In this Article

• Introduction
• What is the first trimester (week 1-week 12)?
• What is the second trimester (week 13-week 28)?
• What is the third trimester (week 29-week 40)?
• How will my baby develop week by week?
• What are the changes that happen to a woman's body during her 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy?
• Body aches
• Breast changes
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Fatigue, sleep problems
• Heartburn and indigestion
• Hemorrhoids
• Itching
• Leg cramps
• Morning sickness
• Nasal problems
• Numb or tingling hands
• Stretch marks, skin changes
• Swelling
• Urinary frequency and leaking
• Varicose veins
• Stages of Pregnancy - Slideshow
• Patient Discussions: Pregnancy - Describe Your Experience
• Pregnancy Glossary
• Pregnancy Index

What is the third trimester (week 29-week 40)?

You're in the home stretch! Some of the same discomforts you had in your second trimester will continue. Plus, many women find breathing difficult and notice they have to go to the bathroom even more often. This is because the baby is getting bigger and it is putting more pressure on your organs. Don't worry, your baby is fine and these problems will lessen once you give birth.

Some new body changes you might notice in the third trimester include:

• Shortness of breath
  
  
• Heartburn
  
  
• Swelling of the ankles, fingers, and face. (If you notice any sudden or extreme swelling or if you gain a lot of weight really quickly, call your doctor right away. This could be a sign of preeclampsia.)
  
  
• Hemorrhoids
  
  
• Tender breasts, which may leak a watery pre-milk called colostrum (kuh-LOSS-struhm)
  
  
• Your belly button may stick out
  
  
• Trouble sleeping
  
  
• The baby "dropping", or moving lower in your abdomen
  
  
• Contractions, which can be a sign of real or false labor

As you near your due date, your cervix becomes thinner and softer (called effacing). This is a normal, natural process that helps the birth canal (vagina) to open during the birthing process. Your doctor will check your progress with a vaginal exam as you near your due date. Get excited — the final countdown has begun!

Pregnancy - Describe Your Experience

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