Pregnancy Calendar - The Third Trimester
A Week by Week Guide for the 3rd and Final Stage of Pregnancy
Oct 6, 2009
As the final stretch approaches in the third trimester of pregnancy, excitement grows with the anticipation of meeting the new baby. Much has changed from the first and second trimesters. The following pregnancy calendar briefly outlines all the changes happening to both mother and baby throughout the last phase of pregnancy in a week by week format.
Week 28
The baby's head may be sitting on the sciatic nerve, causing pain and discomfort. The sciatic nerve runs through the lower back, bum and legs. Changing positions may alleviate this discomfort.
The folds and grooves of the baby's brain continue to develop. Layers of fat are accumulating under the skin, and hair continues to grow.
Week 29
Coming up with a birth plan prior to labor is a good idea in preparation for labor and childbirth. A birth plan should include a list of options, including things such as: epidural or natural childbirth, obstetrician or doula, home birth or hospital birth, and so forth.
The baby can be quite active. The movements are much more prominent and display themselves as kicks and punches. The baby should move at least 10 times in an hour or two. Any less may be cause to speak with a health care practitioner.
Week 30
By the 5th month on the pregnancy calendar, it is recommended for pregnant women to lay on their side as opposed to their back. Since the baby and uterus are getting heavier, laying flat on the back will put pressure on the vena cava, which runs slightly down the center of the back. This could potentially obstruct blood flow to organs and extremities.
The baby is preparing for respiration after birth. As such, he or she will mimic breathing movements by repeatedly moving the diaphragm.
Week 31
Belly aches are a possibility as the uterus stretches. Shortness of breath also continues to be a symptom as the uterus and baby grow.
The baby should be urinating several times a day into the amniotic fluid. He or she is also swallowing this amniotic fluid. However, this amniotic fluid is also replaced several times a day.
Week 32
It is expected that all prenatal visits will include monitoring of blood pressure, urine testing, and watching for any signs of preeclampsia. This condition causes sudden high blood pressure and protein in the urine, and is very dangerous.
The eyelashes, eyebrows, and hair on the baby's head are quite noticeable. Although most of the lanugo hair is falling off, some may remain on the baby at birth.
Week 33
Swollen hands, feet and ankles are unpleasant, yet common side-effects. It is important to ensure that this swelling does not develop into preeclampsia.
The baby’s eyes can actually detect light, and the pupils can constrict and dilate in response to light. He or she is sleeping much of the time. The lungs are almost completely matured.
Week 34
Fatigue is quite common by this point on the pregnancy calendar, as is difficulty sleeping. Vision may seem less sharp, and a decrease in tear production can leave the eyes dry and irritated.
The baby will most likely be in the position he or she will be in for delivery. The ideal position would be head-down. If the baby is positioned bum-down, this is referred to as the 'breech' position. Most breech babies are delivered via c-section.
Week 35
Keeping the pelvic floor muscles strong will help with delivery, and will decrease the chances of postpartum incontinence after childbirth. 'Kegel' exercises work best at keeping these muscles strong. These are done by contracting and relaxing the muscles that are used to stop the flow of urine when using the bathroom.
This week marks a period of the baby's most rapid weight gain. He or she can gain between 8 to 12 ounces each week from this point on.
Week 36
Starting this week, doctors appointments will be as frequent as once a week. The doctor will check for cervical effacement (thinning of the cervix) or dilation (opening of the cervix). The baby may also 'drop' into the pelvic region some time this week.
To help the baby's head pass through the birth canal, the bones that make up the skull can move and overlap each other. This is called 'molding', and can be attributed to pointy or misshaped heads after birth. This is temporary, as the baby's head will gradually go back to a rounded shape.
Week 37
Any time now, the mucous plug (or 'bloody show') that sealed off the uterus from infection may come unplugged. The mucous plug is a yellowish, sticky substance tinged with blood that can be lost a few days or hours before labor begins.
The baby is considered full-term this week, yet still continues to grow. He or she continues to gain about half an ounce a day.
Week 38
Bathroom trips may become even more frequent. The baby continues to engage into the pelvis, causing him or her to sit on the bladder.
Waste material has been accumulating in the baby's intestines. This will excrete itself as 'meconium', which is a black-coloured material that will be part of the newborn's first couple of bowel movements.
Week 39
Labor can start any day now. It's important to distinguish between true labor and 'false labor' contractions. True labor is associated with regular contractions that gradually occur closer and closer together.
The baby is supplied with all the antibodies he or she needs to help the immune system fight infection for the first 6-12 months of life. These antibodies have been supplied through the placenta from the mother.
Week 40
This week officially marks the end of the pregnancy, even though it may continue for another week or two. If the pregnancy continues past the 41 or 42 week mark, induction may be required.
The baby is ready to meet the world. Although the due date has been anxiously anticipated, only about 5% of women deliver on their estimated due dates.
For more in-depth information about each week of pregnancy, visit: Complete Pregnancy Guide's Weekly Pregnancy Calendar.
References:
1. Curtis, Glade B., MD, OB/GYN, Your Pregnancy Week by Week, 1997
2. Eisenberg et al, What to Expect When You're Expecting, 1991
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