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Pregnancy Calendar: 3rd Trimester

Pregnancy is an exciting time for any woman. Your body is changing, your baby is growing and developing, and you are preparing for the most rewarding experience of your life. Here is a weekly pregnancy calendar to the changes that you will experience in your third trimester, as well as how your baby is developing each week.

The second trimester includes Weeks 27-40. You will want to write a birth plan so that you and your partner know how you would like to go through the birth. Discuss these thoughts with your health care provider. Enjoy your third trimester pregnancy calendar!

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Week 27

Congratulations! You are in the home stretch - the final trimester of your pregnancy. You are more than likely to feel your baby's movements now. You may experience some pain under your ribs when the baby moves. This is normal. Just make sure that you discuss this with your provider if it worries you. Your baby's total length (not just crown-to-rump) is just over 15 inches. Your baby's eyes may be open. You should probably think about a prenatal class or classes at this point. You should also get used to sleeping on your side.

Week 28

You should have gained between 17 and 24 pounds now. Your baby weighs almost 2.5 pounds and is almost 16 inches long. The baby's brain tissue increases and begins to form grooves on the surface. Baby's body is beginning to fill out due to increased fat.

Week 29

Your uterus is about 4 inches above your belly button. Your baby weighs over 2.5 pounds and the total length is over 16.5 inches.

Week 30

You have about 10 weeks to go and from now on you should gain about a pound per week. Your baby weighs about 3 pounds and total length is about 17 inches.

Week 31

Your total weight gain by now should be about 21 to 27 pounds. You may notice some swelling in your ankles and feet due to extra fluid leaking into your body tissues. Sometimes your fingers may swell also and you may not be able to wear your normal jewelry.

Week 32

You will most likely see your doctor every 2 weeks now, to make certain you and your baby are healthy. Your baby weighs almost 4 pounds and is almost 19 inches long.

Week 33

You should have gained about 22 to 28 pounds. Heartburn may be keeping you from eating, but you can try smaller meals more frequently rather than three large meals during the day. Your baby weighs almost 4.5 pounds.

Week 34

You may be feeling more uncomfortable now due to the pressure your baby is exerting on your lower extremities. Lying on your side may help to alleviate some of this discomfort. Your baby may begin to drop at this point. This means that baby's head is moving toward the birth canal. Do not worry if this does not happen because it does not always occur with every pregnancy.

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Week 35

You should have gained between 24 and 29 pounds now. You may become anxious about your impending labor and delivery. You may not be sleeping well. Rest assured that this is all normal. Your baby now weighs over 5.5 pounds, but your provider may perform an ultrasound to estimate your baby's weight. Make sure you know the signs of labor and pay attention to your body.

Week 36

Your weight may stabilize now, as you only have a few weeks to go. The baby's movements may decrease slightly due to the fact that your body reabsorbs some of the amniotic fluid at this point. However, if the baby stops moving completely or there is too long a period of time between movements, contact your health care provider immediately.

Week 37

You may have a pelvic exam now so that your health care provider can evaluate your progress. S/he will check your cervix for effacement (when the cervix thins out) and dilation (amount of opening). Your baby is almost 6.5 pounds and about 21 inches in total length.

Week 38 - Week 40

Your baby is now considered full-term. You may be uncomfortable and are probably ready to get the baby out! Make sure to find out from your doctor what to do should your water break and/or you begin having contractions. If you go past 40 weeks, your doctor may schedule a time for you to be induced. Have a safe and happy birth experience!

This pregnancy calendar for your third trimester should be used as a guide and should not substitute for a health care provider's care.


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