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Women's Health

Third Trimester

If You Can't Sleep

Many women have trouble sleeping during these final months, whether because of their increased size, the baby's movements, leg cramps, frequent need to urinate, increased metabolism, or anxiety about labor, birth, and becoming a mother. If you can't sleep:

  • Take only short naps during the day.
  • Eat your last big meal of the day more than three hours before bedtime.
  • Take a walk to relax and help relieve stress.
  • Lie on your left side. To help you be more comfortable, cross your right leg over your left and place a pillow between them.

During the final three months, you'll continue to feel and see movement as your baby kicks and turns inside you. In just a few weeks, you'll be ready to give birth.

Changes in you
The growing baby is putting more pressure on your organs. You'll probably be shorter of breath and have to urinate more frequently. You may also experience:

  • Swelling in your hands and feet
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Fatigue; you get tired more easily
  • Heartburn
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Tender, swollen breasts
  • Heaviness in your lower abdomen

Changes in your baby
During the third trimester, your baby’s bones and organs become fully formed. He opens and closes his eyes, hears sounds and sucks his thumb.

  • Length: about 19 inches
  • Weight: about 7 pounds
  • The baby moves lower in your abdomen, into position for birth.

Doctor visits
You'll probably see your doctor weekly during your final month. Vaginal exams will show how much your cervix is "effacing" (getting thinner and softer) to get ready for birth. Be sure to ask any questions you have about labor and delivery.

  • You and your doctor will discuss what kind of delivery you'll have.
  • You may want to sign up for childbirth classes.
  • Think about whether you will breastfeed your baby.

Other tests
Some women need other tests during the third trimester. Your doctor will determine if you need any of these:

  • Glucose test to check for gestational diabetes
  • GBS testing for group B strep infection
  • Fetal monitoring to record the baby's heartbeats and your contractions


Last modified 04/22/08