Week 29
Third trimester: what to expect
Discover what to expect during the third trimester of pregnancy. Get essential insights and expert care at Pregnancy care at Mediclinic Middle East.
CHANGES IN BABY: WEEKS 29 TO 40
Week 30
BABY IS ABOUT THE SIZE OF A CUCUMBER AND STRONG ENOUGH TO GRASP A FINGER.
Week 31-32
BABY IS ABOUT THE SIZE OF A PINEAPPLE, MOVES MOREAND IS LULLED TO SLEEP BY YOUR MOVEMENTS.
Week 33-34
BABY IS ABOUT THE SIZE OF A BUTTERNUT SQUASH. THE BONES IN THE SKULL ARE NOT FUSED YET AS THEY NEED TO OVERLAP DURING VAGINAL BIRTH.
Week 35
BABY IS ABOUT THE SIZE OF A COCONUT AND HEARING IS FULLY DEVELOPED.
Week 36
BABY IS ABOUT THE SIZE OF A HONEYDEW MELON AND GAINING 227 GRAMS A WEEK. MOVEMENT IS MORE RESTRICTED BUT IMPORTANT TO TAKE NOTE OF.
Week 37-38
BABY IS ABOUT THE SIZE OF A PUMPKIN, FULLY FORMED AND IN THE CORRECT, HEAD DOWN, POSITION READY FOR BIRTH.
Week 39-40
BABY IS ABOUT THE SIZE OF A SMALL WATERMELON. ALTHOUGH NOW READY FOR BIRTH, SOME PREGNANCIES CONTINUE UNTIL 42 WEEKS.
CHECKLIST
BOOK A 3D/4D SCAN
This is usually done between 27 and 32 weeks and will be able to identify the baby’s sex. Sometimes the baby’s position can affect imaging, for example, if the legs are crossed, or where the umbilical cord obscures the genital area.
TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR
By week 39 your baby is ready to be born and should be engaged in the pelvis in the head down position. Some babies do not engage and some pregnancies continue until 42 weeks.
In either case, your healthcare provider will discuss birthing options with you.
Make sure you have discussed your birth plan, chosen your paediatrician and considered family planning options for after the birth.
BE AWARE OF BABY’S MOVEMENTS
Focus on feeling them at least twice a day. Babies are often active after you eat or when you are resting. If you notice a change in your baby’s routine and are concerned that movements are becoming less frequent, don’t hesitate to call the obstetrics unit.
PACK YOUR SUITCASE FOR HOSPITAL
Only five percent of babies are born on schedule. Make sure that you have a packed suitcase ready and that it’s in an easily accessible place.
REGISTER YOUR BABY’S BIRTH
You must register your baby’s birth and apply for the Arabic birth certificate. Speak to a member of staff about how we can help with this process.
START WEARING YOUR FEEDING BRA This will ensure comfort and support and limit stretch marks.
TAKE SOME TIME OUT
Consider organising some special activities with friends, family and your partner, as you will soon be spending most of your time with your newborn.
PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS
- There is no reason you should find sex any less enjoyable and it’s safe till your water breaks or labour starts. Certain positions are more comfortable and pleasurable during pregnancy. Ask your caregiver for advice and discuss any other concerns you may have
- You may experience a strong urge to start preparing your home for baby’s arrival. This is called the ‘nesting instinct’ and some experts believe it may even trigger labour
- Sleeping difficulties are common in the third trimester. Use pillows to support your body and relieve pressure
TIPS AND ADVICE
- If you are experiencing the ‘nesting instinct’ don’t overdo things. Make sure you take time to rest
- If your partner is going to be present at the birth, make sure you are able to contact him at all times and that he has enquired about his company’s policy on paternity leave
- During early labour, drink plenty of liquids like water, apple juice or herbal tea and try to eat something, as you might not be able to eat at the hospital until after the birth
Signs of preterm labour
Preterm labour is labour that begins before 37 weeks. Signs can include:
- Four contractions per hour, which may be painful
- Bleeding
- Increased pelvic pressure or pain in the lower back area
- Bloody mucus discharge or release of the cervical plug or ‘show’
Signs of labour
- Release of the mucus plug or ‘show’
- Contractions which become stronger
- An urge to go to the toilet more often
- Waters breaking, in a gush or stream
Don’t worry if your waters don’t break.
The membrane will rupture naturally during birth, or can be released by your doctor if required.
TIPS AND ADVICE FOR DADS
DURING THE PREGNANCY
- Attend antenatal visits so you can follow your baby’s development and feel more connected to your wife and your baby
- Hormonal changes during and after pregnancy can cause mood swings in mothers-to-be. Listen to your partner and be supportive during these times
- Try to give your partner a little bit of a break from time to time
- Do small things for her e.g. massage her feet at the end of the day, run her bath, help with household chores, etc.
- Suggest and plan opportunities to spend quality time together and discuss feelings and fears
- Compile a ‘baby budget’. Think about getting financial advice and updating your will
CLOSE TO THE DUE DATE
- Make sure your suitcase is packed, as you might have to be at the hospital for a while. Include a change of clothes, book or magazine, some energy sweets, etc.
- Keep your hospital cases together so they’re easy to grab if you need to leave in a hurry
- Remember your cell phone, camera and relevant chargers
- Know the shortest and the fastest route to the hospital and make sure you always have a full tank of petrol
- Reassure your partner that you believe in her and that she will be well cared for in hospital