Third Trimester Update
Hello 36 weeks! Things have started to get pretty real around here lately, I can’t believe we only have about 1 month left until we can meet this tiny human! Recently, I asked you guys on Instagram what questions you had for me about pregnancy and the third trimester. I rounded up the most common ones here. If you are looking for more pregnancy and maternity content, checkout my first trimester Q&A, second trimester favorites, and pregnancy fashion favorites!
Q: What classes have you done to prepare for baby’s arrival?
We haven’t taken any traditional childbirth classes that were offered through our hospital. Given the current climate, they were not offered in person and the cost/benefit did not seem worth it to us. I have been reading the book Mom’s On Call to prepare for newborn care, and we plan to take their newborn class as well.
Q: Have you had a lot of swelling, and what have you done to help/prevent this?
I have had some swelling that has been intermittent since the late second trimester. I do believe that my holiday eating habits were to blame for this. I changed some of my eating habits due to the Whole 30 in January and this helped eliminate most of the lower extremity swelling. Without getting TOO personal, I found that wearing compression socks daily helped me significantly with the swelling in my pelvic region in the third trimester. I grabbed these ones from Amazon, and I wear them for 8-10 hours during the daytime.
Q: Do you have a birth plan? Are you doing anything to help prepare for birth?
My birth plan is to have a happy and healthy baby and healthy delivery/recovery! I am going in with minimal expectations, and am open to natural or medicated birth. As far as preparing for delivery, I did read that eating 5-6 dates per day in the late third trimester can help with cervical ripening and postpartum blood loss. I started eating them this week and have been adding them to granola, oatmeal, or eating them with peanut butter. I don’t always have 6 (it’s a lot!) so I will eat a Larabar on days when it seems like a lot. From what I understand this only worked for about 50% of people, but they don’t taste awful so I figured, it’s worth a try!
Q: If you are breastfeeding, what pump are you planning to use?
I ordered a breast pump through my insurance, and after crowd sourcing recommendations from you guys, I opted for the Spectra S2 Plus. I didn’t really do too much research comparing it to other models to be honest, the reviews for this one were so overwhelmingly positive that I trust you guys wouldn’t steer me wrong! The specific model that I chose is not portable, meaning you need to be plugged into a wall to use it. Spectra does carry a more portable alternative, but that one was not covered on my insurance plan. If breastfeeding works out for me and baby, I am also considering investing in the Elvie hands free pump. Of course, I will keep you all updated on my thoughts/impressions of the pumps!
Q: Are you having a lot of discomfort? I am 34 weeks and it is hard to get around!
Yes and no, I am 36 weeks and certainly feeling uncomfortable. I mostly have pelvic pressure and discomfort, and have not had much back pain. I find that walking and moving around often actually helps with this, and sitting makes it much worse! Recently, I did prenatal float therapy, which works wonders for pain/discomfort in pregnancy. I suggest doing a quick google search on this if you are interested, but basically you float in a saltwater pod which allows your body to become weightless and alleviates all those pesky pregnancy discomforts! Of course, always ask your OB if this is a safe option for you!
Also, I have been using this belly band intermittently which helps relieve the pressure off your bladder and has a pocket in the back for a hot/cold pack!
Q: How have you been managing your anxiety during pregnancy? Have you noticed it is better, worse or the same?
To my surprise, it has been better. Prior to becoming pregnant, and while we were doing fertility treatments, my anxiety was pretty bad. I should note that during that time, I had a discussion with my general practitioner about discontinuing my anxiety medications. There are safe options out there, but for me personally, I chose to opt out. During pregnancy, I have found that I have not struggled as much with anxious feelings. I attribute most of this to the sudden responsibility of growing a human. Once I realized there was this tiny person depending on me to grow and survive, I started taking better care of my mental health. For me, this meant recognizing and AVOIDING a lot of my triggers, something I have historically had a hard time with. One thing I will say, if you are feeling anxious or depression during pregnancy or post partum, or any time, don’t keep those feelings to yourself. Mental health is important for physical health, and it is something you should always be transparent about, especially with your loved ones and doctor. They are there to help and support you! <3
Q: What do you eat in a day? I am struggling to get enough calories.
It is so important to continue to nourish your body during pregnancy! If you are not getting enough calories, first talk to your OB about suggestions or resources/recommendations. I personally have not struggled with this, but I try to eat high protein or high (good) fat snacks between meals. Some of my favorites have been trail mix, beef jerky, hard boiled eggs, and avocado toast. For on the go, I put some Larabars in my bag if I get hungry. My biggest pregnancy craving during this entire pregnancy has been fresh fruit so I have also had 3-4 kinds at all times in the house to snack on. For breakfast, I typically have a green smoothie with a larabar or eggs with bacon/sausage. Lunch, usually left overs from dinner the night before. Dinners are always different but typically consist of some kind of meat and vegetable combination.
Q: What are your plans for going back to work after the baby is born? Are you taking time off? Using childcare?
I will be taking 16 weeks of maternity leave from my full time job at the clinic, and some time off from posting on my blog/instagram. My plan is to return to work full time afterward, and we will be enrolling baby in a small daycare center.
Q: Are you using anything to help with stretch marks?
First of all, stretch marks are nothing to be ashamed of because what a blessing/gift it is to carry life they way we do! I have been using this skin therapy oil twice a day since the mid-second trimester. I also recommend grabbing this kit on Amazon if you are newly pregnant, I have used all these products and love them!
Q: Did you have reflux/indigestion? If so, what helped?
I have never had issues with reflux in my life until I became pregnant. This was particularly bad for me during the late second trimester. I have been using chewable Tums as needed for this. One thing I noticed personally is that whenever I ate dairy, this would get MUCH worse. Prior to becoming pregnant, I didn’t eat dairy much, just some solid dairy products here and there. I am not lactose intolerant, but several years ago I eliminated liquid dairy and yogurt from my diet due to some GI issues I was having. I started eating dairy again in the first trimester because I felt like my body was craving it, but gave it up completely around 30ish weeks and have had MINIMAL reflux since.
If you have any other questions…let me know in the comments!