7 Common Third Trimester Symptoms You May Have

Many women consider the third trimester the most challenging aspect of their pregnancy. As your body continues to change and your baby grows, you may find yourself physically exhausted and emotionally drained.

We understand this, and we want to let you know that we’ve helped hundreds of area women through this final stretch of pregnancy, joining them on the journey to motherhood and rejoicing with them at the birth of their child.

We’d like to prepare you for some of those third trimester symptoms as well as  options for relief. In addition, we’ve provided a convenient guide for your pregnancy appointment schedule so you can be prepared and know what to expect. 

For three consecutive years, we have been named the best OBGYN practice in Orange and Durham counties through the INDY! Reader’s Choice Awards. It’s an honor we don’t take lightly. It reflects much more than compassionate care, but our philosophy of providing the same personalized attention you’d get from a smaller medical practice with access to the state-of-the-art technology you’d expect from a larger practice. Want to learn more? Contact us to schedule an appointment.

7 Common Third Trimester Symptoms

1. Braxton Hicks

These are irregular contractions that may grow stronger as your due date gets closer.

There are some differences between Braxton Hicks and labor pains. We go into them in greater detail in our earlier article, “How Can I Tell The Difference Between Braxton Hicks and Active Labor Pains?” but in brief, actual labor pains occur when the contractions come at regular intervals and gradually increase in strength. If this happens to you, contact us.

2. Heartburn

You may notice that one of your third trimester symptoms is heartburn. This may vary in tensity. If you want relief, avoid fried foods and be sure to eat smaller meals. Spicy foods are also best to keep off your plate. If you’ve tried these techniques and still have issues with heartburn, contact us so we can find a solution.

3. Back Pain

This is one of the most common third trimester symptoms, and one that many pregnant women find the most challenging. Pregnancy hormones relax  or loosen ligaments  in the pelvic area to prepare your body for labor.

Following are some useful tips for alleviating your back pain that is a part of your third trimester symptoms:

• Avoid wearing high heels or flats—look for shoes with good arch support.
• Use chairs that have good back support.
• Engage in appropriate exercise that won’t hurt your back.
• Sleep on your side, not your back—you may need support pillows to ensure that you’re in the right position.
• Try a massage. There are massage therapists who specialize in helping expectant mothers.

4. Going to the Bathroom More Often

As your baby grows, they’ll place more pressure on your bladder. As a result, you will need to urinate more often. Don’t be embarrassed if you occasionally leak urine when you cough or laugh. This is not unusual. Panty liners can be an effective solution.

However, you should notify us as soon as possible if you think you’re leaking amniotic fluid.

5. Spider Veins

Don’t be surprised if you notice red-purplish veins that appear on your neck, arms and face. These are spider veins, and they typically disappear after delivery. You may also have varicose veins in your legs.

6. Hemorrhoids

These cause itching in your anal area and can be one of the more irritating third trimester symptoms. Need effective solutions? Try the following:

• Eat plenty of fiber
• Elevate your legs
• Continue your exercise routine, or start one if you don’t have one (we can help you find safe and appropriate exercises)
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Soak in a tub of warm water

7. Emotional Challenges

Your body is experiencing a lot of hormonal changes. Whether this is your first or your third child, every pregnancy is different. You may find yourself anxious about the delivery and overwhelmed by the number of things that have to be ready for the baby’s arrival.

We’re here to support you emotionally as well as physically. We encourage you to take one of our Centering Pregnancy ® classes, especially if this is your first child. These classes offer support and encouragement and give you the chance to interact with other mothers who are due around the same time you are.

We Will Help You Face and Overcome the Challenges of Third Trimester Symptoms

We have not only treated hundreds of patients, but we have also treated generations of patients in the same family. We consider this a special privilege and a sacred trust.

We can assure you that not only will we be there for you, but we will be quick to respond if you have any questions or concerns during your pregnancy. If you’re having difficulty with third trimester symptoms, we want to know. Contact us for an appointment.

What to Expect: Your Complete Guide to Your Pregnancy Appointment Schedule

At Chapel Hill OBGYN, we take great pride in taking time to get to know all our patients by name. We treat our practice and our patients like a family, and we are always excited to have a new “addition” to our group.

But being pregnant can be challenging. One of those challenges is keeping up with the multiple pregnancy appointment schedules that you’ll have to help ensure your pregnancy is progressing smoothly.  That’s why we wanted to provide these useful guidelines to give you an idea of what to expect during your pregnancy. 

Prenatal Care During the First Trimester

We suggest scheduling a confirmation of pregnancy appointment as soon as you think you’re pregnant. This is an important visit. We’ll take time getting to know you, discussing your medical history and ensuring we have an up-to-date list of all the medications and herbal remedies you use. We also want to know about your gynecological history, if you’ve had any previous pregnancies, including miscarriages and any problems you’ve had with your menstrual cycle.

You may wish for your partner to be with you during this first appointment, however, if there are issues of a sensitive nature, you’ll always have an opportunity to speak to one of us privately.

What Happens During Your First Obstetric Visit 

After your pregnancy confirmation appointment, you will be scheduled for your first obstetric appointment. During that appointment, we will:

• Establish your due date
• Determine which vaccinations you have had and if you will need additional ones
• Determine the suggested amount of weight you will need to gain for your pregnancy
• Perform an ultrasound of your pregnancy
• Perform a gynecological exam
• Develop a care plan tailored to your needs that includes consideration of your obstetrical and medical history
• Discuss the availability of genetic testing options if desired

Depending upon your risk factors and the results of the physical examination, we’ll schedule visits throughout the first trimester, which in general will be an exam every four weeks.  During these we’ll check your blood pressure and other vital signs. When you are 10 to 12 weeks pregnant, we may be able to hear your baby’s heartbeat.

We’ll Discuss Important Pregnancy Topics

While we encourage everyone to live a healthy lifestyle regardless of whether or not they’re pregnant, this is a time to focus on making good choices for your body. We may talk about things such as:

• Healthy eating during your pregnancy—including what to avoid
• Safe exercises you can do while pregnant
• Tips on how to manage morning sickness
• What to do if you experience vaginal bleeding when you’re pregnant
• Common issues you may have during pregnancy, such as:
  • Heartburn
  • Fatigue
  • Varicose veins
  • Broken sleep
• What to expect at each visit
• The importance of prenatal vitamins and how you should take them

We’ll Conduct Blood Testing

We want to be sure that you don’t have any problems early on in your pregnancy, and that’s why we draw blood for testing. While we customize every visit to meet your individual health needs, our panel of tests typically include:

• A complete blood count (often called a CBC)

• A rubella viral antigen screen to show how immune you are to rubella. Rubella is a disease that causes a rash, and it is similar to measles.

• Blood typing

• Tests for diseases such as syphilis, hepatitis and HIV

• Complete urine analysis

• Genetic testing is available

Education is Crucial for Pregnancy

This is a good time to review information on our wide variety of childbirth, child care and breastfeeding classes that are available.

As we mentioned earlier, we highly recommend participation in our Centering Pregnancy ® program. Through this program, those who have similar due dates meet as a group with their health care provider, sharing information, concerns and developments.  As a result, women are able to spend more time with their health care provider while also developing a sense of community and emotional support.

Obstetric Visits During Your Second Trimester

At this point in your pregnancy appointment schedule, it’s time to discover if you’re having a boy or a girl (unless you want to be surprised!)

This is also the time during which we will have additional discussions about screening and diagnostic tests for genetic markers that can detect conditions such as Down syndrome or spina bifida. Spina bifida occurs when the neural tube containing the spine doesn’t close completely. As a result, it can cause disabilities that can range from mild to severe, depending upon what part of the spinal cord and nerves are affected 

Tests During the Second Trimester

Other second trimester tests include:

• Fetal ultrasounds – which help us evaluate your baby’s development.
• Blood tests – which check your iron level and evaluate your risk for gestational diabetes.
• We’ll also continue measurements to mark your baby’s growth.

Through your birthing classes and other opportunities, you’ll realize that you’re on this journey with many others, whether they are first-time parents or welcoming a sibling into a large household. 

We want to encourage you to ask us and all your health care providers any questions. This is an exciting moment in your life, and it’s important that you let us know of any concerns you have.

What to Expect for Your Third Trimester Visits

Depending upon the results of your tests and fetal development, we’ll schedule appointments every two to four weeks until you are at 36 weeks. From then on, we will have weekly check ups until time for you to deliver. In addition to the routine tests established during the second trimester, we will:

• Ask you to keep track of how often your baby moves.
• Test you for a bacterium called group B strep (GBS). Those who are carriers receive an antibiotic during labor to decrease the risk of transmission of this bacterium to their baby.
• Check the baby’s position. If your baby has a breech presentation, we will monitor the situation closely and discuss the option of trying to turn your baby to improve the chance of a vaginal birth.
• Examine your cervix and monitor it for changes including dilation.
• Continue to discuss your birth plan.

Throughout your pregnancy, we encourage you to ask questions.

There is no question that is too embarrassing. We want you to be empowered and take an active role in the care of both you and your baby. Our team of obstetricians and nurse midwives will monitor you closely and provide empathy, support and encouragement whenever needed.

Do you think you may be pregnant? Please call us to schedule an appointment. We can usually see you within the same week that you call.

Questions to Consider Asking at Your Appointments

We know you have a lot of questions, and the pregnancy appointment schedule can sometimes seem overwhelming. Don’t worry; we’re here to help ensure you have the answers you need.

You may wish to consider discussing some of the most frequently asked questions we’ve experienced. These include:

• Is snoring normal?
• Do I need to make additional changes to my exercise routine?
• What is my risk for complications?
• When should I call you about symptoms? (Hint, hint: The answer is you should call us any time you have a concern or question.)
• What can I do for heartburn?
• Is it okay to have sex?

Midwifery Care at Chapel Hill OBGYN: Helping You During All Stages of Your Pregnancy

Our Certified Nurse-Midwives are dedicated professionals who provide personalized care and support for labor and delivery for those with low-risk pregnancies. Our midwives lead our Centering Pregnancy ® sessions and provide care throughout pregnancy as well as labor and birth. In addition they also provide postpartum support along with breastfeeding information and assistance.

Our Advanced Care Team

We have an obstetric advanced care team that supports you by streamlining communication between members of your health care team. We will help you make decisions that best reflect your preferences and values that are important to you.

See Why We Have Been Named the Leading OBGYN Practice for Orange and Durham Counties

For more than 40 years we’ve served patients in the Triangle area, providing state-of-the-art care, compassion, and unwavering support. We’ve treated generations of patients in the same family, and we consider every birth a celebration. 

Do you think you may be pregnant? Are you looking for a new medical home? Or maybe you have questions and you need answers and reassurance. We’re here for you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.Many women consider the third trimester the most challenging aspect of their pregnancy. As your body continues to change and your baby grows, you may find yourself physically exhausted and emotionally drained.

We understand this, and we want to let you know that we’ve helped hundreds of area women through this final stretch of pregnancy, joining them on the journey to motherhood and rejoicing with them at the birth of their child.

We’d like to prepare you for some of those third trimester symptoms as well as  options for relief. In addition, we’ve provided a convenient guide for your pregnancy appointment schedule so you can be prepared and know what to expect. 

For three consecutive years, we have been named the best OBGYN practice in Orange and Durham counties through the INDY! Reader’s Choice Awards. It’s an honor we don’t take lightly. It reflects much more than compassionate care, but our philosophy of providing the same personalized attention you’d get from a smaller medical practice with access to the state-of-the-art technology you’d expect from a larger practice. Want to learn more? Contact us to schedule an appointment.

7 Common Third Trimester Symptoms

1. Braxton Hicks

These are irregular contractions that may grow stronger as your due date gets closer.

There are some differences between Braxton Hicks and labor pains. We go into them in greater detail in our earlier article, “How Can I Tell The Difference Between Braxton Hicks and Active Labor Pains?” but in brief, actual labor pains occur when the contractions come at regular intervals and gradually increase in strength. If this happens to you, contact us.

2. Heartburn

You may notice that one of your third trimester symptoms is heartburn. This may vary in tensity. If you want relief, avoid fried foods and be sure to eat smaller meals. Spicy foods are also best to keep off your plate. If you’ve tried these techniques and still have issues with heartburn, contact us so we can find a solution.

3. Back Pain

This is one of the most common third trimester symptoms, and one that many pregnant women find the most challenging. Pregnancy hormones relax  or loosen ligaments  in the pelvic area to prepare your body for labor.

Following are some useful tips for alleviating your back pain that is a part of your third trimester symptoms:

• Avoid wearing high heels or flats—look for shoes with good arch support.
• Use chairs that have good back support.
• Engage in appropriate exercise that won’t hurt your back.
• Sleep on your side, not your back—you may need support pillows to ensure that you’re in the right position.
• Try a massage. There are massage therapists who specialize in helping expectant mothers.

4. Going to the Bathroom More Often

As your baby grows, they’ll place more pressure on your bladder. As a result, you will need to urinate more often. Don’t be embarrassed if you occasionally leak urine when you cough or laugh. This is not unusual. Panty liners can be an effective solution.

However, you should notify us as soon as possible if you think you’re leaking amniotic fluid.

5. Spider Veins

Don’t be surprised if you notice red-purplish veins that appear on your neck, arms and face. These are spider veins, and they typically disappear after delivery. You may also have varicose veins in your legs.

6. Hemorrhoids

These cause itching in your anal area and can be one of the more irritating third trimester symptoms. Need effective solutions? Try the following:

• Eat plenty of fiber
• Elevate your legs
• Continue your exercise routine, or start one if you don’t have one (we can help you find safe and appropriate exercises)
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Soak in a tub of warm water

7. Emotional Challenges

Your body is experiencing a lot of hormonal changes. Whether this is your first or your third child, every pregnancy is different. You may find yourself anxious about the delivery and overwhelmed by the number of things that have to be ready for the baby’s arrival.

We’re here to support you emotionally as well as physically. We encourage you to take one of our Centering Pregnancy ® classes, especially if this is your first child. These classes offer support and encouragement and give you the chance to interact with other mothers who are due around the same time you are.

We Will Help You Face and Overcome the Challenges of Third Trimester Symptoms

We have not only treated hundreds of patients, but we have also treated generations of patients in the same family. We consider this a special privilege and a sacred trust.

We can assure you that not only will we be there for you, but we will be quick to respond if you have any questions or concerns during your pregnancy. If you’re having difficulty with third trimester symptoms, we want to know. Contact us for an appointment.

What to Expect: Your Complete Guide to Your Pregnancy Appointment Schedule

At Chapel Hill OBGYN, we take great pride in taking time to get to know all our patients by name. We treat our practice and our patients like a family, and we are always excited to have a new “addition” to our group.

But being pregnant can be challenging. One of those challenges is keeping up with the multiple pregnancy appointment schedules that you’ll have to help ensure your pregnancy is progressing smoothly.  That’s why we wanted to provide these useful guidelines to give you an idea of what to expect during your pregnancy. 

Prenatal Care During the First Trimester

We suggest scheduling a confirmation of pregnancy appointment as soon as you think you’re pregnant. This is an important visit. We’ll take time getting to know you, discussing your medical history and ensuring we have an up-to-date list of all the medications and herbal remedies you use. We also want to know about your gynecological history, if you’ve had any previous pregnancies, including miscarriages and any problems you’ve had with your menstrual cycle.

You may wish for your partner to be with you during this first appointment, however, if there are issues of a sensitive nature, you’ll always have an opportunity to speak to one of us privately.

What Happens During Your First Obstetric Visit 

After your pregnancy confirmation appointment, you will be scheduled for your first obstetric appointment. During that appointment, we will:

• Establish your due date
• Determine which vaccinations you have had and if you will need additional ones
• Determine the suggested amount of weight you will need to gain for your pregnancy
• Perform an ultrasound of your pregnancy
• Perform a gynecological exam
• Develop a care plan tailored to your needs that includes consideration of your obstetrical and medical history
• Discuss the availability of genetic testing options if desired

Depending upon your risk factors and the results of the physical examination, we’ll schedule visits throughout the first trimester, which in general will be an exam every four weeks.  During these we’ll check your blood pressure and other vital signs. When you are 10 to 12 weeks pregnant, we may be able to hear your baby’s heartbeat.

We’ll Discuss Important Pregnancy Topics

While we encourage everyone to live a healthy lifestyle regardless of whether or not they’re pregnant, this is a time to focus on making good choices for your body. We may talk about things such as:

• Healthy eating during your pregnancy—including what to avoid
• Safe exercises you can do while pregnant
• Tips on how to manage morning sickness
• What to do if you experience vaginal bleeding when you’re pregnant
• Common issues you may have during pregnancy, such as:
  • Heartburn
  • Fatigue
  • Varicose veins
  • Broken sleep
• What to expect at each visit
• The importance of prenatal vitamins and how you should take them

We’ll Conduct Blood Testing

We want to be sure that you don’t have any problems early on in your pregnancy, and that’s why we draw blood for testing. While we customize every visit to meet your individual health needs, our panel of tests typically include:

• A complete blood count (often called a CBC)

• A rubella viral antigen screen to show how immune you are to rubella. Rubella is a disease that causes a rash, and it is similar to measles.

• Blood typing

• Tests for diseases such as syphilis, hepatitis and HIV

• Complete urine analysis

• Genetic testing is available

Education is Crucial for Pregnancy

This is a good time to review information on our wide variety of childbirth, child care and breastfeeding classes that are available.

As we mentioned earlier, we highly recommend participation in our Centering Pregnancy ® program. Through this program, those who have similar due dates meet as a group with their health care provider, sharing information, concerns and developments.  As a result, women are able to spend more time with their health care provider while also developing a sense of community and emotional support.

Obstetric Visits During Your Second Trimester

At this point in your pregnancy appointment schedule, it’s time to discover if you’re having a boy or a girl (unless you want to be surprised!)

This is also the time during which we will have additional discussions about screening and diagnostic tests for genetic markers that can detect conditions such as Down syndrome or spina bifida. Spina bifida occurs when the neural tube containing the spine doesn’t close completely. As a result, it can cause disabilities that can range from mild to severe, depending upon what part of the spinal cord and nerves are affected 

Tests During the Second Trimester

Other second trimester tests include:

• Fetal ultrasounds – which help us evaluate your baby’s development.
• Blood tests – which check your iron level and evaluate your risk for gestational diabetes.
• We’ll also continue measurements to mark your baby’s growth.

Through your birthing classes and other opportunities, you’ll realize that you’re on this journey with many others, whether they are first-time parents or welcoming a sibling into a large household. 

We want to encourage you to ask us and all your health care providers any questions. This is an exciting moment in your life, and it’s important that you let us know of any concerns you have.

What to Expect for Your Third Trimester Visits

Depending upon the results of your tests and fetal development, we’ll schedule appointments every two to four weeks until you are at 36 weeks. From then on, we will have weekly check ups until time for you to deliver. In addition to the routine tests established during the second trimester, we will:

• Ask you to keep track of how often your baby moves.
• Test you for a bacterium called group B strep (GBS). Those who are carriers receive an antibiotic during labor to decrease the risk of transmission of this bacterium to their baby.
• Check the baby’s position. If your baby has a breech presentation, we will monitor the situation closely and discuss the option of trying to turn your baby to improve the chance of a vaginal birth.
• Examine your cervix and monitor it for changes including dilation.
• Continue to discuss your birth plan.

Throughout your pregnancy, we encourage you to ask questions.

There is no question that is too embarrassing. We want you to be empowered and take an active role in the care of both you and your baby. Our team of obstetricians and nurse midwives will monitor you closely and provide empathy, support and encouragement whenever needed.

Do you think you may be pregnant? Please call us to schedule an appointment. We can usually see you within the same week that you call.

Questions to Consider Asking at Your Appointments

We know you have a lot of questions, and the pregnancy appointment schedule can sometimes seem overwhelming. Don’t worry; we’re here to help ensure you have the answers you need.

You may wish to consider discussing some of the most frequently asked questions we’ve experienced. These include:

• Is snoring normal?
• Do I need to make additional changes to my exercise routine?
• What is my risk for complications?
• When should I call you about symptoms? (Hint, hint: The answer is you should call us any time you have a concern or question.)
• What can I do for heartburn?
• Is it okay to have sex?

Midwifery Care at Chapel Hill OBGYN: Helping You During All Stages of Your Pregnancy

Our Certified Nurse-Midwives are dedicated professionals who provide personalized care and support for labor and delivery for those with low-risk pregnancies. Our midwives lead our Centering Pregnancy ® sessions and provide care throughout pregnancy as well as labor and birth. In addition they also provide postpartum support along with breastfeeding information and assistance.

Our Advanced Care Team

We have an obstetric advanced care team that supports you by streamlining communication between members of your health care team. We will help you make decisions that best reflect your preferences and values that are important to you.

See Why We Have Been Named the Leading OBGYN Practice for Orange and Durham Counties

For more than 40 years we’ve served patients in the Triangle area, providing state-of-the-art care, compassion, and unwavering support. We’ve treated generations of patients in the same family, and we consider every birth a celebration. 

Do you think you may be pregnant? Are you looking for a new medical home? Or maybe you have questions and you need answers and reassurance. We’re here for you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.