At Modern OBGYN Care, we guide women through each stage of pregnancy with prenatal care optimized for their unique needs. Dr. Marcela Torres and Dr. Miguel Torres, both board-certified OB/GYNs, provide our Pembroke Pines, Florida, patients with all the tools they need to make pregnancy as comfortable as possible.
In the third trimester, symptoms often intensify as the baby grows and prepares for delivery. But you don’t have to suffer in these last few months. Today’s blog discusses five of our favorite tips to make this time easier.
Good posture is one meaningful way to manage common third-trimester issues like back pain. As your baby grows, your center of gravity is pulled forward, which puts extra pressure on your lower back and hips.
In addition, hormone changes cause the pelvic ligaments and joints to relax, making the spine more flexible and prone to discomfort. The muscles that support your spine also weaken and stretch during late pregnancy, compounding the issue.
Standing tall and being mindful of avoiding slouching can make a big difference by easing pressure on your spine.
Side sleeping is typically best for women in the second and third trimesters. The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists has determined that back sleeping can put excessive strain on the spine. This could cause restless sleep. It may also put pressure on the uterine arteries that supply your baby with oxygen-rich blood.
Sleeping on your side and using a pregnancy-support pillow between your knees and beneath your belly can help to avoid these issues and help keep you and your baby comfortable.
Heartburn is extremely common during late pregnancy, with some studies showing that as many as 8 in 10 women experience it often in their third trimester. It can be uncomfortable and downright painful, but you can manage it with some simple adjustments.
Avoiding spicy, highly acidic, and greasy foods can minimize heartburn flare-ups. Eating large meals can be a major trigger, so choosing more frequent, lighter meals throughout the day can ease your symptoms.
Many women experience significant leg swelling and, in some cases, varicose veins, during their third trimester. This can cause significant aching and discomfort as your pregnancy nears the finish line.
Compression stockings are often recommended to improve circulation, prevent blood pooling in the legs, and reduce the risk of complications such as deep vein thrombosis while easing discomfort.
In your third trimester, you might feel like it takes tremendous effort just to move, let alone exercise. Good news, though: You don’t have to do strenuous workouts (and shouldn’t), but gentle, low-impact exercise like walking can help with late-pregnancy symptoms.
Light movement can help relieve aches and pains, boost energy levels, and prep your body for delivery.
Some studies show that women who exercise regularly experience labor times of around 30 minutes shorter. Water exercise may be another option, with one study showing an average of three hours shorter labor.
Discomfort doesn’t have to be your main memory of your third trimester. Working with our caring OB/GYN at Modern OBGYN Care and using these smart tips can help you stay comfortable and keep the focus on the excitement of welcoming your baby.
Call our office in Pembroke Pines, Florida, at 754-217-4181 to schedule personalized prenatal care.
