Last leg of the pregnancy race! Just 12 weeks more to go(or less)!
Description
Your baby, who is the size of a Chinese cabbage, may appear more plump in ultrasounds thanks to the extra layer of fat forming. As for you, mum, just a few more months and you will get to hold the little person residing in you right now.
Your Baby's Development
In this week by week pregnancy guide, you'll learn that:
- Your baby can turn his head in your uterus if he notices a continuous, bright light shining from the outside.
- He is getting used to blinking his eyes.
- His bones are nearly developed, though they are still soft. (Don't worry, they will harden more after he is born.)
- You may notice that your baby looks plump in the ultrasound. That's because of the layers of fat forming.
- His lungs are mature enough to survive, if he were to be born now.
Pregnancy Symptoms
- Morning sickness may not be a concern any more. (This is probably the best bit in this week by week pregnancy guide.)
- The top of your uterus can now be felt well above your belly button.
- Your pregnancy symptoms are changing once again. Many women begin experiencing leg cramps and even haemorrhoids at this point.
- It is hard to get a good sleeping position, especially because your baby is big enough to give you some sharp kicks to the ribs.
- As the uterus applies pressure on your colon, constipation becomes more frequent.
- You start wondering if you have been pregnant forever. Of course, the nervousness revolving around labour and birth also takes over your thoughts.
Pregnancy Care
- While exercising is advisable, you must not indulge in anything strenuous.
- With the increasing appetite, ensure you munch on healthy snacks.
- Drink at least eight to 10 glasses of fluids every day.
Your Checklist
- To relieve swollen ankles and feet, exercise early in the day before the swelling becomes full-blown.
- Remember that pregnant women are sexy. So treat yourself to cute maternity workout clothes.
- This is the best time for a 3D or 4D ultrasound. Many gynaecologists bake the price of a 4D ultrasound into their package price, so do check if your doctor can do it for you complimentary.
- Now is the best time to look into a confinement caterer, should you choose to hire one.
Tips
Tender lumps are common during the third trimester, but still, they shouldn’t be ignored. Ask your health care provider for a breast exam at your next checkup.
Reminders
Your baby absorbs the majority of his iron stores during the third trimester, so add plenty of chicken, beans, spinach, tofu to your diet.
When brushing your teeth, brush your tongue as well to minimize the amount of bacteria in your mouth. Inflamed and irritated gums can be a common problem during pregnancy as rapid increase of hormones may cause gums to swell – leaving your mouth exposed to plague.
