Pregnancy Shopping List Third Trimester

In the 3rd trimester, the baby continues to increase in size and weight. It is now viable if it is born prematurely, although every additional week in the womb until the due date is better for its development. For the expectant mother, pregnancy now becomes increasingly burdensome.

Complaints in the last trimester of pregnancy

In the last trimester, the belly really puts on weight and probably makes everyday life difficult for you. It often gets in the way – whether you’re tying your shoes or sleeping. Many pregnant women find it most comfortable now to sleep on their side, one knee bent, the other stretched out. A pillow or breastfeeding pillow can help you assume a comfortable position. Allow yourself plenty of rest now.

The bigger the belly gets, the more complaints like back pain and water retention increase. Heat and massages and exercises help against back pain: Swimming, water gymnastics, and yoga can do good. Also, make sure you wear the right shoes: flat heels and soft soles relieve you. You should avoid standing for long periods of time.

Exercise prevents water retention. Compression stockings help against such edema, as does elevate the legs. Draining medicines and teas should not be used during pregnancy. Ask your doctor about this.

If your symptoms are severe, you can ask your doctor to refer you for physical therapy.

But this time also brings relief: toward the end of pregnancy, the uterus sinks deeper into the pelvis and no longer presses so hard on the diaphragm and stomach. Heartburn and shortness of breath subside.

The baby turns

About four weeks before birth, the baby turns into the right position with its head down toward the birth canal. If this does not happen, many pregnant women worry.

However, most babies still make up for this turning. In only about five percent of cases does the baby not turn at all and remains in the breech presentation. The doctor can then try to turn the baby from the outside.

If this does not succeed, vaginal birth is still possible in some clinics if there are no special risks. Otherwise, the child must be born by cesarean section.

Fear of the birth?

Especially if it is the first pregnancy, many pregnant women worry about the soon-approaching birth and the associated pain. Those who have already had bad experiences during birth are understandably also not completely relaxed about the event.

Such fears are normal. You should not be ashamed of them. Talk about it openly, with your doctor or your partner, for example.

In a childbirth preparation course, you can learn techniques for actively counteracting the pain during childbirth with breathing and relaxation exercises, and find out what options there are for pain relief.

If your fears are too great, don’t be afraid to seek help in time.

Preparation for the birth

You can use the waiting time before the birth to make preparations for the birth and the time after.

Do you already know where the baby will be born? If you want to give birth in a clinic, it is good to choose the hospital beforehand and register there beforehand. This way, the doctors and midwives will know if there are any risks and what your wishes are.

Pack your hospital bag well in advance of your due date. This will help you avoid getting into a hectic situation when the time comes. You can also prepare organizational matters well now.

According to studies, perineal massages help reduce the risk of perineal tears and the need for perineal incisions. To do this, you massage the area between the anus and vagina with a natural oil once a week.