The third trimester is the exciting final stage of pregnancy

Expectant mothers typically go through three pregnancy stages (trimesters), and each one is unique. Your baby will hit different developmental and growth milestones as your pregnancy progresses. At the same time, your body will also go through changes. Understanding the third trimester can help you as you move into the final stage of pregnancy.

The San Antonio OBGYNs at Heights Obstetrics & Gynecology deliver compassionate and comprehensive care for expectant mothers. As part of our care, we offer helpful information about each stage of pregnancy.

What is the third trimester of pregnancy?

A full-term pregnancy has three trimesters and lasts 40 weeks. The third stage of pregnancy lasts between weeks 28 and 40 (or until the baby is born). Our San Antonio OBGYNs explain that this is the final stretch before it’s time to meet your bundle of joy.

During the third trimester, your baby continues to grow and develop. Each week comes with new changes, as babies hit new developmental milestones during this stage of pregnancy.

• The baby can start controlling body temperature and breathing during week 28.
• Your little one may start kicking, stretching and grasping in week 29.
• During week 30, hair grows, and the baby’s eyes can open wide.
• Week 31 is when your baby starts to rapidly gain weight.
• By week 35, the baby takes up most of the amniotic sac and has less space to move.

Around the 36-week mark, your baby will slowly start positioning its head downward in preparation for birth. Then, by week 37, your little one may start moving into the pelvis. A baby born at this point is considered early term, while a full-term baby is born between 39 and 40 weeks of pregnancy.

What symptoms do mothers have during the third stage of pregnancy?

While the second trimester is when many mothers feel their best, the third stage of pregnancy can be more challenging. While every woman is unique, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms.

• Mild, irregular contractions that don’t progress (Braxton Hicks contractions)
• Shortness of breath
• Increased urination
• Heartburn
• Swollen ankles and feet
• Varicose veins and hemorrhoids
• Trouble sleeping (insomnia)

During the third trimester, you may also feel a strong urge to prepare your home for the arrival of your little one. This is known as nesting. While it is normal to feel this urge, not everyone does, which is perfectly fine.

What care do you need during the final pregnancy stage?

Prenatal care continues to be essential during the third trimester. During this final stage of pregnancy, you will have more frequent visits with your OBGYN.

• Unless you have a high-risk pregnancy, these visits will occur every two weeks until week 36 of pregnancy.
• Starting at week 36, you will begin to visit your physician every week.

These appointments are an opportunity to share new or changing symptoms. You can also ask any questions about your pregnancy or upcoming labor and delivery.

Toward the end of your pregnancy, your provider will also begin to check your cervix to see if it’s beginning to open (dilate) in preparation for the birth.

At every prenatal appointment, you can count on our San Antonio OBGYNs to support you and your growing baby. Once you’ve given birth, our physicians will still be by your side to offer postpartum support.

If you need prenatal care, we invite you to contact us today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to caring for you during your pregnancy.

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