Fetal development during the third trimester

During the third trimester, the fetus continues to grow in size and weight. The lungs are still maturing. The fetus starts to position itself head-down. By the end of the third trimester, the fetus is about 19 to 21 inches long and weighs about 6 to 9 pounds. Fetal development during the third trimester includes:

·         The fetus can see and hear.

·         The brain continues to develop.

·         The kidneys and lungs continue to mature.

·         By the 36th week, the head may "engage" (drop into the pelvic area). This is a process called "lightening."

·         The bones of the skull stay soft to make it easier to pass through the birth canal.

·         For many babies, the irises of the eyes are slate blue. The permanent eye color will not appear until several days or weeks after birth.

·         The fetus can suck its thumb and can cry.

·         By 38 to 40 weeks, the fetus' lanugo has almost all gone away.

·         By 38 to 40 weeks, the lungs have matured fully.

·         The baby is covered in vernix caseosa (or simply called vernix). This is a creamy, protective coating on the skin.

·         The head will often turn downward during the last couple of weeks of pregnancy.

Changes in your body

In the third trimester, you may become more uncomfortable as your due date nears. As the fetus grows in size and crowds the abdominal cavity, you may have a hard time taking deep breaths or getting comfortable at night for sleep. Or you may not have any discomfort as you anxiously await the arrival of your new son or daughter.

Here is a list of changes and symptoms that you may have during the third trimester:

·         Increased skin temperature as the fetus radiates body heat, causing you to feel hot.

·         Need to urinate more often because of increased pressure on the bladder.

·         Swelling of the ankles, hands, and face (edema) as you keep retaining fluids.

·         Hair may start to grow on your arms, legs, and face because hormones are stimulating the hair follicles. Your hair may also feel coarser.

·         Leg cramps may happen more often.

·         False labor (Braxton-Hicks contractions) may start at irregular intervals in preparation for childbirth.

·         Stretch marks may appear on the stomach, breast, thighs, and buttocks.

·         Colostrum may start to leak from your nipples. This is a fluid in the breasts that nourishes the baby until the breastmilk becomes available.

·         Dry, itchy skin may continue, particularly on the stomach. This is because the skin continues to grow and stretch.

·         Your sexual drive may drop.

·         Skin pigmentation may become more apparent. You may have dark patches of skin on your face.

·         Constipation, heartburn, and indigestion may continue.

·         White-colored vaginal discharge (leukorrhea) may increase and contain more mucus.

·         Backaches may continue and get worse.

·         Hemorrhoids may continue and get worse.

·         Varicose veins in the legs may continue and get worse.