Welcome to the third trimester! It is a time of extensive brain maturation, system rehearsal and transformation into a fully developed baby. For you, it may be a period of heartburn, leg cramps, haemorrhoids, itchy skins and indigestion. Don’t dispair – exciting times are ahead.
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What is happening to your baby:
The eyes are formed – complete with eyelids and eyebrows.
The lungs can breathe oxygen.
Hair continues to grow.
Muscle tone improves.
Your baby starts to recognise your voice.
Posture straightens so that the internal organs can shift to their proper positions.
Baby may start to suck his/her thumb.
What is happening to you:
You may find that you leak urine when you sneeze. This is very common during pregnancy.
You may drop things and trip easily. This is normal because of loosening of the joints and water retention.
What to do:
Do Kegel exercises to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor. This will reduce the likelihood of leaking urine and will also prepare your body for labour. Learn how to do them right here.
Talk to your baby because he/she can recognise your voice!
If you are working, you should start to think about maternity leave. See our useful information on negotiating maternity leave.
Speak to your doctor about having a glucose tolerance test done.
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