Top 10 Pains and Plagues of the Third Trimester

Congratulations, you’re in the homestretch of your pregnancy journey! The third trimester is a time of great anticipation and excitement, but it often comes with its fair share of discomforts. The second trimester is often referred to as the “golden trimester,” but the third trimester is most assuredly not. As your baby grows, you continue to gain more weight which puts more pressure on your body, and increases discomfort in so many ways. As your body continues to work tirelessly to nurture and grow your precious baby, you may find yourself facing a myriad of challenges that can make these final weeks feel like a true test of endurance. Fear not, though, for this post is dedicated to helping you navigate the rollercoaster of the third trimester and find solace amid the pains and plagues you may encounter. Lets delve into some of the top pains of pregnancy you may be facing, and solutions that may bring you some comfort.

Acid Reflux

Ah, the burning sensation that seems to rise from your stomach into your throat – acid reflux can be a relentless companion during the third trimester. This unwelcome guest is due to hormonal changes which relax the esophageal sphincter, and the pressure placed on your stomach by your expanding uterus.

Solution: Small, frequent meals can help alleviate the symptoms. Avoiding spicy and acidic foods, and propping yourself up with pillows while sleeping can also provide relief. Try not to eat within 2 hours of going to sleep. If symptoms persist, talk to your doctor about starting medication such as famotidine.

Difficulty Sleeping

Getting a good night’s sleep becomes increasingly challenging as your baby bump grows. Finding a comfortable sleeping position is like searching for a needle in a haystack, and those frequent bathroom trips don’t make things any easier. Not only that, you may have to adjust your sleeping position. For me, prior to pregnancy, I was a back sleeper, which is a big no-no for the third trimester. Remember, in the third trimester the safest way to sleep is side sleeping. Check out this post for more advice on sleeping tips for pregnancy.

Solution: Invest in a pregnancy pillow to support your body and experiment with different sleep positions. Establish a bedtime routine and create a comfortable sleep environment to improve your chances of getting quality rest.

Sciatica

Sciatic nerve pain can rear its head during the third trimester, causing shooting pain and discomfort along the back of your legs and buttocks. The pressure from your growing uterus can irritate the sciatic nerve, leading to this pesky pain.

Solution: Gentle stretches and prenatal yoga can help relieve sciatic pain. Consult with your healthcare provider for safe exercises tailored to your specific needs.

Hand Numbness

Tingling and numbness in the hands, known as carpal tunnel syndrome, can become more pronounced in the third trimester. Fluid retention and swelling can compress the nerves in your wrist, leading to discomfort.

Solution: Wearing a wrist splint, specifically at night, keeping your hands elevated, and doing hand exercises can help alleviate the symptoms. This usually resolves after pregnancy, when the swelling resolves. If the numbness persists, consult your healthcare provider.

Increased Urination

The third trimester may have you feeling like you’re constantly running to the bathroom. The growing uterus puts pressure on your bladder, making frequent urination a common woe. You also might be experiencing little leaks, especially when coughing, sneezing, or laughing.

Solution: Stay hydrated but avoid drinking too much water before bedtime. Empty your bladder regularly and consider pelvic floor exercises to help control urinary urges.

Swelling Ankles

Edema, or swelling, is a common woe during the third trimester. It occurs as a result of increased blood volume and pressure on the blood vessels from your expanding uterus.

Solution: Elevate your legs whenever possible, wear comfortable shoes, and avoid standing or sitting for extended periods. Compression stockings may also provide relief. After 32 weeks I had to wear compression stockings daily! Here is my favorite brand. Pro tip with compression stockings: Put them on first thing in the morning, before your legs swell.

Shortness of Breath

As your baby grows, your lungs have less room to expand, leading to shortness of breath. Hormonal changes can also contribute to respiratory discomfort. I remember going on an easy hike at 35 weeks, and I was huffing and puffing like a chronic smoker. Just remember that your respiratory capacity will be different in your third trimester.

Solution: Practice deep-breathing exercises, maintain good posture, and avoid slouching to maximize lung capacity. Taking breaks and not overexerting yourself can help manage this symptom.

Varicose Veins

The increased blood volume and pressure in your veins can result in the development of varicose veins, which may be painful or uncomfortable. Varicose veins also have a genetic component, so you may still develop these, despite doing everything right.

Solution: Regular exercise, elevating your legs, and wearing compression stockings can help improve blood circulation and reduce the likelihood of varicose veins.

Constipation

Hormonal changes and the pressure from your growing uterus can slow down your digestive system, leading to constipation. This is also a huge problem after delivery, so be sure you have the right tools in your arsenal!

Solution: Stay hydrated, eat a fiber-rich diet, and engage in light physical activity. Discuss safe constipation remedies with your healthcare provider if needed. I lived on Metamucil and Colace in the third trimester, and after delivery.

Backaches

As your baby bump grows the strain on your back muscles intensifies during the third trimester, leading to persistent backaches.

Solution: Maintain good posture, use proper body mechanics when lifting, and consider prenatal massages or heat packs for relief. Prenatal yoga and gentle stretches can also help strengthen your back muscles.

Fatigue

The demands on your body during the third trimester can leave you feeling exhausted. For me, I felt the most fatigued during the first trimester and third trimesters. During my third trimester, I could not survive without a nap right after lunch, the fatigue is real!

Solution: Listen to your body and prioritize rest. Take short naps when needed, delegate tasks, and ask for support from your partner, family, or friends. Staying physically active can also boost your energy levels.

Conclusion:

As you navigate the challenges of the third trimester, remember that each discomfort is a testament to the incredible journey of pregnancy. Embrace the changes, be kind to yourself, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for personalized advice. This too shall pass, and before you know it, you’ll be holding your precious bundle of joy in your arms. Wishing you a smooth and comfortable journey through the final stretch of pregnancy! You’ve got this Mama!