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You’re now in your final trimester. Eagerly waiting the arrival of your baby? Hang on there… you don’t have long to go!
• Is about 25cm long and over a kilogram in weight*
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Has stronger kicks, occurring at certain fixed times of the day
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The brain and nervous system are developing quickly
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May open eyelids for the first time
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The heartbeat may be stronger (may be heard by someone placing their ear on your belly)
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Hair may grow thicker (although some babies are born bald)
• Is adding on fat and has smoother, pinker skin.
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• Weight increases as your baby grows larger
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You may notice your belly moving while baby kicks and moves inside you
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You may have frequent dizziness; tiredness may return
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You may sweat easily
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You may have trouble sleeping due to increasing heartburn and weight in your belly
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Feet may swell if you have been standing for long periods of time
• Mood swings may occur as you start getting anxious about labour and your baby’s health.
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• Consult your doctor about the changes happening to you, especially regarding your emotions and anxieties
• Ask your doctor about special situations such as a premature birth or a caesarean delivery and what to do about it
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Discuss pain relief options and other choices you may need to make about the delivery
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Fix an appointment with your hospital to tour the delivery room
• Speak to an experienced friend or family member — ask about what to expect, what can go wrong and how to prevent it
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Begin short-listing baby names with your partner
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Start shopping for baby clothes and other needs
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If sleep is getting difficult, add more pillows for better back and front support
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Discuss work and leave arrangements with your employer and co-workers
• Look for someone to help you with baby’s care after the delivery
• Look up your medical coverage and if need be, ensure that you have enough money to cover hospital charges.
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Your baby is now able to open his/her eyes and listen to sounds from outside your body. Read on for exciting changes that show how quickly your baby is getting ready for delivery day.
• Is now about 30cm in length and close to 2kg in weight*
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May settle into the birthing position with head down
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Will be able to survive if delivered now
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Is active but may not have enough room to move about as much as previous months
• Looks almost as he/she will during birth, only smaller and thinner
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• Baby’s larger size may place more strain on your spine and lower back
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The uterus begins moving upwards, placing pressure on your breathing muscles and leading to breathlessness
• The urge to urinate more often may return again as baby’s head exerts pressure on your bladder
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• Start seeing your doctor every two weeks
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Take all recommended tests to check for pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes
• Consult your doctor if you don’t feel any movements for a full day
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Keep walking and stretching as these exercises can help ensure a smoother delivery
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Keep practising the Kegel exercises
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Practise the breathing exercises taught in your childbirth classes
• Review what will happen during delivery with your doctor.
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Your excitement should be building as you near the end of your third trimester. There are still several things to take care of, however, as you will read here.
• Will be fully developed by the end of the month. May weigh about 3kg or more*
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Should be head down by now and positioned close to your cervical opening with feet up under your breastbone
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Bones in the head are soft and flexible to allow passage through your vagina during delivery
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Eye colour is dark but may change after birth
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May have longer periods of inactivity due to cramped space
• Organs and body systems are maturing and ready to function on their own.
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• Increased tiredness as your body copes with extra weight and strains of pregnancy
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You may feel more drowsy
• Your belly may look lopsided due to baby’s position
• Uterus “drops” lower in preparation for delivery — this should ease breathing
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Hands and feet may swell
• You may feel more pressure around the pelvis as baby settles into the birthing position.
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• See your doctor every week unless instructed otherwise
• Watch your posture — sit with your back straight and shoulders back
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Use a pillow between your legs to aid sleeping
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Review pain relief options and other delivery day procedures you may have discussed with your doctor
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Limit long-distance travel
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Buy nursing bras and tops
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Buy an infant car seat in preparation for bringing your baby home
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Pack your hospital bag
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List down people to contact to announce the birth
• Start preparing your home for baby’s arrival — remember, it's never too early to baby-proof your home.
• Keep some frozen or canned foods handy to save time on cooking after baby’s arrival
• Give yourself and your family a treat — it may be several weeks or even months before you will be able to have dinner dates and holidays.
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*Please note that all measurements given in this guide are approximations only and will differ from one mother/ child to another.
This information is for educational purposes only. For more specific medical advice, diagnosis and treatment, we strongly suggest that you consult your doctor. If possible, review this information with your doctor before use.
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