Third Trimester

You - Month 8

Prenatal Care Appointment

After your 32nd week, your doctor will probably schedule weekly or bi-weekly prenatal care appointments so that your pregnancy can be more closely monitored. As usual, she will assess the health of you and your baby by checking your weight, blood pressure, urine, fetal heartbeat, fundal height, size and position of the fetus, edema, varicose veins, and other symptoms. Discuss your birthing plan with your doctor including pain management during labor and delivery. Be sure to go to your appointments prepared with a list of questions and problems you want to discuss.

Physical Symptoms

This month, you will be feeling strong, regular fetal activity. You may even be able to see the outline of a small heel or elbow against your abdomen when your baby kicks or moves. What's worse, many of the discomforts you have been experiencing the last few months with constipation and shortness of breath are becoming more of a problem! Braxton Hicks contractions will increase too and your navel will begin to stick out if it doesn't already.

Emotional Symptoms

Eagerness to have the pregnancy done and over with as well as apprehension about the baby's health and labor and delivery are probably increasing. You will also be more clumsy and absentminded. But the good news is you don't have much longer to wait!