Eden Berry

Blog

Optimal Third Trimester Development: What to Expect

August 25, 2023

The third trimester is crucial in the pregnancy journey, signifying the final countdown to welcoming new life. Vital organs mature, including the brain and lungs, preparing the fetus for life beyond the womb in the crucial developmental phase.

During this period, expectant mothers can anticipate an array of changes. The baby will be actively gaining weight, perfecting the sucking reflex, and developing a layer of fat for warmth post-birth. These developments might translate to more pronounced fetal movements, which can be both exciting and sometimes startling for mothers-to-be.

However, it’s not just about marvelling at these wonders. Ensuring optimal growth and health is crucial. Monitoring the baby’s progression through regular ultrasounds and check-ups guarantees timely interventions if any discrepancies arise. This vigilance not only ensures the baby’s well-being but also provides parents with peace of mind as the big day approaches.

Physical Development

During the third trimester of pregnancy, remarkable physical transformations occur as both the fetus and the expectant mother prepare for the approaching birth. This period is marked by notable changes in the body’s structure, size, and functionality, shaping the final stages of the pregnancy journey.

Rapid Growth and Weight Gain

The third trimester speeds the baby’s growth, marking the transition from a tiny fetus to a fully developed infant. From week 28 onward, the fetus gains about 0.5 pounds (227 grams) weekly, summing up the third trimester. By the end of pregnancy, an average baby might weigh approximately 7.5 pounds (3.4 kilograms), although weights can considerably vary. This phase is often when the baby builds fat deposits, which are instrumental for regulating body temperature and providing energy post-birth.

Importance of a balanced diet for the baby’s development: The mother’s nutrition during this phase is quintessential. The baby draws essential nutrients directly from her, thus demanding a diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Calcium aids bones, iron boosts blood cells, and folic acid prevents neural tube issues—essential nutrients’ roles. A balanced diet not only ensures adequate weight gain but also lays the groundwork for the baby’s long-term health.

Development of Organs and Body Systems

The third trimester is much more than just weight gain; it’s when the intricate dance of organ development and system maturation reaches its crescendo.

Maturation of the Lungs and Respiratory System

The lungs are among the last organs to mature in a fetus. Lungs make surfactant in the third trimester, saving air sacs from collapse for the baby’s post-womb breathing. The development of the bronchial tree and the gradual opening of the alveoli allow for air exchange, a process fundamental for survival post-delivery.

Smiling pregnant woman sitting on bed in her bedroom

Formation of the Digestive System and Taste Buds

The digestive system has undergone significant refinement during these last few months. Amniotic fluid is swallowed since the first trimester, third matures the intestines and bowels for the digestion process. Concurrently, the taste buds also develop, allowing the baby to distinguish flavors from the mother’s diet. This early exposure can potentially influence future food preferences.

Strengthening of the Immune System

During the third trimester, the fetus starts to acquire antibodies from the mother, fortifying its immune system. Antibodies grant passive infant immunity until their own immune system strengthens against various pathogens. This protective shield is especially crucial during the first few months of life when the baby is most vulnerable.

Cognitive and Sensory Development

As the third trimester unfolds, the intricacies of fetal development extend beyond the physical realm. Fetus gains cognitive and sensory abilities, exploring and interacting with the environment remarkably on a captivating developmental journey.

Brain Development and Neural Connections

The third trimester brings rapid brain growth, laying the foundation for lifelong cognitive and sensory experiences.

Formation of the Cerebral Cortex and Brain Hemispheres

The cerebral cortex, often considered the ‘thinking part’ of the brain, experiences rapid expansion during the third trimester. This region is responsible for complex cognitive tasks, including decision-making, language, and sensory perceptions. As the fetus grows, the brain’s hemispheres, divided into the left and right, become more distinct. These hemispheres are instrumental in controlling different facets of bodily functions and cognition. For instance, while the left hemisphere typically manages logic and language, the right is often linked with creativity and spatial abilities.

Pregnant Woman Relaxing On Bed At Home Watching Digital Tablet Holding Stomach

Enhancing Cognitive Abilities and Memory

Concurrent with the formation of brain structures is the proliferation of neural connections. These connections, or synapses, are the pathways through which information traverses in the brain. The third trimester sees a surge in the formation of these connections, laying the groundwork for future learning and memory. Studies hint memories form before birth, as babies recall sounds and experiences, sparking early memory development.

Sensory Development and Awareness

As the brain burgeons in complexity, the fetus’s sensory systems begin to awaken, creating bridges between its internal and external worlds.

Development of Hearing and Response to Sound

By the third trimester, the fetus’s auditory system is advanced enough to discern a range of sounds. The constant rhythmic heartbeat of the mother, the muffled cadence of voices, and even music played externally can be perceived by the baby. Early sound exposure isn’t passive; fetuses react with heart rate changes and movements, revealing nascent comprehension.

Improvement in Vision and Light Recognition

While the intrauterine environment is relatively dark, by the third trimester, the fetus begins to distinguish between light and darkness. Fetal vision develops, perceiving light’s glow as retinal structures mature, despite limited clarity in vision. This rudimentary vision prepares the baby for the visual extravaganza it will experience post-birth.

Reacting To Touch and Movement

Perhaps the most tangible of all sensory developments, the sense of touch, is keenly active in the third trimester. The fetus explores its own body and the confines of its uterine home, grasping its fingers, touching its face, and even poking its toes. This active tactile exploration not only aids in physical development but also deepens the fetus’s understanding of itself as a separate entity. Movements like kicks, rolls, and stretches are not just signs of good health but also reflections of the baby’s growing sensory awareness and responsiveness.

Movement and Positioning

The fetus grows active and responsive in the third trimester, highlighting movement and positioning importance within the womb. Discover how these dynamic changes not only indicate the baby’s growth but also play a crucial role in preparing for the upcoming delivery.

Happy eastern man embracing tummy of his pregnant wife, listening baby kicks

Baby’s Movements and Kicks

The third trimester sees the fetus active, turning the womb into playful ground with stretches, swirls, and somersaults.

Increase in Frequency and Strength of Movements

As the baby grows and strengthens, expectant mothers will often notice a distinct uptick in both the frequency and potency of fetal movements. These are not just random flutters anymore; they are robust kicks, jabs, and rolls. This is the baby flexing its developing muscles and testing out its reflexes. Third-trimester movements might visibly distort the mother’s belly due to their strength and intensity. It’s essential for mothers to monitor these movements, as consistent activity is often a reassuring sign of fetal well-being.

Bonding and Communication Through Movement

Beyond their physiological implications, these movements often serve as the earliest form of bonding and communication between mother and baby. Baby’s responses—kicks, swirls, jiggles—to lullabies, meals, and touch, reveal intimate connections as they ‘react’ to stimuli. Many mothers find solace and connection in these movements, often talking, singing, or gently rubbing their bellies in return, fostering a beautiful pre-birth bond.

Positioning of the Baby in the Uterus

The baby’s positioning as it nears the due date is crucial, impacting not just the course of labor but also the mode of delivery.

Head-Down Position for Optimal Delivery

The most common and desirable position for birth is the head-down or vertex position. The Baby’s head aligns with the birth canal, aiding labor passage in this orientation, easing delivery. As the third trimester progresses, most babies will naturally maneuver themselves into this position, preparing for their impending descent.

Human fetus in the womb

Understanding the Different Positions and Their Implications

While the head-down position is optimal, babies can settle in various orientations. A breech position, where the baby’s feet or buttocks are pointed downward, can present challenges for vaginal delivery. Another less common position is the transverse lie, where the baby is oriented side-to-side. These positions can sometimes necessitate a cesarean section or an attempt at repositioning the baby externally. Regular prenatal check-ups and ultrasounds will help healthcare providers monitor the baby’s position and advise on the safest mode of delivery. Nature’s artistry shines as the baby readies within the womb, preparing for its impending birth journey.

Maternal Changes and Symptoms

As the third trimester unfolds, the expectant mother’s body experiences a series of profound changes and symptoms that reflect the final stages of pregnancy. These maternal transformations, ranging from physical adjustments to emotional shifts, create a unique and transformative journey towards welcoming a new life.

Increased Blood Volume and Circulation

The maternal body shifts to sustain life within, with the cardiovascular system undergoing profound changes as pregnancy progresses.

Importance of Proper Hydration and Nutrition for Both the Mother and Baby

By the third trimester, a mother’s blood volume can increase by up to 50% compared to pre-pregnancy levels. Surge provides the fetus with oxygen and nutrients and readies the mother’s body for delivery-associated blood loss simultaneously. With this augmented circulation comes an increased demand for hydration and nutrition. Proper hydration assists in maintaining blood fluidity, preventing clotting complications and aiding efficient nutrient transport. An enriched diet is vital for mother and baby, providing iron against anemia, essential vitamins, and minerals. Nutrition, hydration, and blood volume interplay, underscoring mother-baby symbiosis in this crucial phase of pregnancy.

Common Discomforts and Symptoms during the Third Trimester

Anticipated birth joy mingles with physical discomforts and body readies for labor amidst myriad symptoms.

Woman touching belly while having pain from contraction beginning of labor

Braxton Hicks Contractions and False Labor

Braxton Hicks, non-painful uterine contractions start in the second trimester, and intensify in the third, often termed ‘practice contractions’. These contractions, while sometimes uncomfortable, do not lead to active labor. They are the body’s way of preparing for the real event. However, distinguishing between Braxton Hicks and real labor contractions can be challenging for first-time mothers. A key difference is a regularity and increasing intensity of true labor contractions, while Braxton Hicks remain irregular and don’t intensify over time.

Shortness of Breath and Difficulty Sleeping

As the baby grows, it exerts upward pressure on the diaphragm, leading to a sensation of breathlessness in many expectant mothers. This compression can also contribute to heartburn and indigestion, further complicating sleep patterns. Combined with the burgeoning belly size, finding a comfortable sleeping position becomes a nightly challenge. Using pillows to support the back and legs and sleeping on the left side can often provide relief.

Swelling and Water Retention

Edema, or swelling, particularly in the feet and ankles, is a common complaint during the third trimester. Fluid retention aiding the fetus leads to gravitational fluid accumulation in the lower limbs as the body readies for birth. Mild swelling is normal, excessive hands/face swelling might signal preeclampsia, warranting prompt medical attention. Regular movement, elevation of the legs, and avoiding prolonged standing can help manage typical edema.

Monitoring and Medical Care

Monitoring and medical care become paramount in the third trimester, ensuring the well-being of both the expectant mother and the developing baby. Regular checks, screenings, and expert guidance aid the final trimester, ensuring safe, smooth delivery amidst its complexities.

Regular Prenatal Check-ups and Ultrasounds

In the third trimester, anticipation blends with medical care, safeguarding mother and fetus health through oversight.

Monitoring the Baby’s Growth and Well-Being

Closer due date, prenatal visits increase: every 2 weeks from week 28-36, then weekly till delivery. Visits entail assessing the baby’s growth, uterus size, heartbeat, and mother’s blood pressure by healthcare providers. Ultrasounds, which provide a visual snapshot of the fetus inside the womb, are invaluable tools during this period. Insights from ultrasounds cover growth, fluid, placenta, and positioning, providing a holistic view of fetal wellness.

Doctor comforting pregnant woman in corridor

Identifying Any Potential Complications or Concerns

Regular check-ups and ultrasounds aren’t just about affirming well-being; they are also crucial for detecting potential complications. Issues like low amniotic fluid, placenta previa (where the placenta covers the cervix), or a breech position can be identified. Recognizing these complications early allows for proactive management, be it through medical interventions, lifestyle changes, or planning for specific delivery procedures.

Tests and Screenings During the Third Trimester

The third trimester brings targeted tests beyond check-ups, assessing maternal-fetal health, and spotting issues affecting labor, delivery, and postnatal wellness.

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) Test

GBS, common in adults’ intestines/genital tract, is harmless and usually can endanger newborns if transmitted at birth. Between weeks 35 and 37, most women undergo a simple swab test to determine the presence of GBS. If positive, antibiotics are administered during labor to prevent neonatal infection.

Glucose Screening for Gestational Diabetes

Glucose screening, usually in the second trimester, can be later for high-risk women, detecting gestational diabetes. This condition, marked by elevated blood sugar levels during pregnancy, can lead to larger babies and increased chances of cesarean delivery. Early detection and management through diet, exercise, and, if necessary, medication can help mitigate risks.

Non-Stress Test To Assess the Baby’s Heart Rate and Movement

Conducted after the 28th week, a non-stress test (NST) monitors the baby’s heart rate in relation to its movements. Mothers are connected to a fetal monitor, and any accelerations in the heart rate following movements are noted. A healthy heart rate response is reassuring, indicating adequate oxygen levels. Inconsistent patterns might warrant further investigations.

Conclusion

Navigating the third trimester is akin to the final stretch of an incredible journey packed with anticipation, preparations, and profound transformations. Both the mother and fetus undergo significant changes, with the baby’s development reaching its zenith and the mother’s body gearing up for delivery. From the dance of fetal kicks to vital medical check-ups, this period is a delicate blend of bonding, growth, and vigilance. While challenges may arise, with knowledge comes empowerment. Partnering with healthcare providers and anticipating can ease the transition to parenthood, embracing its beautiful chaos ahead.

Related Articles:

  1. Optimizing Your Birth Plan for VBAC Success
  2. The Vital Role of a Doula in Pregnancy
  3. Empowering Birth: Bradley Method Classes for You

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Articles

more from us