Stages of Pregnancy : Third Trimester

Expectant mothers entering their third trimester often experience conflicting emotions - an eagerness for the baby's arrival may be tempered by a lack of confidence in her abilities as a mother. In other words, mothers in the third trimester can be quite jittery.

The third trimester, lasting from week 27 through delivery (which usually occurs during weeks 40-42), is marked by some aches and pains, but not too much to keep you from remaining active. The size of your uterus will give you a leaned-back posture, which can cause backaches if not addressed.

At 35 weeks, your baby is about 16 inches long and weighs about five pounds. At this point, the baby is ready for the world. The survival rate of babies born at 35 weeks is 99 percent.

You may notice a decrease in fetal movement as you near the end of pregnancy. While this is not necessarily cause for alarm, as less room in the uterus allows for less movement, you should alert your doctor if you notice an abrupt decrease in activity.

As the due date draws near, it's common for women to begin to fear delivery. The average for a first pregnancy is about 12-14 hours.

The third trimester is not the easiest phase of pregnancy, but it is the most rewarding, for it results in the arrival of your precious little child!

Woman's offers a variety of classes to help, and you can access helpful articles, tools and information by signing up for My Woman's. You can also schedule a tour of Woman's Hospital, so you'll know what to expect. Remember, being informed eases anxiety.

it is important for you to be prepared and take an active part in your recovery. Plan ahead on what to bring to the hospital for your hospital stay.

To take a video tour, click here.

Recommended Classes:

Special Delivery

During the four hours of this class, we cover basic information so you can recognize when labor starts, know when to come to the hospital, know what to expect when you arrive at the hospital, and be aware of indications for a cesarean birth. Other topics include: options available for dealing with the pain of labor and birth such as comfort measures, analgesics and anesthetics, and the importance of your support persons. We feature videos of vaginal and cesarean births, and epidural administration. $35 per couple. See the upcoming schedule and register online now.

Labor of Love

This class is recommended for couples wanting to learn how to apply Lamaze techniques for coping with pain in labor and birth. During the eight hours of this class series, you and your labor partner practice using Lamaze breathing and relaxation techniques and the comfort measures and techniques for your support persons that were discussed in part two of the Special Delivery class. If you have previously experienced a Lamaze birth, this class would be good to refresh your memory. $75 per couple. See the upcoming schedule and register online now.

After Baby Comes (ABC): Baby Care and Parent Care

In this class, experience hands-on demonstrations on how to bathe, feed, diaper, dress, and hold a baby, while you practice with a lifelike doll. Also learn parent care - get the truth about "baby blues," recovering from a vaginal or cesarean birth, and more. Plan to take this class in the sixth month of pregnancy or any time if you will be adopting a baby. It's for new parents, grandparents, adoptive parents, or other caregivers. $35 per couple. See the upcoming schedule and register online now.

Prenatal Yoga

Yoga can help you prepare physically, mentally and emotionally for giving birth and becoming a mother. Moms-to-be are led through a wide range of poses adapted for the ever-changing pregnant body, preparing her for labor and motherhood, as well as helping to alleviate some of the associated discomforts of pregnancy. You may sign up for one class at $12, or choose to buy a pass; $60 for a six class pass; $110 for a twelve class pass. Class pass expires six months from date of purchase. Classes held at Destination Maternity. See the upcoming schedule and register online now.

Strong Mamas

This pregnancy exercise class is designed to focus on preparing your body for the changes of pregnancy, labor and delivery. This cardio and strength training routine will help improve energy level, attitude and self image. You may sign up for one class at $12, or choose to buy a pass; $60 for a six class pass; $110 for a twelve class pass. Class pass expires six months from date of purchase. Classes held at Destination Maternity. See the upcoming schedule and register online now.

Doulas and Comfort Measures for Labor

What is a doula? How can a doula help me and my partner have a better birth experience? How can I be more comfortable during labor? This class focuses on a doula's role, benefits of working with a doula, creating a positive birth environment, positions for labor and hands-on comfort measures. This class is free, pre-registration required. See the upcoming schedule and register online now.

Woman's Hospital Resources:

Prenatal Massage

Fitness Club Training

The Spa Services

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Health Articles:

The Third Trimester Prenatal visits during the third trimester: During the second and third trimester prenatal visits, your physician may check the following, depending on your current medical condition and the... more

Meet the Pediatrician Questions to Ask a PediatricianParents can use the following questions to help select the right pediatrician for their child:How soon after birth will the pediatrician see your baby?Can parents be pre... more

Nonstress Testing What is a nonstress test? A nonstress test measures the fetal heart rate in response to the fetus’ movements. Generally, the heart rate of a healthy fetus increases when the... more

Getting Ready at Home Preparing for a new baby does not have to be an overwhelming experience. Experienced parents have learned that newborn babies just need some basic items at first — a warm and... more

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More Resources:

Preparing | First Trimester | Second Trimester | Postpartum | Special Needs