Some of the same discomforts you had in your second trimester will continue. Plus, many women find breathing even more difficult and notice they have to go to the bathroom even more often. This is because the baby is getting bigger and it is putting more pressure on your organs. Don’t worry, your baby is fine and these problems will lessen once you give birth.

The following aches and pains often appear for the first time during the third trimester:

Heartburn

Swelling of the ankles, fingers, and face. If you notice any sudden or extreme swelling or if you gain a lot of weight really quickly, call your doctor right away. This could be a sign of preeclampsia or toxemia.

Hemorrhoids

Tender Breasts

Trouble Sleeping

As you near your due date, your cervix becomes thinner and softer (called effacing). This is a normal, natural process that helps the birth canal (vagina) to open during the birthing process. Your doctor can check your progress with a vaginal exam.

Weight Gain

Everyone gains weight at different rates. On average, it is normal to gain about one pound per week, or three to four pounds per month, during the third trimester. By the end of your pregnancy you should have gained, on average, about 25 to 30 pounds. About 7 1/2 pounds of that weight should be the baby.

Changes in Your Baby

Your baby is still growing and moving, but now it has less room in your uterus. Because of this, you might not feel the kicks and movements as much as you did in the second trimester. During this final stage of your pregnancy, your baby is continuing to grow. Even before your baby is born it will be able to open and close its eyes and might even suck its thumb.

As your body prepares for birth, the baby will start to move into its birth position. You might notice the baby “dropping,” or moving down lower in your abdomen. This can reduce the pressure on your lungs and rib cage, making it easier to breathe.

At birth, the average baby is 20 to 22 inches long and weighs 7 1/2 pounds. But newborns who weigh between 5 pounds, 11 1/2 ounces and 8 pounds, 5 3/4 ounces are considered healthy.

Sleeping in the 3rd Trimester

Your energy may lessen as you enter the ninth month. So you may begin to slow down. This is normal. It’s important to get enough rest now, even though it can be more difficult to sleep as you get larger. The baby’s movements, bathroom runs, and an increase in your body’s metabolism can make sleeping difficult.

As your due date approaches, ask questions and share concerns you have about labor and delivery. You and your doctor will discuss what kind of delivery you will have. Some women need to have a cesarean section (c-section). During a c-section a surgical cut is made in the abdomen and uterus to remove the baby.

If you plan on a non-surgical, vaginal birth, you should talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of pain relief. Some women opt for pain medicines and others want to deliver naturally, without medicine. Many women find childbirth classes very helpful, even if they have already had a baby. Women often bring their partners or a friend or relative to childbirth classes, particularly if this person will be with them during the birth of their baby.

When to Call Your Doctor

Before your due date, make sure to talk with your doctor about how to reach him or her if you go into labor. It’s also helpful to be familiar with the hospital or birthing center, where you should park, and where to check in ahead of time. Know that sometimes you can think you’re in labor, but really are not (called false labor). This happens to many women, so don’t feel embarrassed if you go to the hospital certain that you are in labor, only to be sent home! It’s always better to be seen by a doctor as soon as possible once labor has begun.