Third Trimester of Pregnancy: Prenatal Visits

Third Trimester of Pregnancy: Prenatal Visits

How often are prenatal visits and what to expect from exams in the third trimester?

As you step into the home stretch of your pregnancy journey, those last few months, your calendar’s going to get a bit busier with doctor’s appointments. Here’s how the third trimester prenatal visit typically goes down:

Starting from week 28 up until week 36, you’re looking at visiting your doctor every two weeks. Consider it a regular check-in to ensure you and your little one is doing great. They’ll monitor your blood pressure, check your urine, measure your belly to see how the baby grows and listen to that sweet heartbeat.

Then, you switch gears to weekly visits from week 36 until you meet your baby. It’s crunch time! Along with the usual checks, your doctor might check if your body’s getting ready for the big day with pelvic exams. Now, I won’t sugarcoat it – these exams can be a bit uncomfortable and might even hurt a little. But it’s essential to check whether your body is getting ready for labor by seeing if your cervix has started to dilate or thin out. It sounds a bit daunting, but it’s an ordinary and necessary check to ensure everything is on track for your delivery.

After these exams, you might notice a slight spotting or bleeding. It can be alarming but try not to worry too much. This is a normal reaction your body can have to the exam. Of course, if you’re unsure or something feels off, never hesitate to contact your healthcare provider. They’re there to ensure you and your baby are healthy and provide peace of mind whenever you need it. Remember, every check, even the uncomfortable ones, brings you one step closer to meeting your little one.

What are signs of labor?

Every labor story starts in its way, with different signs that the big day is near. Look out for these cues that labor is on the horizon:

1. Contractions: You know those practice contractions you might have been feeling, those Braxton Hicks? When the real deal starts, they get pretty regular and don’t give up – no matter how much you move around or drink water. They’ll feel stronger and come at you like clockwork, lasting about half a minute to over a minute each.

• Water Works: If it feels like you’ve suddenly peed yourself, but you can’t control it, your water might have broken. This could be a big splash or just a constant dribble. It’s nature’s way of telling you, “Showtime!”

• The Bloody Show: Not the most glamorous part, losing your mucus plug might come with a bit of bloody discharge. It’s like a sticky, blobby sign that your body is getting the exit ready for your little one. It can happen a bit before labor kicks in or right as things are moving along.

• Cervix Getting Ready: This part’s more for the docs to tell, but your cervix is doing its prep work, getting softer, thinner, and opening up. It’s all about making that pathway for the baby’s grand entrance.

• Back Pain and Cramp Party: Some of us get hit with back pain or feel like our period cramps are back with a vengeance. It’s another hint from your body that labor isn’t far off.

• Bathroom Tips: Suddenly experiencing diarrhea? It could be your body’s way of preparing for labor, not just a random upset stomach. Alongside, you might encounter nausea, vomiting, and soft stools, which are all signs that labor could be starting soon.