The third trimester was the phase when I was happy, excited and nervous at the same time. Happy because after a few weeks, I would hold my little one in my hands, excited because I planned so many things for her arrival ceremonies and obviously nervous because I knew nothing about anything as a mom.
I didn’t even know how to hold my baby correctly, what and how to feed her, bath her, and many more things that would come on the way to my motherhood journey.
In curiosity to know more, I started gathering information through different sources like youtube channels, some good books and articles on social media. I would love to mention that youtube and Google made my pregnancy and early motherhood easy and sorted almost all my queries.
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To-Do List In Your Third Trimester
I learned a lot from the experiences of some real-life mommies and will share every bit of information and tips with you all for the third trimester. So here are a few essential points to remember when you are in your 3rd trimester.
Diet
Whether you are going to deliver your baby Caesarean or normal delivery, your body needs to be prepared well to deliver a human being, and a well-balanced diet is most important. The 3rd trimester is the time when your body is getting ready for childbirth, so an excellent nutrient-rich diet is most important at this phase. Eat lots of fruits, calcium, folate, protein and vitamins.
Be Calm
Try to be calm in every situation, dont argue for anything as it will disturb your peace of mind. Listen to the music which makes you feel good, not necessarily the devotional and spiritual ones; you should feel good and happy; that’s important.
Workout
Schedule a time (Morning or evening) to go for a walk to someplace where you get fresh air and lots of nature around. A little exercise in the morning includes gentle breathing and some stretches. Find a good youtube channel for this, and home is the best place for exercise. Do everything in house chores which you always used to do. Be active without thinking that anything wrong can happen.
Take It Easy
Take your pregnancy very usually and believe me, it is a normal, natural process in our body; there is nothing to stress about. Educate yourself well with every kind of information you need after the baby is born. Dont just rely on anyone else’s advice. There was a huge difference in the phase when we were born to our parents and when we were going to be parents, so techniques which applied at that time may not be applied now. So try to know about all the new things you will need for your baby.
Prepare A Hospital Bag
Start making a list of things you need to pack in your hospital bag. Make two separate bags for the baby and yourself.
If you have old clothes for your baby, that’s good, but if you do not, then start buying them according to the season in which the baby will be born. After buying clothes, wash them all with baby clothe-wash and dry them properly on Sun.
Divide clothes that the baby will wear in the hospital for 3-4 days, pack in poly bags in your hospital suitcase, and keep the rest of the clothes properly in your baby cupboard at home.
Feeding bottles, towels, cotton balls, bottle sterilizer, burp cloths, diapers, diaper changing mats(2 atleast), blankets are a few basic things to pack in a baby hospital suitcase. Keep your maternity nighties, warm clothes, maternity pads, breast pads and other necessary things you think you will need in the hospital for 3-4 days.
Don’t Forget The Maternity Shoot
The third trimester is a good time to opt for your maternity photoshoot.
What To Expect In Your Third Trimester
Abdominal Aches And Discomfort
Your baby is growing inside your abdomen to about 19 to 21 inches and 6 to 9 pounds, so obviously, he/she is making more room inside. You may feel uncomfortable in bed while trying to go to sleep.
Backache
Extra weight due to pregnancy puts a lot of pressure on your back and waist, so little pain white standing or sitting for a long time can be felt. So at night, sleep comfortably with a pillow tucked between your legs. Working during pregnancy? Here are 6 tips to keep in mind for your safety and comfort.
Frequent Urination
The most challenging part of my third trimester was rushing to the washroom every 10-15 minutes, even at night. This happens because your baby is grown bigger, and his/her weight is on your bladder. Sometimes you may even leak a little urine while sneezing or coughing. That’s normal; just stay aware.
Stretch Marks
The third trimester is when you have to take extra care of your body regarding its beauty. You may see stretch marks on your breasts, butt, tummy, or thighs. Stretch marks are a type of scar that happens when your skin stretches during pregnancy. Not everyone gets them. They may be red, purple, pink, or brown in color if you do. Keep these parts of your body moisturized. This will help in keeping the stretch marks light and not getting darker.
Weight Gain
This happens because we eat more and are physically less active during pregnancy. This is also very normal but eat healthy and nutritious food only, no junk food. The extra weight you put is from the baby’s weight, placenta, amniotic fluid, increased blood volume and added breast tissues.
Swelling
Your ankles and face may look bloated. Excess fluid retention may cause mild swelling. To reduce swelling, put your feet up on a stool or box anytime you sit, and elevate your feet when sleeping. It will help alot.
How To Sail Safely And Cheerfully Through The Third Trimester
Pamper Yourself
The third trimester is the time when you need to pamper and love yourself as much as you can.
- Better will be that you try to relax at home with everything needed to make you feel good.
- A good massage oil to moisturize your belly and other body parts where there are stretch marks and dry skin.
- A good room freshener with calming smell does wonders. It relaxes and calms you down.
- Take naps whenever possible.
- If you have your cook, tell her to prepare the food you love; otherwise, do it for yourself. You can plan to dine out often to feel much better.
- Call your mom, dad or any loved one with whom you feel good.
- Think about all the good things in your life and be grateful for everything.
Write Down Your Feelings
Make a diary and talk to your baby. Write every bit of thought you have daily. Happy or sad, share it in your diary. It will definitely make you feel much better and happy.
Listen To The Relaxing Music With Positive Thoughts And Affirmations
Your favorite music can never fail to make you feel good. No matter what kind of music. Keep it playing while you are exercising or doing house chores.
Get Support From Your Loved Ones
No one elder to me could take care of the baby and me in my case. My husband and I did everything with our own knowledge and tricks. As I mentioned earlier, the internet helped us a lot.
I faced many challenges and wished to have someone as our guide.
If you have people around you whom you can trust, never hesitate to take their advice and help during pregnancy and after delivering your baby.
HAPPY THIRD TRIMESTER AND DAYS AHEAD!
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