Third trimester
Learn how to handle pain
There will be pain with labour. But if you understand why – and how normal it is – you may be able to manage it better. Certain techniques you may learn in antenatal classes, such as massage or the use of a TENS machine, may also block pain sensations from reaching the brain.
There are many pain relief options and you should discuss them all with your treating doctor. It’s a good idea to have a rough birthing plan together so that when you go into labour you can concentrate on the job at hand.
Find a class
Your healthcare practitioner may direct you to local classes. Check the credentials of the presenter so you know you’re getting good advice. Book in early to make sure you get a place – don’t leave it until your third trimester of pregnancy.
Build your confidence
One of the aims of prepared childbirth is to teach you that you can give birth successfully even though you’ve never done it before. If you feel wobbly, breathing and relaxation techniques you may learn during your third trimester at your antenatal class can help you break the cycle of fear, tension and pain.
Involve your partner
Your partner can play an important role in providing you with physical and emotional support. Including them in all the doctors appointments and birthing classes will mean they too are more prepared when the time comes.
What kind of class should you do?
Any of the following classes may help you get up to speed with childbirth and parenting:
- birth and labour classes
- prenatal care
- breastfeeding
- parenting skills
Week by week
Week 28
Your little one is around 38 cm long from crown to toe and already weights about 1.2 kilos, a third of her birth weight. Her feet measure around 5½ cm – yes, they are tiny!
2 mins to read
Week 29
As you inch your way towards the finish line – you will be giving birth in about ten weeks! – your baby is still growing by leaps and bounds, even opening her eyes this week.
3 mins to read
Week 30
Every day, your baby develops more, getting ready to make an entrance into the world in just under 10 weeks. Has it gone fast or is the time creeping by for you? Every mum feels it differently.
2 mins to read
Week 31
As D-Day fast approaches, your little one is starting to turn upside down. What a clever baby! But you already knew that. Read more about this week.
3 mins to read
Week 32
Your baby is still developing as you head into the final lap but it’s mostly perfecting and polishing from here on out. He or she is getting ready to meet you!
3 mins to read
Week 33
Six weeks. That’s about how long you’ve got left before you get to meet the little person growing inside you. Amazing, right? We think so. Read on to know more about this week.
3 mins to read
Week 34
Things are slowing down a little in your belly now. That’s because everything is getting close to being cooked! Your baby is around 45 cm long and weighs 2.2 juicy kilos.
3 mins to read
Week 35
In about a month, you’ll be holding that little bundle of joy in your arms. Until then, there’s still lots of polishing and refinement going on inside you. Read more about this week.
3 mins to read
Week 36
From now until she makes her grand entrance, your baby will continue to put on about a half a pound per week, or around 220 g. She is already 47 cm long and weighs 2.7 kg!
3 mins to read
Week 37
Your baby tends to keep his head down, arms crossed, and legs folded up on his chest as there’s not much room to move around. He’ll be very glad to get out and stretch!
3 mins to read
Week 38
Two more weeks! Yes, it’s true, you and your little one will soon be making each other’s acquaintance. Everything is pretty much in place. Read more about this week.
3 mins to read
Week 39
2 mins to read
Week 40
Time’s up! If he hasn’t already, your baby will arrive in the next few days. If he doesn’t come out voluntarily, your doctor might give him a little nudge. And then you will be a mother at last!
3 mins to read
