3rd Trimester of your Pregnancy – Midwives Lelystad

The 3rd Trimester of Your Pregnancy: A Midwifery Blog Lelystad

As expectant parents in Lelystad you can't wait to meet your baby. The third trimester of your pregnancy is a special time in which preparations for childbirth are central. Midwives Lelystad we understand that this is also a time when many questions arise. That is why we have put together this extensive blog to inform and reassure you as best as possible.

What does the 3rd trimester entail?

The third trimester covers the last three months of your pregnancy, from week 28 until delivery. Most babies are born between week 37 and 42. During this period your baby is growing rapidly and is preparing for birth. Your body is also preparing for delivery and the postpartum period.

Hormonal changes

During the third trimester, your body undergoes important hormonal changes:

• Estradiol strengthens the bond with your baby and can induce nesting urges.
• Relaxin and estrogen ensure that the tissues around your pelvis become more flexible, so that your baby can descend.
• Progesterone goes down, while estrogen and prostaglandin prepare the uterus for labor.

Symptoms during the third trimester

You may experience various pregnancy ailments during this phase, such as:

• Heartburn – Your growing baby is pressing against your stomach.
• Calf cramps and restless legs – Possibly due to a magnesium deficiency.
• Insomnia – Frequent urination and difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position.
• Urinary incontinence – Due to relaxed bladder and pelvic floor muscles.
• Retaining moisture – Often due to weaker blood vessel walls.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome – Painful tingling in your fingers due to fluid retention.

Your baby's development

Your baby grows in the third trimester about 37 cm and 1200 grams to 50 cm and 3500 grams. Important developments are:

• More fat storage, so that your baby stays warm after birth.
• Lungs and other organs continue to mature.
• Brains are undergoing major development – at birth, 60% of the permanent brain connections have already been formed.

Third Trimester Checklist

Good preparation is important. Here are some things you can arrange:

• Buy baby stuff – Use a checklist for efficient shopping.
• Additional ultrasounds? – Discuss with your midwife whether a growth or position scan is necessary.
• Maternity shoot – Ideal period: around 7 months.
• Request maternity package – Make sure you have this in time.
• Select birth announcements – Start around this week 30.
• Raise bed – From week 37 Your bed must be on blocks.
• Packing your flight bag – Make sure this is ready from week 37.
• Birth plan to make – Discuss your wishes around week 36 with your midwife.
• Preparing for the maternity period – Freeze meals and make a maternity plan.
• Take a breastfeeding course – Prepare for breastfeeding.
• Check insurance – Think about your health, car and home contents insurance.
• Still on a babymoon – Enjoy a short holiday with your partner.

What you should avoid

There are also things you should not do during this period:

• Focusing too much on the due date – Only 4-5% of babies are born on this exact day.
• Read horror stories about giving birth – This can cause unnecessary stress.
• Being scared of contractions – These can be purchased from week 30 prevent.
• Sitting or standing still for a long time – This increases the risk of varicose veins, so keep moving.
• Wearing high heels – This affects your pelvic position and can cause complaints.
• Overplanning your schedule – Rest is important in this phase.
• Getting a cold sore – A first infection in the last six weeks of your pregnancy can be dangerous for your baby.

The “fourth trimester”

After birth it begins fourth trimester – the first three months of your baby’s life. During this period, a calm, safe environment is important. Babies need a lot of skin-to-skin contact and can suffer from colic because their digestive system is not yet fully developed.

Midwives Lelystad: Your support during pregnancy

Bee Midwives Lelystad we are here to support you and your partner during the third trimester and beyond. We offer personal guidance, information and practical tips to prepare you as best as possible for the arrival of your child. We understand that every pregnancy is unique and tailor our care to your individual needs.

Want to know more or make an appointment? Contact us for an introductory meeting!

Stay informed!

Follow us on social media for the latest news and a look behind the scenes at Midwives Lelystad. Discover valuable tips for expectant parents and inspiring real-life stories. Click on the buttons below and stay connected with our warm and knowledgeable team!

Take care of yourself and your little one!

With kind regards,

Midwives Lelystad
Address: Badweg 21, 8223 PA Lelystad
Telephone: 06 53 65 91 91