The third trimester: Pregnancy and birth

Final stretch, soon you'll be holding your happiness in your arms.

The time has come. With the 28th week of pregnancy, the final trimester of your pregnancy officially begins. A phase full of growth and anticipation begins. Your happiness grows, your body changes noticeably, and you prepare yourself for the birth. It is a time when your emotions are in turmoil and there is so much you need to think about. In this guide to the third trimester, we accompany you through the final weeks of your pregnancy and provide you with Helpful tips to ensure you are optimally prepared for the upcoming arrival of your little bundle of joy.

Week by week – How your baby develops in the third trimester

In the last weeks of your pregnancy, your baby will gain a lot of weight and size. You will probably also see your little one for the last time before the birth, because Between the 29th and 32nd week of pregnancy, the final ultrasound as part of the routine check-ups is due.

Let’s take a closer look at each individual week – we’ll reveal how your luck develops.

Week 28-30 of pregnancy:

• Your baby continues to develop, with noticeable weight gain and growth.
• It’s getting tight in your belly. Since your happiness has less space, it doesn't occur as often anymore. Strong movements of the arms and legs, however, can be detected through the abdominal wall.
• Vernix caseosa and the lanugo hairs gradually recede.
• From this point onwards, Premature babies also have a high chance of survival with little medical support.
• At the end of the 30th week of pregnancy, your little one weighs around 1,350 grams and is approximately 41–43 cm in size.

Weeks 31-33 of pregnancy:

• Your happiness is starting to turn into the birth position. Ideally with the head facing downwards.
• The bones are still soft to facilitate the passage through the birth canal.
• All five senses of your happiness are now fully developed.
• At the end of the 33rd week of pregnancy, your little one weighs about 2 kilograms and is approximately 43–46 cm in length.

Week 40 of pregnancy

Your baby is now fully developed and ready for birth. It could happen at any minute. Look forward to the arrival of your happiness, stay calm and consciously experience the final days of your pregnancy. Your body and baby are preparing for an unforgettable moment – the birth.

Possible symptoms in 3.Trimester- this is how you can feel

Even in the final trimester, you may still experience symptoms of your pregnancy. These are usually due to the ongoing development of your little one and the changes taking place in your own body. If your symptoms become too severe, please speak to your doctor or midwife to ensure that any potential complications are detected in good time.

Possible complaints include:

Back pain, sleep problems, breathing difficulties, heartburn, swollen legs & oedema, fatigue, frequent urination, lightening pains & practice contractions.

Position of your baby's birth

The birth position of your baby has a significant impact on delivery. From the common occipital position to less frequent variations such as the breech position, each position presents its own challenges and opportunities.

Anterior occipital position:

The anterior occipital position is the ideal position for a vaginal birth. In this position, the head is slightly bent, the chin rests on the chest, and the nose is pointing towards your anus.

Star-gazer position:

The star-gazer position is a birthing position in which the baby lies in the womb with its face facing upwards. This position can lead to complications during delivery, as the baby's head does not fit optimally through the birth canal. Some babies in the stargazer position turn into a better position during birth, while others require assistance to get into the correct birth position. Under certain circumstances, a caesarean section is required in this position.

Pelvic position:

The breech position, also referred to as breech position, is a birth position in which the baby in the womb with the buttocks facing downwards and the legs extended in the direction of the birth canal, while the head points towards the mother’s abdomen. Depending on the circumstances and the individual situation, a vaginal birth may be possible, or a caesarean section may need to be performed in order to ensure a safe delivery.

Contractions in 3.Trimester of pregnancy

In the third trimester of pregnancy, Contractions as part of the natural preparation for birth. The so-called Practice contractions or Braxton Hicks contractions come irregularly and can occur from the 28th week of pregnancy onwards. They are generally less painful than real contractions and are usually described as a tight, unpleasant sensation in the abdomen perceived.

Lightening contractions occur about four weeks before birth. During these, your little one moves deeper into your pelvis, which reduces the pressure on your diaphragm and ribs and thus gives you Relief and greater comfort provides.

Labour pains: The four stages of childbirth

1. The first phase includes the Opening contractions, during which the uterus gradually opens the cervix, to clear the way for the baby. This phase can take hours or even days.
2. The second phase, which Transition phase is more intense and of shorter duration. Here, the cervix reaches full dilation while the contractions increase in strength.
3. In the third phase, the Expulsive contractions, the contractions push the baby through the birth canal.
4. In the fourth phase, the Afterbirthreplaced

Perineal massage as part of birth preparation

Perineal massages are from the 34th week of pregnancy (34th week of gestation) a method of birth preparation that aims to, the tissue of the perineum, which lies between the vagina and the anus, to stretch and loosen. This can increase elasticity and reduce the risk of perineal tears or episiotomies during childbirth.

How to perform a perineal massage:

• Preparation: Wash your hands thoroughly and get yourself into a comfortable position.
• Use oil: Apply a special Massage oil on your fingers and on the area of the perineum.
• Gentle stretching: Insert your thumb and index finger into the vagina and place them about 3–4 cm from the entrance on the perineal area. Apply gentle pressure downwards and sideways. and begin to gently stretch the tissue by slowly moving your fingers apart.

Perform the perineal massage about once a day for 5–10 minutes Important is that you perform the perineal massage no pain ... you feel, and consult your doctor or midwife if you have any questions.

We have put together a checklist for you:

This is what you should pack for yourself:

1. Comfortable clothing and pyjamas
2. Socks and slippers
3. Bathrobe
4. Comfortable underwear (if you have a caesarean section, the knickers should be a little larger)
5. Silent BHs
6. Breast pads
7. Hygiene items (such as soap, shower gel, deodorant, toothbrush)
8. Sanitary pads (usually provided by the hospital/birth centre of your choice)
9. Snacks and drinks
10. Relaxation materials such as a book or music
11. Mobile phone and charging cable

Our tip: If you plan to breastfeed, then it makes sense to, Lanolin cream to have ready in your hospital bag for sensitive nipples as well.

This is what you should pack for your happiness:

1. Baby clothing (rompers, long-sleeved bodysuits)
2. Caps
3. Socks
4. Sleeping bag
5. Baby blanket
6. Care products
7. Infant car seat for the journey home

Nappies, wet wipes and changing mats are mostly provided for you by the place of birth.

In addition to personal belongings, important documents such as insurance cards should be included., Birth plan and hospital documents ready and available.

Our tip: Keep your hospital bag within easy reach in the car or near the front door. That way, you're ready to go as soon as your contractions start.

The time has come

The third trimester – and at the same time your pregnancy – is drawing to a close. It has been marked by physical changes, anticipation, and preparations for your baby’s arrival. We hope that our trimester guides have provided you with helpful insights and support, and we wish you all the luck in the world for your birth. We are here for you even after your pregnancy. In our... weekly contributions Our mums, dads and experts pool all their knowledge, offer helpful tips and are there to support you with advice and practical assistance.

Editorial note: For reasons of better readability, the masculine form is used for personal designations and nouns relating to people in this guide. These terms are to be understood as applying to all genders equally in the spirit of equal treatment. The shortened form of language is used solely for editorial reasons and does not imply any value judgement.

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