Introduction to third trimester pregnancy guide
Welcome to the final stretch of your pregnancy journey – the third trimester! This period is a unique blend of excitement, anticipation, and physical changes. In Canada, you're supported by a healthcare system that understands the nuances of this critical phase. Let's embark on a detailed exploration of what these last weeks hold for you and your baby.
Embracing the Third Trimester
In this third trimester pregnancy guide you will learn that as you step into the last trimester, it's a time of rapid growth and preparation. Both you and your baby are getting ready for the big day. The anticipation of meeting your little one is mixed with a range of emotions and physical changes. It's a period of watching, waiting, and, most importantly, nurturing.
Baby’s Development: A Miracle in Progress
28 Weeks: Imagine a small, cozy bowling pin – that's the size of your baby now.
30+ Weeks:Â Your baby is now gaining weight, almost like they're preparing for a big debut.
36 Weeks:Â It's a time of repositioning as your baby gets ready for birth.
39 Weeks:Â Full term now! Your baby is as ready as they'll ever be.
Navigating Pregnancy Symptoms
Braxton Hicks Contractions:Â These are like dress rehearsals for your body, a preparation for the main event.
Breast Changes:Â Your body is gearing up for nurturing your baby post-birth.
Discharge and Spotting:Â A common occurrence, but it's always good to stay vigilant.
Back, Hip, and Pelvic Pain:Â As your body accommodates the growing life within, it's normal to feel these aches.
Shortness of Breath:Â Your baby is claiming their space, but soon, you'll find relief as they move lower.
The Challenge of Sleep
Fatigue:Â It's like your body is telling you to slow down and rest up for the labor ahead.
Insomnia:Â With your mind racing about the future, finding peace can be challenging.
The Joy of Movement: Kick Counts
Feeling your baby move is one of the most exciting parts of this trimester. It's not just a sign of life, but a connection between you and your little one.
Weight Gain: A Healthy Progression
Gaining weight is a positive sign of your baby's growth. Embrace it as a healthy part of this journey.
Your Prenatal Health Care in Manitoba
What's happening during 3rd trimester?
With each pregnancy, you should be immunized with Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccine between 27 and 32 weeks (new recommendation effective October 2018). This protects your newborn baby for the first few months of life.
You may need follow up care if your tests results show you have Rh negative blood and do not have antibodies for Rh factor. Your provider may give you an injection of RhoGAM at 28 weeks of pregnancy. This prevents a serious blood condition from developing in your baby.
You will also receive a vaginal/anal swab to test for Group B Streptococcus (GBS) around 35 to 37 weeks.
GBS is bacteria that are commonly found in the vagina and anus. It is not harmful to you but can be transferred to your baby during delivery and cause a serious infection. If you test positive for GBS, you will receive an intravenous antibiotic during labour.
You will be tested again for sexually transmitted infections.
From 37 weeks until you deliver, you will see your health care provider weekly.
Conclusion
The third trimester is a time of profound transformation and growth. In Manitoba, you're surrounded by a supportive healthcare system and a community that understands and respects the journey of childbirth. Embrace this time with patience and excitement, and prepare to welcome your little one into the world.
Sources
Healthy Parenting Winnipeg
Health Canada Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy
Prenatal care: Second and third trimesters, UpToDate
Maternity Care Pathyway, BC Perinatal Health Program
Update on Prenatal Care, American Family Physician
Prevention of Rh Alloimmunization, Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada
Diabetes and Pregnancy, Diabetes Canada
International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics
Johns Hopkins Medicine
Stanford Medicine Children’s Health
Kaiser Permanente
PLoS One
WebMD
Cleveland Clinic
National Child & Maternal Health Education Program
American Pregnancy Association
Healthline
Medical News Today
Dr. Robyn Horsager-Boehrer, Ob-Gyn
Erica Chidi, doula and health educator
Dr. Stephanie LaFave, MD
Carrie Murphy, certified doula
Dr. Nilong Vyas, MD, pediatrician
The Sleep Foundation
Mayo Clinic
Evaly Long, licensed midwife
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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