Navigating the Third Trimester: Preparing for Your Baby's Arrival with Confidence

Are you ready for the final phase of your pregnancy journey? Join me, Carey, as we navigate the third trimester and uncover what lies ahead in today's episode of Parenting Powerhouse by Parenting Genie. From your baby's rapid development to the physical and emotional changes you'll experience, I provide insights and practical tips to help you tackle these last few weeks with confidence. Learn how to manage common symptoms like back pain, shortness of breath, and swelling, and discover the best sleep positions for maximum comfort. 

Feeling both excited and anxious as you prepare for your baby's arrival is completely normal, and this episode is here to support you every step of the way. We'll discuss the importance of frequent prenatal checkups, finalizing your birth plan, and setting up the nursery. Plus, get the lowdown on signs that your baby is getting ready to make their grand entrance, such as dropping into your pelvis. Tune in for an informative and reassuring conversation designed to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to embrace this transformative time.

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Transcript

Carey Donohoe: 0:02

Hi everyone. Today's podcast is titled Third Trimester what to Expect? Welcome back to Parenting Powerhouse by Parenting Genie. I'm your host,Carey, and today we're diving into what you can expect during the third trimester of your pregnancy. You've made it to the home stretch, week 28, through to birth. It's an exciting time, but also brings new changes and challenges as you prepare to meet your baby. So let's explore what you might experience during this final phase of your pregnancy journey.

Carey Donohoe: 0:36

First, let's talk about your baby's development During the third trimester. Your baby is growing rapidly, gaining weight and fine-tuning their organs to prepare for life outside of the womb. By this stage, your baby's lungs are developing, their brain is growing quickly and their senses, like hearing and sight, are becoming more attuned. You'll likely feel lots of movement and as space gets tighter in the, these kicks and rolls might feel a lot stronger. As exciting as this is, the third trimester also brings about some physical changes for you. One of the most noticeable will be your belly. As your baby grows, you may start to feel more uncomfortable due to the size and weight of your belly. Shortness of breath is common because your growing uterus pushes up against your diaphragm, making it a little harder to take deep breaths, sleep may become more challenging. Finding a comfortable position can be tricky, mainly if you're used to sleeping on your back or stomach by now. Sleeping on your side is the safest position, particularly on your left side, which promotes better blood flow to your baby. To get more comfortable, you might need to surround yourself with extra pillows for support, especially between your knees and under your belly, and don't be surprised if you make more trips to the bathroom overnight. Your baby's weight puts extra pressure on your bladder. You may also experience new aches and pains during this trimester. Back pain, which we discussed in our last episode, can intensify as your belly grows and your centre of gravity shifts. On top of that, your hips and pelvis may start to feel sore as your body releases hormones to prepare for labour. These hormones help loosen the ligaments in your pelvis, which can lead to discomfort, but are necessary for childbirth.

Carey Donohoe: 2:35

Swelling is another common symptom during the third trimester, particularly in your feet and ankles. This is partly due to the extra blood and fluid your body produces to support your baby. Elevating your feet when possible and staying hydrated can help minimise the swelling. Be sure to mention any sudden or severe swelling to your healthcare provider, as this could be a sign of a more severe condition like preeclampsia. You might also start feeling Braxton Hicks contractions, sometimes referred to as practice contractions. These contractions are usually painless and irregular and help your body prepare for labour. They're nothing to worry about unless they become regular, more substantial and more painful, in which case you should contact your healthcare provider to rule out pre-term labour.

Carey Donohoe: 3:30

Let's talk about appetite. You may notice that your appetite increases as your baby demands more nutrients to support their rapid growth. However, you might also experience heartburn and indigestion, which are common in the third trimester, as your baby takes up more space pushing up against your stomach. Eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding spicy or greasy foods can help reduce these uncomfortable symptoms.

Carey Donohoe: 4:02

Emotionally, you may be feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety as your due date approaches. These feelings are entirely normal. You're preparing for one of the most significant transitions in your life, and it's okay to have a wide range of emotions. Don't hesitate to share your feelings with your partner or support network. Sometimes, just talking about it can make all the difference.

Carey Donohoe: 4:29

This trimester is also a time for final preparations. You'll likely have more frequent prenatal checkups to monitor your health and your baby's progress. This is also a perfect time to finalise your birth plan, pack your hospital bag and set up the nursery, if you haven't done so already. These tasks can help you feel more prepared and at ease as you enter the final weeks of pregnancy. As you get closer to your due date, you might notice that your baby starts to drop or descend into your pelvis in preparation for birth. This process is called lightening, and while it may make breathing a bit easier, since your baby is no longer pressing up against your lungs, it can also increase the pressure in your bladder and pelvic area, which might make you feel like you have to go to the bathroom even more frequently.

Carey Donohoe: 5:26

Remember, every pregnancy is unique. It's essential to listen to your body and trust your instincts. If anything feels off or you have any concerns, don't hesitate to contact your healthcare provider. They support you and help ensure that you and your baby are as healthy as possible. Today's episode on what to expect during the third trimester concludes. I hope this information helps you feel more prepared as you enter the final stretch of your pregnancy. In our next episode, we'll explore the basics of newborn care, covering everything from nappy changes to feeding routines. And don't forget, if you have any questions or concerns during your pregnancy. Parenting Genie is here to help. We offer Parenting Live Expert 24-7 services where you can connect instantly with a maternal child health nurse for real-time advice and support, whether it's a question about pregnancy, newborn care or anything in between, we've got you covered. For more tips and insights, visit our website at parentinggeniecomau. We also have Genie Chat for instant parenting answers from pregnancy to raising a five-year-old. Until next time, take care of yourself and enjoy those final weeks of pregnancy.