Normal physical changes to your body during pregnancy: the third trimester

You may experience more discomfort during this time as your belly gets bigger.

  • Mild swelling of your feet and ankles (edema) 

  • Pregnancy causes more fluid buildup in your body. Extra pressure from your uterus to your legs can lead to swelling 

  • If swelling on your face and hands do not go away during the day, it may be a sign of pre-eclampsia. Pre-eclampsia is more likely when new swelling of your face, hands or feet begins suddenly and you experience a sudden weight gain of more than 2 lbs. over a 24-hour period during your third trimester, particularly if your blood pressure is high. 

  • Difficulty sleeping 

  • Lying on your back interferes with blood circulation. Sleep on your side using pillows to support your belly and between your knees. Laying on your left side is best later in your pregnancy, as lying on your right side can partly block the large blood vessel in front of your backbone 

  • Getting regular exercise and keeping a regular sleep schedule may increase your sleep quality. Keep your naps as short as possible and avoid caffeine.  

  • Most sleep medication may be dangerous to a growing baby and thus should be avoided. Talk to your doctor about treatment options if your difficulty with sleeping persists. 

  • Frequent urination 

View our previous posts for information on the following: 

  • Leg cramps 

  • Back pain 

  • Pelvic ache and hip pain 

  • Stretch marks and other skin changes 

  • Nosebleeds and bleeding gums 

  • Hand pain, numbness, or weakness (carpal tunnel syndrome) 

  • Braxton-Hicks contractions 

  • Fatigue 

  • Hemorrhoids and constipation  

  • Heartburn 

  • Breathing difficulty 

 

Source: https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/Pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=hw197814#aa88889 

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Normal physical changes to your body during pregnancy: the second trimester