relief, apply ice wrapped in a cloth to the area heartburn eat small frequent meals avoid fried, fatty, and spicy foods drink lots of liquids between meals elevate your head and shoulders while resting do not bend or lie down immediately do not wear tight wristbands chewing sugarless, non-peppermint gum (ideally containing xylitol) may help sudden groin pain avoid sudden movements bend slightly at the hips when you expect to cough or sneeze shortness of breath try taking deep, slow breaths through the mouth wear loose clothing use good posture get plenty of rest difficulty sleeping have regular sleep habits exercise daily (take walks) before going to bed try: taking a warm, relaxing bath; or eating a snack with a warm drink; or using extra pillows for support; or practicing deep breathing and or relaxation exercises; or listening to relaxing music improved breathing make a note of when this happens and tell your health care professional (this usually means your baby has moved down into your pelvis in preparation for birth) increased need to pee pee regularly avoid caffeine do pelvic floor (Kegel) exercises an increase in Braxton Hicks contractions this is normal you uterus is contracting to soften and thin your cervix in preparation for labour