The Third Trimester of Pregnancy

With 4D ultrasound and inner uterine photography a lot is being discovered about the fetus' experience of the various stages of pregnancy. By the beginning of the third trimester of pregnancy baby's eyes are open and he opens and closes them regularly. Since the bones are fully developed now mom can really feel the movements. At the beginning of this stage of pregnancy the movements are frequent and quick; however, by the end of the trimester little room is left for the soccer star kicking and instead stretching and pushing is felt. Feet under the rib cage and head twisting in the pelvis will often stop mom in her tracks, send her running for the bathroom as the bladder is squeezed or possibly even require helping hands to be able to get up from a sitting or laying down position.
Baby really is packing on the pounds in the third trimester of pregnancy but with exception of water retention weight, mom will gain little as baby is now pressing into the stomach making it difficult to eat. Baby is drinking the amniotic fluid and voiding it as well; he is practicing breathing and will often get hiccoughs which mom can feel too. The lungs while developed fully continue to mature and will continue until birth; steroids are often administered if pre-mature labor is imminent that speeds up this maturing.
About four weeks before the baby's due date he begins to descend into the head down position, much later than this and it will be difficult to turn into proper position for birth and assistance in turning him may be needed. By the end of the thirty seventh week of pregnancy the baby is considered full term if delivered, however some babies really need the extra time and may be in no hurry to come out right yet, even though mom is more than ready.
By the end of this the final stages of pregnancy the baby is usually between 18 to 22 inches long and weighs anywhere from 6 to 9 pounds and everything is normally ready to work on its own. Many books and articles and web-sites offer helpful hints, tips and guides for the mom to be that can offer the information and support that is welcomed at this stage of pregnancy. Sharing this time with others who are going through the same things can help give the peace of mind and wonderful experience every woman desires with pregnancy and ease concerns about delivery.