What happens in third trimester – week by week?

You have finally made it through the nausea and fatigue of the first and second trimesters. Now you deserve some time to simply sit back, relax and wait for the arrival of your baby. But as the third trimester of your pregnancy passes, you may have many questions about which pains and discomfort are normal and which are not and present a problem that you require to discuss with your doctor.

For the first two trimesters, you mostly saw your doctor once every month or every four weeks. This is the case for most of the pregnancies, unless there are any other complications or risk factors present.

During the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, you are most likely to see your doctor once every 2 weeks until 4 weeks before your pregnancy due date, when visits are likely to be scheduled once every week. These increased visits are to make sure that the baby is growing and developing normally. The visits are also scheduled to ensure and that you stay healthy. It also enables the doctor to monitor how things are coming along, and if there is any chance of a preterm birth.

Week 27 and 28 will bring further development for the brain and lungs of your baby. Your breasts now will be producing ample amounts of colostrum. Ensure that you are keeping up with prenatal vitamins, since anemia can crop up again around this time. You are also likely to experience some breathlessness as the baby grows and your abdomen pushes toward the lungs. By the end of this period, the baby develops enough to hear sounds from within the womb. Also, the baby's hair is growing and gaining color now. The little one's lungs are now capable of breathing air, if absolutely necessary. Not only is it able to open and close its eyes, but it has little eyelashes to bat!

By week 31, your baby is easily able to survive a premature birth. Nearly all of its internal development is complete. It will now just be gaining weight and size, to become stronger and healthier. Now, your baby's irises are responsive to light; dilating and also contracting as needed. The baby sheds its first layer of hair, starts blinking and begins preparations for entering the new world at this point in time.

The rest of the third trimester will be a trial. The baby will continue growing in size and weight, putting pressure on your abdomen, back and even your lungs. You’ll have to urinate more frequently and even begin to feel very weary and cranky.

By week 35, your baby is approximately 20 inches long and weighing close to 5 pounds. Since the baby is growing, keep your diet healthy. Some nutritionists may suggest adding an extra 200 calories to your diet in order to meet the additional needs of your growing baby. Around 90% of babies born in this week survive, majority of them with no significant problems.

In week 36, if not sooner, your baby will move into position so that it enters the birth canal. This will normally give some relief to your lungs and chest, but is sure to make things much worse for your pelvic region. You may also start to experience some kind of cramping in your legs as the baby pushes down into your lower regions.