Welcome to the third trimester! This 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 despair – exciting times are ahead.
Your baby's progress:
- The eyes are formed – complete with eyelids and eyebrows.
- The lungs can breathe oxygen.
- The 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 or her thumb.
Your progress:
- 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 a 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 prepare your body for labour.
- Talk to your baby...
- If you're working, start planning for maternity leave.
- Speak to your doctor about having a glucose tolerance test.
Good to know:
- Even if you're feeling sick, it's still important to have breakfast. Try dry toast if you're queasy.