Pregnancy Guide

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Admin2025-11-18
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5.5m

Third Trimester Preparation: The Final Sprint to Welcome Baby ​

The third trimester is the final stage of pregnancy, from week 29 to delivery. During this period, the fetus gains weight rapidly, the maternal burden increases, and special attention needs to be paid to physical changes and delivery preparation.

Third Trimester Timeline ​

  • Weeks 29-32: Rapid Fetal Weight Gain Period
  • Weeks 33-36: Delivery Preparation Period
  • Weeks 37-40: Ready for Delivery Period

Fetal Development Process ​

Weeks 29-32: Rapid Weight Gain ​

  • Fetal length is about 38-42 cm, weight is about 1500-2000 g
  • Subcutaneous fat deposits rapidly, skin gradually becomes plump
  • Brain continues to develop, neural connections are more complex
  • Lungs gradually mature, surfactant increases
  • Fetal movement is more obvious and powerful

Weeks 33-36: Maturation Preparation ​

  • Fetal length is about 43-46 cm, weight is about 2000-2500 g
  • Organ systems are basically developed
  • Immune system obtains antibodies from the mother
  • Fetal position begins to fix, mostly head position
  • Fetal movement may decrease slightly, but remains regular

Weeks 37-40: Full Term Preparation ​

  • Fetal length is about 48-52 cm, weight is about 3000-3500 g
  • Lungs are fully mature and can breathe independently
  • Fetal position is fixed, preparing for delivery
  • Fetal movement pattern is relatively stable
  • Delivery may start at any time

Maternal Changes ​

Physical Changes ​

Uterus and Abdomen ​

  • Uterus enlarges to below the xiphoid process
  • Fundal height is about 32-36 cm
  • Abdominal skin is extremely stretched
  • Navel may protrude

Respiratory and Circulatory ​

  • Shortness of breath, need deeper breathing
  • Increased heart burden
  • Venous return is obstructed, prone to edema
  • Chest tightness and palpitations may occur

Digestive System ​

  • Stomach is compressed, prone to heartburn
  • Intestines are compressed, prone to constipation
  • Gallbladder emptying is delayed, prone to gallstones

Pelvis and Joints ​

  • Pelvic joints relax, preparing for delivery
  • Pubic symphysis separation pain may occur
  • Gait changes, center of gravity moves forward
  • Easy to fatigue and back pain

Emotional Changes ​

  • Expectation and worry about delivery
  • Irritability caused by physical discomfort
  • Anxious to see the baby
  • Thinking about role transition

Important Prenatal Checkup Items ​

Weeks 28-32 Checkup ​

  • Fetal position check and correction
  • Anemia review
  • Pregnancy complications screening
  • Fetal growth and development assessment

Weeks 32-36 Checkup ​

  • Checkup every week or every two weeks
  • Fetal Heart Monitoring (NST)
  • Amniotic fluid volume assessment
  • Placental function check

Checkup After Week 36 ​

  • Checkup once a week
  • Fetal position fixation confirmation
  • Delivery method assessment
  • Cervical maturity check

Delivery Preparation ​

Hospital Bag Preparation ​

Maternal Supplies ​

  • Clothing: Loose nursing clothes, nursing bras
  • Hygiene Supplies: Maternity pads, disposable underwear
  • Toiletries: Maternity specific toiletries
  • Breastfeeding Supplies: Breast pads, nipple cream

Newborn Supplies ​

  • Clothing: Onesies, swaddles, hats
  • Diapers: Newborn diapers, wet wipes
  • Feeding: Bottles, formula, bibs
  • Toiletries: Baby body wash, lotion

Documents ​

  • ID card, marriage certificate, birth permit
  • Medical insurance card, prenatal checkup file
  • Bank card, cash
  • Emergency contact list

Delivery Knowledge Learning ​

Delivery Process ​

  • First Stage: Cervical dilation period
  • Second Stage: Fetal expulsion period
  • Third Stage: Placental expulsion period

Delivery Methods ​

  • Natural delivery
  • Cesarean section
  • Water birth
  • Painless delivery

Pain Relief ​

  • Breathing techniques
  • Massage methods
  • Drug analgesia
  • Lamaze breathing method

Life Guidance ​

Diet and Nutrition ​

Nutritional Needs ​

  • Calories: Increase 300-450 calories daily
  • Protein: Increase 25 g daily
  • Iron: Need 27 mg daily
  • Calcium: Need 1200 mg daily

Dietary Suggestions ​

  • Small frequent meals, avoid overeating
  • Mainly easy-to-digest food
  • Control salt to reduce edema
  • Ensure adequate water intake

Exercise and Health Care ​

  • Walking: Maintain physical vitality
  • Pelvic Rocking: Promote fetal head engagement
  • Squatting Exercises: Strengthen pelvic floor muscles
  • Breathing Exercises: Prepare for delivery

Precautions ​

  • Avoid strenuous exercise
  • Avoid standing for a long time
  • Pay attention to movement safety
  • Stop immediately if uncomfortable

Rest and Sleep ​

Sleep Suggestions ​

  • Adopt left lateral position
  • Use pregnancy pillow for support
  • Elevate lower limbs to reduce edema
  • Take appropriate naps during the day

Daily Rest ​

  • Avoid excessive fatigue
  • Arrange appropriate rest time
  • Seek family help
  • Reduce outdoor activities

Common Discomforts and Coping ​

Physical Discomfort ​

Edema ​

  • Elevate lower limbs to rest
  • Reduce salt intake
  • Appropriate exercise to promote circulation
  • Wear loose and comfortable shoes

Heartburn ​

  • Small frequent meals
  • Avoid spicy food
  • Do not eat 2 hours before bedtime
  • Elevate upper body to rest

Back Pain ​

  • Use cushion support
  • Avoid sitting or standing for a long time
  • Hot compress to relieve pain
  • Appropriate stretching exercises

Dyspnea ​

  • Maintain correct posture
  • Avoid excessive activity
  • Breathe slowly and deeply
  • Rest appropriately

Emotional Problems ​

Anxiety and Worry ​

  • Share feelings with partner
  • Attend pregnancy classes
  • Seek professional support
  • Learn relaxation techniques

Sleep Problems ​

  • Establish a regular schedule
  • Create a comfortable sleep environment
  • Relax mood
  • Seek medical help if necessary

Symptoms to Watch Out For ​

⚠️ Signals for immediate medical attention:

  • Regular contractions (once every 5 minutes)
  • Vaginal bleeding or fluid leakage
  • Significantly reduced or disappeared fetal movement
  • Severe headache or visual impairment
  • Chest pain or severe difficulty breathing
  • Hypertension symptoms (Blood pressure ≥140/90mmHg)

Entering Delivery Period ​

Signs of Labor ​

  • Bloody Show: Small amount of bloody discharge from vagina
  • Contractions: Regular, gradually increasing uterine contractions
  • Water Breaking: Fluid flowing out of vagina
  • Abdominal dropping sensation

Medical Preparation ​

  • Contact hospital and doctor
  • Prepare hospital bag
  • Arrange transportation
  • Ensure someone accompanies you

Friendly Reminder: The third trimester is the final sprint stage. Maintain a good physical and mental state, make full preparations for delivery, and welcome the arrival of new life.