You may experience:
- Back pain and discomfort as your belly grows.
- Shortness of breath from your baby pressing on your lungs, making it harder to take deep breaths.
- Swelling in your feet, ankles, and hands due to extra fluid and pressure on your veins.
- Frequent urination from your baby pressing on your bladder.
- Trouble sleeping as it becomes harder to find a comfortable position.
- Braxton Hicks contractions. Â These âpracticeâ contractions feel like your belly is tightening but aren't as painful as labor contractions.
- Leaking breasts as you start to produce colostrum, the first form of milk.
You'll have more frequent prenatal visits (every 2 to 3 weeks, then weekly after 36 weeks) as your provider continues to monitor:
- Your weight
- Your blood pressure
- Your baby's growth
You may also have:
- A group B strep test (35 to 37 weeks). Â This swab test checks for a common bacteria that could affect your baby during delivery.
- A fetal position check to see if your baby is head down, preparing for birth.
- Vaccines to protect your and your baby's health. Â These vary by time of year but can include Tdap, flu, COVID, and RSV.
Weeks 28 to 32:
Your baby's brain is developing rapidly, and they can now blink their eyes. Â Your baby is about the size of a large eggplant.
Weeks 33 to 36:
Your baby is gaining weight quickly and practicing breathing. Â Their bones are also hardening. Â By now your baby is about the size of a pineapple.
Weeks 37 to 40:
Your baby has fully developed lungs and is considered term at 37 weeks. Â They're about the size of a watermelon and are preparing for birth.
In the third trimester, you'll feel your baby growing and getting ready for birth, while you prepare with more frequent visits and additional tests.
