Third trimester: How you may feel physically

Dizzy and lightheaded

The weight of your baby and uterus on major blood vessels can decrease the blood flow and make you feel dizzy.

Try these tips:

• Change positions slowly.
• Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day.
• Avoid lying on your back.

Uncomfortably bloated or swollen

Increased blood supply to the vagina is normal, but it can cause swelling. The pressure of your growing baby and uterus can also cause a feeling of pressure in your groin.

To help relieve pressure, try these tips:

• Rest with your hips elevated on pillows to improve the flow of blood to your heart.
• Do your Kegel exercise to improve circulation.
• Try placing an ice pack on your bottom to numb the tissue and temporarily decrease the amount of blood flow to the area
• Put your feet up for several rest periods during the day.
• Go for a swim or take long soaks in the tub. The pressure of the water around your body forces fluid out of your tissues and relieves swelling.

Constipated and gassy

The hormone progesterone relaxes and slows intestinal movement, and your growing baby and uterus slow down bowel activity. This can create gas and indigestion.

To help avoid and relieve constipation, try these tips:

• Drink warm water.
• Increase your fiber by eating whole grains, beans or lentils, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. (Avoid foods that give you gas.)
• Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of fluids a day.
• Get more exercise.
• Ask your health care provider if a stool softener or other measures might help.

Have heartburn

The hormone progesterone also relaxes the muscles of the stomach, allowing stomach acids to "backflow" into the esophagus. Your growing uterus taking up more abdominal space can be the culprit here, too. Check with your health care provider before taking an antacid.

To help avoid heartburn, try these tips:

• Avoid greasy, spicy foods and large meals, especially before bedtime.
• Sleep with your head elevated to decrease the flow of secretions up into your esophagus.
• Drink milk.

Aware of your baby's movements

By now, you can probably predict the times of day when your baby will be quiet or active.

Use the Baby's activity record (fetal movement count) worksheet (requires Adobe Reader) to record your baby's movements.

• A total of 10 or more distinct movements in 2 hours suggests your baby is doing well.
• If your baby is moving less than usual, this may be a sign that he or she is under some stress or that a problem may be developing.
• If you are worried and do not have at least five movements in 1 hour, call your health care provider.