What changes occur during the third trimester of pregnancy?
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Dr. Hilda Hutcherson of Good In Bed answered:In your third trimester of pregnancy, you can expect the following changes:
• Your body will get larger, making sex more awkward.
• Fatigue, back pain, breast leakage, and hemorrhoids can all make you feel uncomfortable and unsexy.
• Your vagina may swell as the baby’s head drops and you may feel pressure in the area.
• You may experience some pink spotting after intercourse because of this swelling. While this is usually not a problem, you should contact your healthcare practitioner if it occurs.
• Orgasms may become more elusive.
In your third trimester of pregnancy, you can expect the following changes: • Your body will get larger, making sex more awkward. • Fatigue, back pain, breast leakage, and hemorrhoids can all make you feel... More -
Riverside Health System answered:You're in the home stretch! Some of the same discomforts you had in your second trimester will continue. Plus, many women find breathing difficult and notice they have to go to the bathroom even more often. This is because the baby is getting bigger and it is putting more pressure on your organs. Don't worry, your baby is fine and these problems will lessen once you give birth.
Some new body changes you might notice in the third trimester (week 29-week 40) include:
* Shortness of breath
* Heartburn
* Swelling of the ankles, fingers, and face. (If you notice any sudden or extreme swelling or if you gain a lot of weight really quickly, call your doctor right away. This could be a sign of preeclampsia.)
* Hemorrhoids
* Tender breasts, which may leak a watery pre-milk called colostrum (kuh-LOSS-struhm)
* Your belly button may stick out
* Trouble sleeping
* The baby "dropping", or moving lower in your abdomen
* Contractions, which can be a sign of real or false labor
As you near your due date, your cervix becomes thinner and softer (called effacing). This is a normal, natural process that helps the birth canal (vagina) to open during the birthing process. Your doctor will check your progress with a vaginal exam as you near your due date. Get excited — the final countdown has begun!
This answer is based on source information from the National Women's Health Information Center.You're in the home stretch! Some of the same discomforts you had in your second trimester will continue. Plus, many women find breathing difficult and notice they have to go to the bathroom even more often. This is because the baby is getting bigger... More -
Boston Women's Health Book Collective answered:In the third trimester, your baby is growing a tremendous amount. Your belly and for some of us, other body parts, too will be getting very big.
Your growing belly may elicit comments from well-meaning others who have opinions about your size relative to other pregnant women.
Many people like to touch big pregnant bellies, and sometimes they do so without asking permission. Most of the time, people's intentions are loving and they are reaching out toward your belly because seeing it has brought them joy. However, it is your body and you have the right to decide who can touch it. Women have very different feelings about this.
Your baby's movements become stronger as well. You may feel full-body movements as opposed to the flutters of the second trimester. You may also be able to distinguish body parts. Your partner or others will be able to feel the baby move if they can catch the right moment.
The increased size and weight of the baby can bring about other changes as well. You may feel the baby's head on your pubic bone or bladder (leading to increased frequency of urination). As your ligaments loosen in preparation for birth, you may also experience backaches and pain with walking.
In the third trimester, your baby is growing a tremendous amount. Your belly and for some of us, other body parts, too will be getting very big. Your growing belly may elicit comments from well-meaning others who have opinions about your size... More
