Somatic changes
Due to the displacement of the center of gravity of the body due to the increase in the uterus and increased mobility of the pelvic joints, future mothers often experience back pain. During the last weeks of pregnancy, many women celebrate the so-called Frexton-Hicks contractions - preparatory contractions of the uterus. They last no more than 30 seconds and often pass unnoticed for the pregnant woman. At a period of about 36 weeks, when the head of the child falls into the pelvic cavity, the woman begins to feel more comfortable, it makes it easier to breathe.
Free time
Working women at the 32nd week of pregnancy usually go on maternity leave. For many, this period is the only opportunity to exercise oneself. Some women use it creatively, reading books or finding new hobbies, for which there was no time before. It is also a period when couples can often go out and enjoy the last opportunity to be alone before the birth of a child.
Relationship with the fetus
Having a free time gives the woman the opportunity to think about her future baby. This strengthens the emerging relationship between mother and child. By the sixth month of pregnancy, the fetus develops hearing, and many parents try to communicate with the child, reading to him, listening to music or talking with him. During the third trimester, couples who already have children should prepare them for the appearance of a brother or sister. Young children need a delicate approach - they need to get used to the idea of adding to the family. Children should be involved in the process of pregnancy - for example, they should be allowed to touch the mother's belly when it becomes large, and let the fetus move. The only child in the family who is used to the fact that all the attention of adults is drawn to him, can feel deprived. As a result, sometimes there is a so-called regression (reverse development), for example, when babies who have already started walking return to infantile behavior, stop talking or use a pot to attract the attention of their parents.
Last preparations
With the approach of labor to many women, the "instinct of nesting" manifests itself when they feel a sudden rise in energy and enthusiasm and prepare the house for the emergence of a new family member. This time can be used to prepare a children's room and purchase everything you need for a baby, for example, an armchair, a crib and clothes, if it was not done before. To avoid overwork, women should buy a dowry for the baby gradually. It is also important to participate in the father - this will allow him to feel his involvement in the coming changes and prepare for them.
Key decisions
Future parents need to take a number of important decisions. One of them is the choice of a name for the future baby. It should please both parents, and the child with it should be comfortable at all stages of life. For many people, names are associated with certain images or characters. Parents hope that the name chosen by them is the best for their child. During this period couples often begin to discuss the distribution of responsibilities for childcare. Fathers may need to discuss with their superiors the possibility of a vacation to spend some time at home helping to care for the newborn.
Care
With the approach of an important date, primiparous women are often anxious about the upcoming events. With a repeat pregnancy, anxiety can occur if the first birth has not gone quite smoothly. Before the first birth, women are more often concerned about whether they will be able to endure the pain. Many fear that if they lose control of themselves, they will scream or, during an effort, defecation will happen. A woman may also worry that during the delivery there will be a need for episiotomy (a cut of the perineum to facilitate delivery). It is difficult for them to imagine what fights are, only direct experience can give a true picture of them. In addition, there may be a fear of having a maternal instinct and whether the mother can cope with the child.
Birth plan
Getting enough information about the possibilities of choosing the method of birth helps future parents feel more confident. The couple needs to decide on the place of delivery (in a medical institution or at home), the use of anesthesia and the way the baby is fed (thoracic or artificial). It is important to be prepared in advance for the fact that during labor there may be a need for surgical intervention.
Teaching the basics of baby care
After reading the literature on pregnancy and childbirth, a pregnant woman may lose sight of the basics of caring for the newborn. After the birth of the baby, there is very little time left for this. Girls who already have children can help in training the skills of caring for a child. Pregnant women often get frustrated when signs of labor are absent after the date of the alleged delivery. Only about 5% of children are born on the scheduled day. If the pregnancy continues significantly longer than expected, a woman may develop depression. To the harbingers of approaching births is the departure of the mucous plug, which covered the cervix during pregnancy. Normally, it is transparent, with an admixture of blood. Departure of the mucous plug suggests that delivery is likely to occur within the next 12 days. Now we know when the third trimester of pregnancy begins, and what changes in the body are waiting for each mother at this stage.