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You're in week 28 of your pregnancy!
You've entered the home stretch! The third trimester is a time of growing anticipation. Your blossoming belly and all those kicks and hiccups are a constant reminder of the little life inside you, who is awaiting the chance to meet you face-to-face. Be kind to yourself and your baby at this time. You'll have to modify your exercise routine slightly to keep things comfortable and safe. It's also a good idea to ensure you are getting proper nutrition, as baby's nutritional needs peak during these next few months. This week, we'll explore the third trimester and the changes it can bring.
What's New with Baby
For the first time, your little one can open her eyelids and blink just as you would. Imagine how things must look from the inside! Just after she's born, her eyes will see objects best at a distance of about eight to 12 inches, or 20 to 30 cm. Luckily, this is about the same distance between your face and hers during breastfeeding. Your little one has also continued to build up her fat reserves, so her body is filling out nicely. If you spend a few quiet moments with your baby every day, you may notice she is full of all sorts of neat tricks, like hiccupping! Each day, she grows a little more, now weighing in at more than two and a quarter pounds. She's 15 inches long, or about the length of a butternut squash.
What's New with You
During the third trimester you may feel like you need to pee every hour, eat every hour, and rest every hour. This is all normal! Listen to your body, as it is telling you exactly what it needs you to do. Your growing baby will settle into a spot near the top of your bladder in the latter part of this trimester, so it is important to pee as often as you need to feel comfortable, even throughout the night. Avoid the temptation to drink less as a way to get out of frequent bathroom trips. Good hydration is good for you and your baby, especially when it is hot outside. Your little one needs plenty of protein, calcium, vitamin C and iron, so eat foods high in these nutrients. Try a spinach salad with strawberries and (pasteurized) feta cheese as a snack, or add grilled salmon for a delicious and healthy lunch.
Story from a Mama who has been there
'It was hard at the end of pregnancy to not worry that those extra pounds I had gained might not come off, but I knew the weight gain was normal and meant that my body was working as it should. I continued exercising in pregnancy, which helped me feel good about my body. As my belly grew larger, I became more self-conscious of my body and how I dressed. It felt like more people noticed and commented on my shape when I had a big belly, which is so different from in non-pregnancy. My husband kept telling me I looked like a fertility goddess!'
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Published: April 06, 2015
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PregnancyExerciseLamaze Pregnancy Week by WeekThird Trimester