Third Trimester Pregnancy

The third trimester of pregnancy begins at week 28 and continues until the precious bundle is born. During this pregnancy third trimester, most women start feeling increasingly uncomfortable as their due date nears. It's very common to become short of breath after walking only a short distance at this point in pregnancy, and ankle swelling causes many women to have to prop up their feet.  

Pregnancy Third Trimester Fatigue
The third trimester of pregnancy is predictably marked with increasing fatigue as the due date nears. This fatigue is primarily caused by the extra weight a woman is carrying around and from sleep disruption. 

It could also signal anemia, so make sure to get enough iron in your diet and have your levels checked if you're concerned. 

Make sure to get plenty of rest and eat plenty of protein. Eating healthy snacks such as fruit or nuts more frequently is imperative to help keep your energy up. Mild exercise is also good to help fight fatigue and lift your spirits.

(Photo courtesy of laura dye)

Other Third Trimester Pregnancy Symptoms
Pregnancy heartburn really peaked for me in my third trimester. I was constantly chewing on Tums to prevent the burning and choking that would wake me if I didn't. It also helps to allow a few hours after eating before lying down and avoiding spicy foods or tomato products. Also, I began to lie on two pillows instead of just one, which helped keep the stomach acids down.

Insomnia can also be a problem in the third trimester, as it becomes more and more difficult to get comfortable in bed. I found that propping pillows between my legs and behind my back helped quite a bit, though at times I definitely infringed on my husband's space by doing this! There are great pregnancy pillows out there for purchase as well that help to get you into a more comfortable position.

Pregnancy and Flying
During the third trimester, flying is typically discouraged after 34 weeks for a domestic flight and after 32 weeks for an international flight. This does depend on your doctor or midwife and also on the airline you're flying with. As a general rule, flying during pregnancy is safe unless you have certain pregnancy complications that would warrant staying out of the air, at least in the last trimester. These conditions could include severe anemia, sickle cell disease, clotting disorders, or placental insufficiency. Your doctor or midwife can advise you.

If you are having an uncomplicated pregnancy, you're more likely to be allowed to fly, especially on shorter trips. On longer trips, though, there is a danger of developing blood clots if sitting too long, and also there's the obvious danger of having your baby on the flight if you're far enough along.

Traveling in general is fine to do, but, here again, there is the possibility of delivering your baby early. If you're fine delivering away from home, then go for it. I opted to stay close to home for my last 4-6 weeks.

The safest time to fly while pregnant is considered to be between weeks 18 and 24, as during this time there is less chance of a miscarriage or premature labor.

Go from Third Trimester Pregnancy to Pregnancy Stages.

Do You Have a Pregnancy Success Story To Share?

If you or someone you know has gotten pregnant after first having difficulties, I would like to hear your story. This would encourage so many women who are trying to conceive and let them know, "If it's possible for her, maybe it can happen for me too." Your story will have its own web page where other women can post how beneficial your story has been to them. Please share, and post a picture if you can.