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As your pregnancy approaches the end there are still a few more symptom plagued months to go. Each woman is unique and each pregnancy is unique so it goes without saying that no two pregnancies are exactly alike. Even with textbook pregnancies there are always a few differences. Your doctor will likely talk to you about you can expect given your specific situation, prior symptoms, and any special difficulties you may in your pregnancy.
It is always helpful though to have some idea about what you may be able to expect as your third trimester approaches, or whether the things you are currently experiences are “normal”. Here are a few of the common complaints of women in their third trimester.
Braxton Hicks contractions: These are contractions that are basically your body’s way of warming up for the real thing. You will notice a tightening of your belly and uterine muscles, designed to get those muscles ready for what will come during real labor. Typically you will start experiencing Braxton Hicks around the 28th to 30th week of your pregnancy. If you are concerned about the contractions you are feeling or they appear to increase with frequency and rhythm be sure to call your doctor immediately.
Pain in your back, pelvis, and hips: As the baby grows and as your body continues to get itself ready for the baby’s delivery you will notice pains in your back, pelvis, and hips. The growing baby is putting more and more pressure on your back causing an increase in the back pain many women experience throughout pregnancy. Your pelvic region is changing in preparation of the birth which inevitably causes pain in the hips and pelvis. Try sleep positions and exercises that help alleviate the pain and discomfort.
Heartburn: The hormones of pregnancy cause the digestive system to slow down, which results in an increased occurrence of heartburn. Doctors recommend that you eat several smaller meals throughout the day instead of the typical 3 large meals. They also recommend that you avoid eating close to bedtime and when you do go to bed that you prop yourself up on pillows as this helps alleviate heartburn.
Difficulty sleeping: As your body grows and changes you will inevitably become more uncomfortable, which certainly won’t help you sleep. Also, you will find that you have to get up several times a night to use the “little girl’s” room. Not to mention the baby moving throughout the night since he is not in a normal wake/sleep cycle. Be sure to get as much sleep as you can. You may find you need to take little naps during the day to help compensate for the lack of sleep at night.
Again, these are just a few of the common complaints of women in the third trimester, a few of the things you have to look forward to.
As with anything during pregnancy, if you are concerned about something you are experiencing talk to your doctor. If anything is bothering you or seems abnormal be sure to call your doctor so you can be checked out and you can discuss your concerns with your doctor.
What symptoms and complaints did you have during your third trimester? Anything in particular that really bothered you?
A premature birth is a birth that occurs prior to the 37th week of pregnancy. Little is known about what causes preterm labor, however doctors and researchers have identified many risk factors associated with an increased chance of a premature birth. Identifying any potential risk factors you may have and educating yourself about what you can do to help prevent your pregnancy from ending in preterm labor are very important. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors and what you should do throughout your pregnancy to help it go full term.
A few of the common risk factors associated with premature births include:
- Being pregnant with multiples. The greater the number of fetuses you are carrying the earlier you are likely to deliver.
- If you have had a previous preterm birth you are more likely to have a subsequent preterm birth.
- The existence of uterine or cervical abnormalities puts you are an increased risk of premature labor.
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding after your 20th week of pregnancy is a common risk factor, your doctor will likely monitor your pregnancy closely if this unexplained bleeding occurs.
- If you are underweight or overweight going into the pregnancy your have an increased chance of delivering prematurely. Your weight gain during pregnancy can also have an impact.
- A short time between pregnancies, less than 6-9 months can increase your odds of delivering prematurely.
- If the pregnancy is the result of IVF (in vitro fertilization).
- A lack of prenatal care during your pregnancy definitely increases the chances that your baby will be born prematurely.
- If you consumed alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs during your pregnancy.
- Long working hours, particularly if you are standing a lot and high levels of stress at work or home can contribute.
There are many factors that may put you at greater risk of delivering prematurely, however, there is little known about what actually causes the preterm labor. If you have any of the risk factors be sure to discuss them with your doctor and determine what you can do to decrease your odds of experiencing preterm labor.
For information on signs of labor see my recent article, Early Signs of Labor.
During the second trimester you will typically see your healthcare provider every four weeks, unless your pregnancy is high risk or complications are identified resulting in more frequent visits.
This is an exciting time in your pregnancy. You are likely over all the annoying first trimester symptoms like morning sickness and are now just enjoying the calm of the second trimester. Sometime during the second trimester you will feel your baby move for the first time, it doesn’t get more exciting than that!! Your prenatal visits, provided your pregnancy is low risk will be fairly routine, and not that much different than your visits during the first trimester.
So just what can you expect to happen at those prenatal visits during the second trimester?
- Your doctor or midwife will likely start each visit by reviewing your chart and following up on any issues that were brought up at previous visits.
- A big part of every prenatal visit is determining what changes you have noticed and if any new issues have come up. It is important to tell you healthcare provider about anything you are concerned about or any issues that have come up so they can be addressed.
- At each prenatal visit you will be weighed. Your healthcare provider will want to make sure you are gaining enough weight yet not gaining too much, and that your weigh gain pattern is normal. If you weight gain is off in either direction your doctor will address this with you and give you suggestions on how to keep your weight gain within the normal range.
- Your urine will be screened for indication of a urinary tract infection, protein (which is an indication of preeclampsia), and traces of sugar. The purpose of these screens is to identify potential issues and complications early so they can be addressed.
- At each visit your blood pressure will be taken. Your doctor will compare your blood pressure at each visit to your baseline blood pressure (your blood pressure at your visit prenatal visit) and to the results from your last visit to ensure your blood pressure is normal and that you are not showing signs of pregnancy induced high blood pressure.
- Probably one of most exciting parts of the prenatal visit (for mom and dad anyway) will be listening to the baby’s heartbeat. This will be part of every visit once the heartbeat is heard for the first time around week 10-12.
- Your healthcare provider will also examine your belly. The doctor will feel around to get an idea of the size and position of your uterus. Starting about half way through the pregnancy a tape measure will be used to measure your fundal height (the distance between your pubic bone and the top of your uterus). This is done to ensure that your uterus is growing within the normal range for how far along you are.
- The visit will typically end with an opportunity for you to ask questions, bring up concerns, and discuss what to expect at your next visit.
Of course each doctor and midwife is different so no two visits will be exactly the same. Be sure to ask your doctor any questions you may have, some women find it helpful to write down questions that come up between visits and take those with them. If you have any concerns that cannot wait until your next visit don’t be afraid to call your doctor’s office.
I am involved in two great carnivals this week. Both had a ton of submissions. When you have some time I invite you to stop by and read through some of the wonderful articles.
First up is the Carnival of Family Life hosted by An Island Life. This week’s edition of the carnival included 44 submissions, including my article on the UNICEF study on child well-being. I did read through all the submissions and they are all really good. I did have a few favorites though, including:
- The Frugal Duchess’ post on whether her pre-teens should be allowed to have cell phones. She is asking for advice so if you have any be sure to leave a comment.
- Be A Good Dad has a great post on dealing with his stubborn daughter.
- Ksuccess has a wonderful article about 10 priceless gifts you can give your children. It is definitely worth a read.
- Little Mummy has some tips on who new moms can save some money when it comes to buying things for their new little bundle of joy.
- Green SAHM has some wonderful suggestions on things stay at home moms, and really any one, can do to help the environment.
Anyway, I could probably go on and on, but those were just a few of the ones I really enjoyed.
Plus, I am also participating this week’s edition of the Carnival of Education hosted by History is Elementary. There were over 50 submissions, including my article on finding the right preschool. You’ll find article on every topic imaginable related to education, the one’s about the teacher’s perspective on things are always my favorites.
And, if a you have a few minutes left over and you are looking for a way to brighten you day, my good friend Dan, over at A1 Great has some adorable videos of laughing babies (who doesn’t love a laughing baby!!).
Enjoy.
Yoga has seen a significant rise in popularity over the years. It goes beyond exercise to become a way of life for many people. The breathing exercises, strength training, balance, and stretching compliment each other to give you a very well-rounded exercise routine. Yoga can be an excellent way to add a little exercise to your routine during pregnancy. It is an excellent way to tone your muscles, increase your stamina, and prepare your mind and body for labor.
There are many different types of yoga, and depending on what you are looking for there is bound to me a style just right for you. Here are a few common styles of yoga.
Hatha: is a mellow form of yoga that focuses on simple poses done a comfortable pace. This is a perfect style for beginners and those who haven’t exercised in a while.
Kripalu: is a spontaneous, fluid, meditation-oriented form of yoga. It is designed to allow the student to gain better knowledge of the relationship between mind and body.
Viniyoga: is a slow paced, individualized style of yoga. The focus is on strength, balance and healing.
Sivananda: is the world’s largest school of yoga. This style consists of 12 poses that incorporate breathing, relaxation, and mantra chanting.
No matter what style of yoga you think is ideal for you be sure to look for a class led by an instructor who specializes in prenatal yoga. You can also enjoy yoga in the comfort of your home. There are many prenatal books and videos you can purchase.
As with any exercise program there are certain precautions you should take when practicing yoga during pregnancy. Avoid poses that require you to lay on your back or belly. Inverted poses should be limited to early in pregnancy as the increased pressure on your lungs later in pregnancy will make it difficult to breath. Do not push or pull yourself into a pose too far, you are more flexible during pregnancy and you may overstretch your muscles or ligaments. Avoid deep twists from the belly. Also, any pose that requires you to hold your breath for any length of time should be skipped. The key is to keep it safe and don’t do anything that makes you uncomfortable.
Before starting any exercise program, be sure to talk with you prenatal caregiver. Discuss what forms of exercise are ok, what you should avoid, and what signs you should look for that may indicate a problem.
Some helpful websites: