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Hello little Baby!
So we are officially in the last Trimester! 27 weeks is considered โviableโ, which means that if you were born now, you would have some chance of surviving. Somehow this milestone is reassuringโฆeven though you still have loads of developing to do; it just feels like your birth is becoming more real now.
Often the Gynae wants to see us a bit more often than the first two trimesters. It does depend on your doctor, your pregnancy etc. but it just means that they are keeping a good eye on us both. As often as every 2 weeks.
So the reality of being in the third trimester is dawning. Your size and weight is starting to affect some of my comfort zones! Leg cramps, backache, heartburn, constipation and the resulting haemorrhoids are unfortunately par for the course. Supportive pillows at night will help with backache. If not, consider seeing a Physio to assess your pelvis and give you some exercises to strengthen any weaknesses. A pelvic floor physiotherapist will be able to assess your pelvic floor. Kegel exercises are recommended during pregnancy, but recent research has found that if you have an overactive pelvic floor, it is not a good idea to do them. Learning how to relax your pelvic floor is just as important for birth as learning to strengthen it, if it is weak.
My friend who is pregnant with twins is now at risk for preterm labour. Her uterus is as stretched and full as a single baby at term. So she is seeing her Gynae regularly and taking things easy. If she notices any regular contractions, bleeding or watery discharge she will immediately contact her doctor. Many twin pregnancies can go as far as 37 weeks. The longer the babies stay in the better for their development etc.
I have noticed Braxton Hicks contractions lately. These are practice contractions and can be uncomfortable at times.
Hello my Mommy,
Well, I am the size of a large brinjal now. I am practising my breathing (I breathe in the liquid, not air of course). Sometimes I get a bit tired, and start hiccups! Very cute to see from out there.
I have detectable brain wave activity, so I am thinking and dreaming. I am putting down more fat, so starting to fill out my wrinkly skin. I am looking more and more like an older foetus. I can open and close my eyelids.
I have learned to suck my thumb for comfort. Now that really is cute!
Pregnancy tips:
- Hydrate. hydrate. hydrate! That helps with energy levels, cramping, and constipation.
- Do gentle walks and stretches to help with swelling and backaches.
- Try to rest as much as you can, as your sleep is often disturbed by needing to wee and physical discomfort.
Our Diary of a Pregnancy series is written by Sr Des Meyer, a Perinatal Educator, in private practice, who is based in Durban North. Sr Des has been a Childbirth Educator and Well Baby Clinic sister since 1991. Her passion lies in educating new parents to enable them to achieve their goals as confident parents. “Knowledge is power and a good foundation for the exciting years ahead.”
