Ah, the third trimester. The time when I was super excited and couldn’t wait to finally be able to hold my precious bundle of joy.
With every passing day, I felt an overwhelming mix of excitement, anticipation, and yes, let’s not forget, discomfort.
The expanding belly, backaches, fatigue, and swollen ankles are just a few of the many challenges I had to endure, but I was determined to not let them dampen my spirits.
After all, it was when my baby’s growth was at its peak!
To help some of the mummies out there who might be having a hard time bracing through the third trimester, I’d like to share my personal experiences and the strategies I have employed to make my time more comfortable. 
First, Let’s Talk About Uncomfortable Aspects of the Third Trimester
Experiencing discomfort during the third trimester of pregnancy is very common, as mentioned by Health Service Executive (HSE).
And here is a list of things that have bothered me during my third trimester:
Trouble Sleeping
As my belly grew larger, finding a comfortable sleeping position became increasingly challenging.
I often woke up multiple times during the night, struggling to get back to sleep. The pressure on my bladder and the need to readjust my position contributed to this sleep disruption.
Braxton Hicks Contractions
Those “practice contractions” could occur during the third trimester and often caught me by surprise.
While they were generally harmless, they could be uncomfortable and sometimes even painful. It was important to distinguish them from actual labour contractions.
Swollen Feet and Fingers
Edema, or swelling, in the extremities, is a common occurrence during pregnancy. I noticed that my feet and fingers would swell, particularly towards the end of the day or during hotter weather. Elevating my legs, wearing comfortable shoes, and avoiding standing or sitting for extended periods helped alleviate some of the discomforts.
Increased Fatigue and Shortness of Breath
The final trimester of my pregnancy brought about an overwhelming wave of fatigue and a persistent sense of shortness of breath.
It seemed that even the simplest tasks, such as climbing a flight of stairs or walking short distances, would leave me feeling breathless and utterly exhausted.
The weight of my growing baby bump, combined with the physiological changes happening within my body, seemed to magnify these feelings of fatigue and breathlessness.
Being Labelled “Pregnant Belly So Big”
Throughout my third trimester, it seemed like everyone had an opinion about the size of my belly.
Some comments were well-intentioned, while others were less tactful. Though it was a normal part of pregnancy, constant comments about the size of my belly made me feel self-conscious at times.
Remembering that every pregnancy is different and that the size of the belly varies among women helped me overcome this discomfort.
How I Resolved the Discomforts During My Third Semester
Finding the Perfect Sleeping Position
With my growing belly, finding a comfortable sleeping position became a daily struggle.
I experimented with different pillows and discovered that a pregnancy pillow provided the support I needed.
It helped alleviate the pressure on my back and allowed me to enjoy a better night’s sleep.
The pregnancy pillow’s versatile design allowed me to position it in a variety of ways, depending on the specific needs of my body at any given moment.
I could nestle it between my knees to alleviate the pressure on my hips or wrap my arms around its comforting embrace to alleviate strain on my shoulders.
Embracing Regular Exercise
Engaging in gentle exercises tailored for pregnancy, such as prenatal yoga and swimming, worked wonders for me.
Not only did it help keep my body active, but it also relieved tension and reduced swelling in my feet and ankles.
Relieving Braxton Hicks Contractions
Braxton Hicks contractions caught me off guard during my third trimester. To ease the discomfort, I practiced deep breathing techniques and found comfort in taking warm baths.
These techniques helped me differentiate between these practice contractions and actual labour contractions.
Managing Swollen Feet and Fingers
Edema in my extremities was a common occurrence, especially towards the end of the day. To combat this, I made it a habit to elevate my legs whenever possible.
Additionally, wearing comfortable shoes and avoiding prolonged standing or sitting helped reduce the swelling and discomfort.
Incorporating Regular Relaxation Sessions
Taking time for myself became essential during this stage of pregnancy. I indulged in regular relaxation sessions, such as prenatal massages and meditation.
These moments of tranquillity not only helped alleviate physical discomforts but also nurtured my emotional well-being.
Staying Hydrated and Nourished
As my baby grew, so did the pressure on my bladder. To manage frequent trips to the bathroom, I made sure to stay hydrated throughout the day but limited my fluid intake before bedtime.
I also maintained a balanced diet, focusing on nutrient-rich foods that provided both energy and nourishment.
Seeking Support from a Supportive Community
The third trimester often comes with a mix of emotions. To navigate these ups and downs, I reached out to my partner, friends, and fellow moms.
Sharing experiences, concerns, and joys with them provided a sense of support and reassurance, reminding me that I wasn’t alone on this journey.
Embracing Self-Care Rituals
Lastly, I made self-care a priority. Whether it was taking leisurely walks in nature, indulging in a good book, or pampering myself with a warm bath, these small acts of self-love brought immense comfort and allowed me to reconnect with my inner strength and joy.
It’s Completely Normal to Feel Any Trimester Miserable
I have a piece of advice for all you amazing moms out there: don’t be too hard on yourself if you’re feeling miserable amidst all the nuisances and troubles of pregnancy.
Trust me, it’s completely normal to have those moments at any point during this beautiful journey.
Pregnancy is a rollercoaster of emotions and physical changes, and it’s okay to have days when you feel overwhelmed or downright miserable.
Give yourself permission to feel what you feel and be gentle with yourself. Remember, you are growing a tiny human inside you, and that is no small feat.
It’s important to take care of yourself, both physically and emotionally, during this transformative time.
Reach out for support when you need it, whether it’s from your partner, family, friends, or even online communities of fellow moms who understand what you’re going through.
So, beautiful expectant moms, instead of beating yourself up over those moments of misery, I encourage you to stay strong and embrace the ups and downs.
And always remember, you are doing an incredible job.
Sending you love, strength, and solidarity on this beautiful, sometimes challenging, but always miraculous path of motherhood. You’ve got this, momma!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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