Baby Third Trimester: Prepare for the Arrival

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Mother and baby have gotten used to each other during the first two trimesters of pregnancy. Now it’s time to hurry up and wait. The third trimester is a time of preparation for the arrival of the baby.

Month 7- The fetus now weighs about three pounds. The space is filled up with baby so he/she will move more. Baby can now respond to stimuli. The baby can hiccup, cough, and cry. There is less amniotic fluid in the sac to make room for baby. The baby’s organs have developed except for the lungs which are the last to fully develop.

Mothers should take it easy. Sleeping in a semi-sitting position will alleviate heartburn and the pressure of baby on top of her. Feelings of breathlessness are common as baby stretches upward into the diaphragm. Breasts may leak milky fluid called colostrum as they make ready for breast feeding.

Month 8- The new baby is a whopping eighteen inches in length and an average of five pounds. Babies born during the eighth month of pregnancy have an excellent survival rate. The movement of the baby may decrease because there is no longer any room to move. The fetus can see and hear now. The lungs have still not reached maturity.

If a mother speaks or sings to her baby, the love is heard. Soothing sounds may calm the unborn child. Some people advocate playing music or learning tapes directly to the baby. Mothers may experience mild contractions called Braxton-Hicks, but there is no cause for alarm. The same symptoms that were present before are present now. Decorating baby’s room helps to keep eager parents from worrying about labor and delivery.

Month 9- The big day is almost here. The fetus is full term at this point. The length measures about twenty inches on average and the baby is between six and seven pounds. The baby begins to turn and drop down in the uterus to prepare for exit through the birth canal. The lungs are matured at this point and baby is ready to meet the world.

The mother can prepare for labor and delivery. The obstetrician will tell the parents what to expect when the baby is ready. If the contractions are too much to bear, medications are available to ease the pain of labor. Baby’s heartbeat is monitored throughout labor to make sure that he/she is not in distress perhaps from the umbilical cord being wrapped around the neck. The breasts are ready to provide nourishment for the baby.

All the months of changes have produced a beautiful healthy baby. The mother can now see the results of her labor, literally. Now it’s time shower love on the new son or daughter.

Even though you’re almost there, it’s not too late (or too early) to start thinking about getting back to your pre-pregnancy shape. Get plenty of advice in the Slim Mom Secrets guide, including videos and audio recordings to help you, TRIMESTER by TRIMESTER, to stay fit and healthy during and after pregnancy. Your baby and your hormones will thank you!