The average period for a pregnancy is 40 weeks and this is divided into 3 trimesters, each with its own challenges, as your body goes through changes. The third stage of the pregnancy brings new experiences and if you are feeling anxious about the final stages of pregnancy, we offer some important information.
Things you should do:
- Monitor baby’s movements
- Attend prenatal clinic appointments
- Connect with your midwife
- Start thinking about nursery décor
Dietary advice
As you progress through the second trimester, your body needs extra nutrients to support the additional weight and the right things to eat in third trimester include the following:
- Fruits – Strawberry, kiwi and melon are high in Vitamin C, while bananas are rich in potassium and if you suffer from heartburn, papaya is a good relief.
- Brown rice – This contains melatonin, which helps for sleep, while also giving you energy released over time.
- Eggs – Eggs are definitely on the menu and there are many ways to prepare these natural oval capsules. Choline is very important in the 3rd trimester and eggs have a high content.
- Garlic, onions and leeks – Eaten raw, these vegetables are prebiotic with lots of soluble fibre.
Foods to avoid
There are some things you should abstain from during your pregnancy, including:
- Alcohol –It’s only for a short time. You can enjoy a glass of wine soon enough.
- High levels of caffeine – You should reduce your coffee intake to that single cup in the morning.
- Fish with high levels of mercury – Shark, mackerel, marlin, tuna and tilefish are not recommended during your pregnancy.
- Raw meats – There is an increased risk of food poisoning when you eat raw meats.
- Untreated dairy products – Milk that has not been pasteurised has not been heated to a temperature that kills all bacteria, so you should avoid drinking unpasteurised milk during the 3rd trimester.
Everything in moderation is definitely the way to go and thanks to digital tech, you have all the support you need; online resources for pregnant women really do make a difference, perhaps the best advice we’ve heard is to download a mum app onto your smartphone, which brings many benefits. Click here for tips to relieve stress.
Dealing with constipation
Around 75% of women experience constipation during the final stages of pregnancy and there are some things you can do to find relief:
- Stay hydrated
- Eat a lot of fruit with high fibre content
- Be as active as you can
- Eat smaller meals but more frequent
If you are having issues with this, talk to your GP or you can find useful information on your mum app. Click here for information about registering a birth in the UK.
The 3rd trimester is definitely the most intense, yet Mother Nature has prepared you well and with the right support and a positive mindset, your journey to motherhood will be memorable for all the right reasons. Download a leading mum app and discover a world of support, plus you can connect with other women who are also experiencing pregnancy for the first time.
