By Cradle & Tonic
You and your baby at 30 - 35 weeks pregnant
<h4>3rd Trimester Symptoms</h4>
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Now that you've been in your third trimester for a few weeks, you might be adjusting to the new symptoms that come with this stage. However, things can still feel challenging and overwhelming, both physically and emotionally.
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As your baby continues to grow, you may feel increasingly uncomfortable and less mobile. The extreme tiredness of your first trimester might also return as it becomes harder to get restful sleep.
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This is all very normal, so be sure to give yourself time each day to connect with your body, your baby, and your emotions. A long, relaxing shower followed by pregnancy-safe stretches can provide some much-needed TLC for both you and your baby.
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<h4>Contractions</h4>
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Around 30-35 weeks, you may start to feel some slight tightening in your abdomen. These are most likely Braxton Hicks contractions, and there's no need to worry.
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Braxton Hicks are irregular uterine tightenings triggered by physical activity or sexual intercourse. While common, if your contractions become intense, painful, and regular, you should seek medical attention.
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<h4>Feeling Sleepy and Tired</h4>
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That extreme tiredness you likely felt during your first trimester may have returned now that you're nearing the end of your pregnancy. Your baby is much larger, and you've likely gained most of your pregnancy weight by week 35, making activities like walking and even sleeping more difficult.
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<h4>Round Ligament Pains</h4>
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Round ligament pain is one of the most common pregnancy discomforts. It occurs as the ligaments supporting your uterus stretch to accommodate your growing baby. This can cause pain and discomfort.
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To ease round ligament pain, make sure to get plenty of rest, try soaking in a warm bath with magnesium salts, and stay relaxed.
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<h4>Headache and Backache</h4>
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Headaches, a first-trimester symptom, may reappear during your third trimester. These are usually normal, but if they become intense or frequent, consult your GP or midwife to rule out conditions like high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia.
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Back pain is also common as your ligaments soften and your body prepares for labor. Intense back pain can also be an early sign of labor, so stay alert and contact your midwife if needed.
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<h4>Frequent Urination</h4>
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During the second part of your last trimester, you may find yourself needing to urinate more frequently. As your baby grows, they press on your bladder, causing more frequent trips to the bathroom, especially at night.
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<h4>What Does Your Baby Look Like at This Stage?</h4>
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At 30-35 weeks, your baby is around 40cm long and weighs about 1.3kg. Although still small, babies born at this stage have a much higher chance of survival compared to those born earlier in the third trimester, as their organs are more developed and fat storage has increased.
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Your baby can now open and close their eyes in the womb, and once born, they will be able to focus on your face when you are no more than 25cm away.
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<h4>Baby's Skull and Bones</h4>
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As your baby’s brain rapidly develops, their skull remains soft and malleable, allowing for easier passage through the birth canal.
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The rest of their bones are strengthening as cartilage turns into calcium, but their kneecaps will only form later in infancy. Since their skull bones haven’t fused yet, babies are born with more bones than adults – fascinating, right?
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