You’re in the final stretch, mama. Your third trimester begins from week 29 to week 40 – or birth! Your baby is still growing, from the size of an aubergine to a pumpkin. You’re going to be feeling tired, so the key thing is to rest as much as you can. There’s a lot to be thinking about during trimester three; you’ll have more check-ins with your midwife, making sure everything is on track and keeping an eye on both you and baby’s health. The countdown is on and it’s time to prepare for your baby’s arrival!
Here are our top 5 tips for getting through the third trimester...1. Sleep on your side
Recent research has found that sleeping on your back during late pregnancy is a high risk factor in causing stillbirth. So whether it’s a daytime nap or at night, you need to make sure that as you fall asleep, you are on your side. Don’t worry if you wake up on your back in the middle of the night! Just check your position and roll back to your side. Prop some pillows behind you to help keep you in the same position. Certain studies have suggested that sleeping on your left side is most beneficial, as it eases pressure on your liver and helps blood circulation.
2. Eat healthy
This is an obvious tip – but it needs saying all the same. What you eat has a direct impact on your baby’s health, did you know that they can even inherit certain taste preferences? So eat plenty of veggies now if you want to try and avoid arguments with them at the dinner table when they’re 7 years old! The best advice is to eat the rainbow; get as much fruit and veg as possible and pick things that have plenty of iron like leafy greens and lean meat. A glass of orange juice every morning is a great way to get Vitamin C and help your body efficiently absorb the iron. Have a look at our expert guide to all things pregnancy nutrition for more tips!
3. Put together a hospital bag.
You never know when baby is going to arrive, so try and be prepared as possible well before your due date. Even if you’ve not planned for a hospital birth, you never know what might happen so plan for the unexpected. From toiletries to extra clothes, we’ve put together a full list of everything you’ll need here!
4. Indulge in a little mama-time.
We’re not saying that you won’t have any time once baby arrives, but it is going to complicate things, so make the most of your spare time! Whether you’re working right up until your due date or you’ve taken pre-bay maternity leave, take some time for yourself. Whether it’s something small like getting your hair cut or going on a little babymoon, make the most of your pre-baby life because a lot is going to change! And give your skin a helping hand with our range of pampering treats expertly developed to protect and nourish.
5. Know your body and baby.
Now you’ve carried your baby for nearly nine months, you’ll know its routine and patterns for movement. If you notice anything different, always contact your midwife or doctor straight away. You should also know your own body pretty well by now, so if something seems off don’t hesitate to get advice if only to put your mind at ease. Be aware of the symptoms for pre-eclampsia such as blurred vision, nausea or severe headaches, which can happen from week 20 but often occurs during the third trimester. And then there’s Braxton Hicks contractions, where the muscles of your womb will contract and tighten from time to time and you’ll feel like you might be going into labour. Try and get used to them and take note of how they feel, as it will help you to know the difference when you do actually go into labour.
Finally, well done! You and your body have been through a lot and now the real journey is about to begin…
The Third Trimester EditYou did it Mama! Explore our guide to your Fourth Trimester, here!
