Pregnancy Planning in the Third TrimesterFinally, you're in the third trimester. By now, it probably feels as though you have been pregnant for ever. The good news is that there is not long to go. Unfortunately, the bad news is that the third trimester is probably the hardest one of all. Physically, you will bloom tremendously during the third trimester. You stomach will be stretched until you think it is not possible to grow any more, yet it will continue to grow. You will experience aches and pains throughout the third trimester and you will most likely have trouble sleeping, which could lead to irritableness and mood swings. Don't worry, it's not all bad. The good side of being in the third trimester is that there is less than three months to go before the arrival of your small bundle of joy. You will probably have lived the moment in your mind of when you meet your baby for the first time and hold them in your arms. Yet, in all honesty, nothing can prepare you for the overwhelming sense of joy, love and satisfaction you will experience. It is a completely unique feeling, one that can only be appreciated by other mothers. So with just a few short months of the third trimester left, it is important that you are ahead of your planning and organizing. Although it is unlikely, it is possible that the baby could arrive early. So this means that you should have a pregnancy overnight bag already packed and placed in a sensible place where it will be found in case of emergency. During the last few weeks of the third trimester, start to think as though you could give birth at any time, if you partner is driving you to the hospital, remind them every night to ensure they have enough petrol in their car to get you there. The last point may sound a little trivia compared with giving birth, yet you'd be amazed at just how many women describe how there were lied out across the back seat of the car, buckling to the pains of contractions as their partner filled up with unleaded. We're sure that the birth of the baby will ensure forgiveness, however it is an unnecessary thing to happen if the proper plans were put in place. The other areas to consider during the third trimester are points such as where you would like to have your baby. Most babies are born in hospitals or specialist birthing centers, however you might decide that a home birth is more suitable for you. If you are thinking along these lines, it is very important to discuss it with your medical team as soon as possible. They will help you to make a decision based on whether you had any complications during the pregnancy and how safe the contingency plans are. In summary, we advise all women to take it as easy as possible during the third trimester. We understand that the natural instinct of the "nesting period" will kick in at some point, however it is vitally important not to overdo things now that you've made it this far. Read more of our articles on the third trimester Looking After Yourself in the Third Trimester Read about the other trimesters |