Q: is it safe to take baths in the 3rd trimester?

Yes: It is absolutely safe to take baths. Some women labor or even deliver in a medically supervised bath (ie. Water birth). It's a great way to give yourself some "me time". Light some candles, use some relaxing lavender essential oils and enjoy.

Q: is it normal to get piles in the 3rd trimester?

Yes: Many women get piles or hemorrhoids in pregnancy. It is important not to become constipated, so increase your fiber (metamucil), increase your water intake, avoid sitting and pushing on the toilet and take a short walk after meals if it is ok with your provider. If you have severe pain or heavy bleeding from the hemorrhoid (pile), call your doctor/cnm right away.

Question 1

how is my baby developing in the 3rd trimester?

Accepted Answer

Growing and maturing: While the organ systems and body first form in the beginning of pregnancy, they continue to mature and grow until birth.  Muscles are getting stronger, the brain continues to develop, and the baby is practicing breating and swallowing.  One good site to track development is american baby magazine website.   Lennart nilsson's book "a child is born" is an excellent reference you can buy.

Question 2

why am i gaining so little weight in the 3rd trimester?

Accepted Answer

Focus on nutrition: Focus on nutrition instead of the scale. Most women will gain weight due to fluid retention but many gain too much from over eating. Are you eating a healthy diet and exercising daily? If so, the lack of weight gain is not important. Your baby appreciates your healthy lifestyle. A pregnant woman only needs about 300 calories more per day in the third trimester.

Question 3

is it ok to fly in the 3rd trimester?

Accepted Answer

Yes: For most women with normal, healthy pregnancies, flying in the third trimester is just fine.  We generally tell women not to fly after 36 weeks.  After all, you could go into labor at any time, including on the plane.  However, some problems during pregnancy make travel more risky.  This is especially true for women who are at risk for preterm labor or have problems with the placenta.

Question 4

is it possible to miscarry in the 3rd trimester?

Accepted Answer

No: Sort of, but it wouldn't be called a miscarriage.   If a fetus were to die in third trimester it would be an intrauterine fetal demise.  If it were to deliver alive it would be preterm labor.

Miscarriage technically refers to delivery of a fetus prior to 20 weeks.

Question 5

is it normal to lose weight in the 3rd trimester?

Accepted Answer

No: Most women don't lose weight consistently in the third trimester. Some women may gain 2-3 pounds one week and the next week be down 1-2 pounds, this can be very normal. Continued weight loss is more concerning. However, women who are overweight or obese before becoming pregnant may be advised by their doctor to not gain as  much weight during pregnancy (maybe only 15 pounds).

Question 6

what are comfortable sexual positions in the 3rd trimester?

Accepted Answer

Be creative: It varies with each expectant mother, but any position that reduces the depth of penetration  will be more comfortable. Many find that front to front laying on the side is comfortable, in addition to rear penetration laying on the side.

Question 7

is it too late to have an amniocentesis in the 3rd trimester?

Accepted Answer

No: It is easier to do amnio in the third trimester when amniotic fluid is abundant. Uses of third trimester amnio include testing fetal maturity (surfactant, other levels) to time delivery when there are complications (e.g., maternal pre-eclampsia). Use for genetic testing may allow preparation for a severe disorder (e.g., fetal trisomy 18) without options for pregnancy termination.

Question 8

is it actually unsafe to travel by plane in the 3rd trimester?

Accepted Answer

No: Air travel is not risky for mother or her fetus.  However, restrictions are in place to limit the possibility of an unplanned delivery on the plane.  Check with your airline regarding the rules. Typically domestic flights <36 weeks; international < 32-35 weeks. You will need documentation from your doctor about your due date. Ask for a wand/pat down to avoid accidental radiation at tsa screening.

Question 9

is it safe to take baths in the 3rd trimester?

Accepted Answer

Yes: It is absolutely safe to take baths. Some women labor or even deliver in a medically supervised bath (ie. Water birth). 
It's a great way to give yourself some "me time". Light some candles, use some relaxing lavender essential oils and enjoy.

Question 10

is it normal to get piles in the 3rd trimester?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Many women get piles or hemorrhoids in pregnancy. It is important not to become constipated, so increase your fiber (metamucil), increase your water intake, avoid sitting and pushing on the toilet and take a short walk after meals if it is ok with your provider.
If you have severe pain or heavy bleeding from the hemorrhoid (pile), call your doctor/cnm right away.

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Doctor answers about:

The 3rd trimester

A member asked:

How is my baby developing in the 3rd trimester?

A member asked:

Why am i gaining so little weight in the 3rd trimester?

A member asked:

Is it ok to fly in the 3rd trimester?

A member asked:

Is it possible to miscarry in the 3rd trimester?

A member asked:

Is it normal to lose weight in the 3rd trimester?

A member asked:

What are comfortable sexual positions in the 3rd trimester?

A member asked:

Is it too late to have an amniocentesis in the 3rd trimester?

A member asked:

Is it actually unsafe to travel by plane in the 3rd trimester?

A member asked:

Is it safe to take baths in the 3rd trimester?

A member asked:

Is it normal to get piles in the 3rd trimester?

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