Medically Reviewed By Experts Panel
It’s important to be aware of what to do and what to avoid as your pregnancy continues in order to take care of yourself and your developing baby.
- Prevent excess weight gain – There are some simple ways to avoid gaining too much weight during pregnancy. Weight gain is a normal part of pregnancy, and most women can expect to gain between 11kg – 16kg. Do your best to eat balanced meals and healthy snacks and stay hydrated. Gaining more than the recommended weight during pregnancy can put you at higher risk for complications and issues including gestational diabetes and hypertension, preeclampsia and preterm birth.
- Eat balanced meals – As critical as this stage of pregnancy is, it is essential to follow a healthy, nutritious diet to ensure your baby develops. Focus on small, frequent meals that are high in protein, nourishing fat, vegetables, fruits, fibre and complex carbohydrates. Drinking 8-10 glasses of water is important to help you labor efficiently.
- Be regular with prenatal check-ups – Prenatal care is an important part of a healthy pregnancy, especially as your due date approaches. In your third trimester, you will have a prenatal visit every 2 weeks until due date. After that, you will see your gynaecologist every week. The visits may be quick, but they are still important.
- Improve sleep – The third trimester is a time to expect increasing insomnia and night waking. Most women wake up 3 to 5 times a night. This could be due to including hormonal shifts, intensifying pregnancy symptoms and, of course, a growing baby bump. To get better sleep develop a relaxing bedtime routine, keep a regular time for sleeping, avoid electronics at least an hour before bedtime, relieve stress with yoga and relaxing techniques.
- Exercise Regularly – Regular exercise in the third trimester is a great way to help alleviate some of the symptoms and discomfort. Exercise can ease many of the uncomfortable and unpleasant side effects of pregnancy, like back pain, constipation, fatigue, and swelling. Start slow and easy, and with the guidance of your care provider. For your third trimester, considering your balance, belly size, and other physical changes, the following exercise routines will be ideal. Swimming, walking, yoga, pelvic floor exercises.
It is crucial to keep in mind the 5 recommended points mentioned above to complete your pregnancy in the most comfortable, energetic, and secure way and to welcome your little bundle of joy safely and cheerfully into this world.
