THIRD TRIMESTER:
Week 28 to 33
You:
Pregnancy might feel great at this point, or it may start to be tough, in particular if you are experiencing back or pelvic pain. Talk to your midwife about what may help with this, but you may find a support belt useful and being in water can also be a great relief as the water takes the weight. You may also notice more stretch marks during this time or possibly the âlinea nigraâ, a darker vertical line that runs across your bump. You might also feel âbraxton hicksâ from this time onwards â these are gentle tightenings in your bump which are your uterus âpracticingâ contractions.
Your baby: In these weeks itâs butternut squash to pineapple but as Iâve said, donât get too panicked by the fruit analogies, itâs a baby you are growing in there, not a greengrocers! Your little one will now, often noticeably, respond to sound and by around 31 weeks, they can recognise familiar voices. As they continue to move and kick you may even see the outline of their hands and feet through your bump. A great moment to catch on film if you have your phone handy.
Key scans / tests etc: You will be offered another routine midwife appointment at 28 weeks, and again at 31 weeks for first time mums. These are opportunities for the midwife to check your blood pressure, urine and fundal height (thatâs measuring your bump) and to âlisten inâ to your babyâs heartbeat. They are hopefully also an opportunity to get to know your midwife, in particular if you will be attended by her in labour. This way of working is called âcontinuity of careâ and has been shown by research to be the safest and most likely to lead to a positive birth. Ask your midwife if itâs possible for you to have this type of care.
NOW IS THE TIME TOâŚ
Get Ready!
Get all the practical stuff done during these weeks so that you can relax and enjoy the last weekâs of pregnancy, stress free. If youâre birthing away from home, get that bag packed with essential supplies, and for a home birth, get your birth pool hired and try it out. Stock up on baby supplies too, but remember, you donât need to much âstuffâ as they grow fast and only really care about one thing â being in your arms â and thatâs free!
Explore other weeks of pregnancy: