The 3rd trimester
3rd trimester of pregnancy - How a mother feels
During this stage of pregnancy, the fetus reaches the crucial maturity of its lungs and continues to grow in size and weight. Mothers find the constant growth of their belly increasingly exhausting. But relief is in sight: with the onset of contractions, the baby moves deeper into the pelvis, creating more space for the diaphragm and stomach.
Contents
- The 3rd trimester: when does it start?
- The 3rd trimester: How your baby develops
- The birth position of babies
- Stargazing babies
- The breech presentation
- What should be done in the event of a breech presentation?
- The last trimester: How is the mother's well-being?
- The 3rd trimester - what mothers eat
- Labor activity in the last trimester of pregnancy
- Useful tips for the last trimester
- Trimester: Frequently asked questions & answers
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3rd trimester of pregnancy - How a mother feels
1 The 3rd trimester: when does it start?
From the 28th week, you enter the final phase of pregnancy, known as the third trimester or trimester. This phase stretches from the 28th to the 40th week of pregnancy, with the climax at the end of the 40th week: the expected date of birth.
2. the 3rd trimester: how your baby develops
| Week of pregnancy | Your baby's development |
| Week 28 to 33 | The development of the brain, nervous system and most organs is almost complete and they are ready for the start of life |
| Week 33 to 36 | Your baby assumes the position for birth and develops the important lung maturity. |
| SSW 37 to 40 | From now on, your baby is no longer considered premature. Birth can begin at any time from this point onwards. |
For many expectant mothers, entering the last trimester brings a moment of reassurance: if the baby is born now, it is viable. Even if it is born before the 37th week of pregnancy and is therefore considered premature, the chances of a successful start to life are good thanks to medical support.
By the time the 32nd week of pregnancy is reached, your baby's brain, nervous system and organ functions are prepared for life outside your body. Muscles and bones are getting stronger, ready for life after birth. The brain is working hard to develop new neural connections, perfecting reflexes such as grasping and swallowing, as well as the ability to forage for food.
Babies usually assume the birth position by the 35th week of pregnancy. The space in the abdomen becomes narrower, as babies can still grow by 15 to 20 centimeters during this time. If your baby has not yet changed position in the 35th week of pregnancy, there is no need to worry; some babies still turn later.
An important developmental step takes place in the 36th week of pregnancy: the alveoli are mature, which means that your baby will be able to breathe independently after birth. Children born from the 37th week of pregnancy normally no longer require breathing assistance.
In the 40th week of pregnancy, your baby will have reached an average weight of 3440 grams and a height of 51 centimeters. These values can vary from person to person, as the size of the parents, nutrition during pregnancy and genetic factors all play a role.
3. the birth position of babies
By the 36th week of pregnancy, almost 90 percent of all babies have moved into the cephalic position, which means that the baby's head has entered the mother's pelvis. This position creates optimal conditions for a smooth birth process. In the so-called anterior occipital position, the baby's occiput enters the birth canal first, paving the way for the rest of the body. The baby's chin is tilted towards the breast, while the face faces the mother's sacrum.
4. stargazer babies
The term "stargazer" is often used in birth reports. This describes babies who are born head first but face upwards, i.e. towards the ceiling. Born in the posterior occipital position, these babies initially look up at the ceiling - or at the stars if they were born in the open air. Although this position is not problematic per se, it can make the birth more difficult for the mother, as the baby does not make itself as small as it would in other positions. As a result, the birth may take longer. Nevertheless, the position of a "stargazer" is no cause for concern.
5. the breech position
Even a baby in a breech position is generally no cause for concern, although this position is considered less favorable. A baby in the breech position is not born head first, but with its bottom or feet first. This position carries risks, as in rare cases the umbilical cord can become trapped between the baby and the birth canal, which could lead to a lack of oxygen for the baby. In addition, the baby's head is the part of the body with the largest circumference. If the buttocks or feet are born first, the birth canal may not be sufficiently dilated for the head, which can make the birth more difficult.
6 What should be done in the event of a breech presentation?
Doctors often recommend a caesarean section for a breech presentation. However, there are still clinics and birthing centers that have the expertise for vaginal births in breech presentation and support women in this situation. Comprehensive obstetric advice is essential in such cases.
7. the last trimester: how is the mother's well-being?
In the last trimester
For expectant mothers, the last trimester is often the most challenging and exciting phase of pregnancy. Maternity protection comes into force 42 days before the planned date of birth. This means that the expectant mother is released from work and enjoys special protection under labor law. Women with statutory health insurance who are entitled to sick pay receive maternity benefit during this period.
Many women experience various complaints in the final trimester of pregnancy:
- Stomach burning
- Pain in the back area
- Problems sleeping and difficulty falling asleep
- Shortness of breath and a feeling of dizziness
- Increased urge to urinate
- Retention of water in the body
From the 28th week of pregnancy, the abdominal girth increases significantly as the baby gets bigger and heavier. For many pregnant women, the increasing size of the baby bump is a burden: It leads to back pain and impairs mobility. Tying shoes often becomes an insurmountable hurdle, which is why wearing slippers is particularly recommended during this phase.
The baby bump at the beginning of the last trimester also has a significant impact on breathing. The uterus stretches up to the diaphragm, which causes breathing difficulties for many expectant mothers. In combination with the additional weight of the belly, longer walks are very strenuous. The pressure on the stomach also causes discomfort for many pregnant women. Frequent heartburn throughout the day makes appetite difficult.
Another annoying symptom in the third trimester is water retention. Many women notice swelling in their hands, legs and ankles. This hormone-induced water retention in the tissue is particularly noticeable in the warmer months. Sufficient exercise, regular drinking and frequently putting your legs up will help you to feel better.
8. the 3rd trimester - what mothers eat
Nutrition for mothers in the third trimester Don't let heartburn take the joy out of eating! Harness the power of nutritious and delicious meals for pregnant women. Our recipes will provide you with inspiration and essential nutrients while indulging your taste buds. Whether for breakfast, lunch or as a snack between meals - with a balanced intake of fiber, fresh vegetables and plenty of fluids, you will be optimally prepared for the birth.
9. labor activity in the last trimester of pregnancy
During the third trimester, many women experience an increase in contractions. During this phase, they primarily serve as training for the muscles and later help to bring the baby into the optimal position for birth. The phenomenon in which the abdomen becomes hard and the muscles train is known as pre-labor. In the last four to six weeks before delivery, the contractions align the baby for birth by bringing it into the correct position.
Towards the end of pregnancy, the baby usually lies head down in the uterus, with the head still moving above the pelvic opening. The contractions help to slowly push the baby's head down so that it makes contact with the bony border of the pelvic opening. Imagine an egg being pushed through an oval opening - it must first be aligned correctly so that it fits. This is the task of the contractions. This is why they are usually not painful, as the pain of contractions is mainly caused by the stretching of the pelvic floor and the cervix, which is not normally the case with preterm and inverted labor. First-time mothers in particular often fear that they are experiencing premature labor pains.
As long as preterm labor does not occur more than three times an hour, there is no cause for concern. As a rule of thumb, around ten preterm contractions within 24 hours are normal and harmless. However, if the contractions occur more frequently, the pain becomes more intense or the contractions last longer, it is advisable to contact your midwife or gynecologist.
Towards the end of the third trimester, the benefits of inverted labor become apparent: As the baby slides deeper into the pelvis, the entire abdomen lowers. This creates more space for the stomach and diaphragm, which can significantly reduce heartburn and shortness of breath.
Additional info:
At this stage of the third trimester, the intervals for check-ups become shorter. In order to be able to recognize an impending birth in good time and rule out possible complications, you should now have a fortnightly check-up with your midwife or gynaecologist.
10. useful tips for the last trimester
The final trimester of pregnancy brings with it some challenges, but is above all a time of anticipation. To help you have a pleasant time in the third trimester, we offer you the following advice:
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The right shoes: Due to the increasing size of your belly and the associated weight, your feet are exposed to increased strain. It becomes increasingly difficult to walk and your legs feel exhausted in the evening. Wear shoes with soft soles to cope comfortably with everyday life. Avoid high heels to protect your back and joints.
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Prepare your hospital bag: It is advisable to prepare a hospital bag in the third trimester for the upcoming delivery date. Pack everything you will need in the delivery room. Also inform your partner or close relatives where the bag will be kept in case you go into labor unexpectedly.
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Take care of the formalities: Use the time in the last trimester of pregnancy to fill out applications for parental allowance and child benefit. After the birth, only the birth certificate needs to be completed, leaving more time for affection and getting to know each other.
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Use the breastfeeding pillow: Many pregnant women find it difficult to rest during sleep in the third trimester due to the large abdominal girth. A nursing pillow, used as a side sleeper pillow, can help you find a comfortable sleeping position. By placing the pillow between your knees and positioning it in front of your stomach, you can effectively relieve the pressure on your back.
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Attend a birth preparation course: From breathing techniques and breastfeeding preparation to a deeper understanding of the birth process, a birth preparation course strengthens pregnant women and parents-to-be and prepares them mentally for the birth. Many also use hypno-birthing courses or autogenic training to reduce anxiety.
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Keep yourself (gently) active: Exercise is also recommended in the last trimester of pregnancy, as long as it remains moderate. Walking or swimming can prevent water retention and is also good for your back.
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Raise your legs regularly: Although it may seem contradictory to the previous advice at first, it makes sense: if you have a lot of water retention, raising your legs promotes blood circulation. It is important that the legs are positioned higher than the pelvis in order to optimally support the return flow of blood and fluids.
11th trimester: Frequently asked questions & answers
What should not be missing in your hospital bag?
Your hospital bag should contain everything you need to make the birth and your stay afterwards more comfortable. In addition to a comfortable shirt and personal items such as your favorite music or a cuddly toy, your health insurance card and maternity pass are essential. For the delivery room, comfortable clothes that are also birth-friendly are suitable - and don't forget warm socks to prevent cold feet, which can slow down labor. Also pack enough drinks and snacks in case the birth drags on.
How can you tell the difference between contractions and real labor?
Contractions and contractions do not occur more than three times an hour or ten times in 24 hours and last 30 to 60 seconds each. A warm bath can provide information: If the contractions ease or stop completely, they were preterm labor. If they become stronger, it's time to contact your midwife or the hospital, as the birth could be about to begin.
What to do about sleep problems in the last few weeks?
If the big belly disturbs your sleep, try to sleep mainly on your left side to take pressure off the vena cava. A nursing pillow as a side sleeper pillow can work wonders by supporting your tummy and relieving pressure on your back. If you are worried at night, talking to your partner, midwife or a friend, as well as keeping a diary, can bring relief. Some midwives also offer acupuncture to help you sleep better.
How do I know the birth is starting?
There are a number of signs that the birth is approaching: The removal of the mucous plug, regular, stronger contractions and the breaking of the amniotic sac. In the latter case, especially if the baby is not yet firmly positioned in the pelvis, you should lie down and call for medical help immediately.
When will my baby be born?
The baby is usually expected around the 40th day of pregnancy, but the exact time can vary. A pregnancy is considered to be on schedule from 40+0 days to 41 weeks' gestation + 6 days. Beyond that, the pregnancy is considered to be overdue and from the 42nd week of pregnancy it is considered to be carried to term. As long as you and the baby are doing well, it is usual to wait for the natural onset of labor, albeit with regular check-ups.
