13 Things to do during the third trimester of pregnancy & bull; hello healthy

Towards delivery things can be overwhelming. In order for your baby's arrival countdown to run smoothly, there's nothing wrong with reading and applying the following tips during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy.

Tips to-do-list in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy

You can tick each item on this list, or just use it as a guide. Do what feels right for you.

1. Count baby kicks

The bigger and stronger your baby is, you will probably feel a sharp kick under your ribs. You should be able to feel your baby moving towards and during labor.

Every baby has a different waking and sleeping pattern. However, over time you can understand what is normal for your baby. However, if you feel there is a change in the pattern, immediately talk to your midwife or doctor.

Lack of movement may be a sign of a problem, and you will need testing to check your baby's condition.

2. Consultation to a doctor and lab tests

You will most likely have scheduled routine check-ups every two weeks at 28-36 weeks of pregnancy. Then switch to once a week until it's time to give birth.

During the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, the doctor / midwife will provide information on how to prepare for labor and delivery, including how to recognize the signs of labor and how to deal with labor pain.

The doctor / midwife will measure the size of your stomach at each consultation to check the baby's growth. If he thinks your baby needs additional tests, he will schedule an ultrasound scan for you.

If you have not had labor by the time you are 41 weeks pregnant, you will be referred to a gynecologist. She may rub the membrane to stimulate labor, and explain other ways to induce labor.

Important note: if it's not offered by your doctor, you can request (and should get) a group B streptococcus (GBS) test, between weeks 35 and 37 of gestation. If you have GBS bacteria in your body (usually in the reproductive or digestive tract) and don't know it, the bacteria can pass to your baby during labor and possibly cause serious illness in the first weeks of the baby's life.

3. Beware of worrying symptoms of late pregnancy

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy condition that is thought to occur when the placenta is not working properly. This can occur from 20 weeks of pregnancy, but is most likely to occur in your third trimester.

The midwife will check for signs of pre-eclampsia when you have your routine antenatal check-up. The signs of preeclampsia include high blood pressure and protein in your urine. Although tests performed by midwives are the most effective way to find out and manage the risk of preeclampsia, it is still important that you are aware of the symptoms as early as possible.

Watch out for severe headaches, blurred vision, and swollen hands and feet. Call your doctor or midwife immediately if you have any of these symptoms.

4. Design a birth plan

A birth plan is a way for you to share your wishes with the midwives and doctors who treat you during labor.

This plan tells them what kind of labor and birth you want to have, what you want to do and avoid, your preferences for pain management techniques, who will be present at delivery, whether your baby will share a room with you after birth, and much more.

Many things out of your control might not go according to your plans, but designing the big picture can help you make decisions during labor.

5. Make sure your body has enough iron

Having a healthy diet and eating habits is important for the health of you and your baby. Try to eat lots of iron-rich foods, which help you to produce red blood cells. Your baby will take up reserves of iron from your body, so he or she isn't deficient - but you may.

Increase your iron intake by consuming iron-rich foods, such as lean meats, green vegetables, and fortified cereals in your diet. Accompany your meals with a glass of orange juice to help your body absorb iron more easily.

6. Prepare the house for the arrival of the baby

Make your life as a new parent easier from now on by starting community service preparing the house for the arrival of the baby. Craft baby cot, baby car seat and baby carriage from now on. Have your spouse or other family member do it for you.

Clean and babyproof your home from now on. Consider hiring a professional house cleaner or asking a friend or family member to handle this task, perhaps while you are at the hospital or birthing center. It feels a relief to return to a sleek home, and you won't have the time or energy to clean up while caring for a newborn.

Shop for household supplies from now on. Fill your refrigerator and cupboards with fresh and frozen ingredients, kitchen and bathroom utensils, medicines, dry and wet wipes, and even spare underwear. And of course, don't forget the stock of baby supplies, such as diapers, washcloths, bottles, spare baby clothes and infant formula if you plan to use these. Wash all clothes, baby supplies, and mattresses with baby-friendly soap to avoid irritating your newborn's sensitive skin.

Cook large amounts of durable food and freeze it for the early weeks after birth. You and your partner will be too tired to cook in the first week after you bring your baby home and you will be delighted to have a filling meal that you can reheat quickly.

Perform "house-cleaning" operations as early as possible before things get too troublesome to do.

7. Recognize your contractions and learn the stages of labor

Recognize and understand your contractions. Notice how each contraction feels and how often it occurs. This can help you to distinguish contractions from obvious signs of labor.

As your due date approaches, no one can tell you exactly what your birthing experience will be like or how long the process will take. However, learning about the stages of labor can help you feel more in control when the time comes.

8. Pack the hospital bag

Even if you don't plan on having a hospital delivery, you may need an unexpected hospital visit, so pack your bags properly as early as possible before your due date.

Check what the hospital has and what you can bring yourself from home. If you like, you can pack two bags: one for labor and the period immediately after the baby is born, and one for you to keep in the nursery. Eits, make no mistake… New dad needs a bag too! Guide your partner to pack his hospital bag here.

9. Get plenty of sleep

If you find it difficult to fall asleep at night, try investing in some good quality pillows to support you. Slide one pillow between your knees and a few under your stomach before you go to bed to help you sleep more comfortably. Check out the HelloSehat guide to getting a good night's sleep for pregnant women here.

10. Preparation for breastfeeding

The more you know about how breastfeeding works and the benefits of breastfeeding, the more likely you are to be successful at it. Try to attend breastfeeding classes or preparatory sessions for breastfeeding several times during your pregnancy. These classes are offered by many hospitals and non-formal classes as part of the antenatal classes.

11. Stretch

Now is a good time to learn the stretches that will prepare your body for the birth of your baby. Try not to worry if you find it difficult to learn new stretching exercises in this third trimester. Even the occasional stretching and shaking your hands and feet can help you avoid trivial pregnancy issues like leg cramps.

12. Learn newborn care

If you haven't already, the third trimester is a great time to shift your focus from earth and fetal care to baby care. You won't have much time to read after your baby is born, so you can learn all about the first few weeks of baby's life now.

13. Take a tour of the hospital

The more familiar you are with your surroundings, the less intimidating the labor and delivery process will be. While on a tour of your hospital or birthing center, you will likely visit the birthing and recovery rooms and baby rooms, and get an overview of the basic hospital policies around childbirth.

Find out if your hospital's maternity unit offers online tours. If not, ask if you can register early. You don't want to have to sign a pile of papers and permits when you're in five minutes of labor, or watch your partner being taken away to do it for you.

Ask your midwife if you want to know about how your baby will be monitored for delivery.