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Labor is unique for each mom-to-be, but the main sign that labor is approaching is having regular contractions. You may also notice your water breaking and the mucus plug discharge.
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Yes, it’s completely normal. Many women find they are more tired in the third trimester than in the second. Your body is working hard to support your growing baby, and your bump may get in the way of a good night’s sleep, too.
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Not everyone will gain the same amount of weight during any pregnancy trimester. It all depends on your pre-pregnancy weight, your body type, your general health, and whether you're having more than one baby! In the third trimester, you might put on around 1 pound per week, for example.
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The third trimester runs from 28 weeks until your baby is born. Your pregnancy is considered full term at the start of 39 weeks, and most babies are born in the two weeks either side of their due dates.
Pregnancy
20 Weeks Pregnant
19 Weeks Pregnant
At this point in your pregnancy, you may feel more aches and pains as your bump grows, and your feet might swell up a little bit. Other body changes that you may experience include dizziness, nasal congestion, and backaches.
Still, you’ll be thrilled when you start to feel a flutter or a kick as your little one grows and starts getting active.
18 Weeks Pregnant
At this stage of your pregnancy, your body is going through a lot of circulation changes, such as increased blood volume and rapidly expanding blood vessels, which can cause your blood pressure to drop. This can leave you feeling lightheaded if you’re not getting enough blood flow to your head and upper body.
You may also notice around 18 weeks that your feet are getting bigger. A part of this is due to swelling caused by water retention, known as edema, which can occur from the second trimester onward.
17 Weeks Pregnant
It’s also possible that you may be feeling some of your baby’s movements right about now. If this isn’t your first baby, then you may be more aware of what the feeling is like, and recognize it sooner. But don't worry if you haven’t felt anything yet. In the coming weeks, you’ll likely notice some activity that feels like fluttering or a light rumbling in your stomach.
Have your feet have gotten bigger recently? This could be due to pregnancy weight gain and to swelling, known as edema, that happens as your body’s retains extra fluid during pregnancy. Try a cool foot bath to relieve the swelling, and elevate your feet whenever you can to help keep yourself more comfortable.
16 Weeks Pregnant
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Being pregnant can be fun at this stage! The bothersome symptoms of early pregnancy may have disappeared, and you are likely to have more energy. Enjoy this time by staying moderately active with walks, a swim, or prenatal yoga.
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Although every mom-to-be is unique, it’s not unusual for the bump to start showing by 16 weeks of pregnancy. As your bump gets bigger, consider treating yourself to some maternity clothes that might help you feel more comfortable.
15 Weeks Pregnant
27 Weeks Pregnant
25 Weeks Pregnant
Third Trimester of Pregnancy: 28-40 Weeks
FAQs at a Glance
7 Months Pregnant: Symptoms and Fetal Development
Checklist for When You’re 7 Months Pregnant
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If you have had a cesarean section before and would now like to try for a vaginal delivery, ask your healthcare provider whether you might be a good candidate for a VBAC (a vaginal birth after a cesarean delivery).
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Consider whether you’d like to hire a labor support person called a doula and ask your healthcare provider or other moms in your area for recommendations.
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Ask your healthcare provider about counting your baby’s movements at seven months pregnant.