As you enter the final stages of your pregnancy, you’ll probably have started antenatal classes - and be learning lots of useful breathing and relaxation techniques. Here's everything you need to know about your third trimester
Your baby
Your placenta is working extra hard and is now at its most efficient. Your baby spends a lot of his time breathing amniotic fluid in and out to strengthen his lungs. He also sleeps a lot, and experts can detect rapid eye movement (REM), which we associate with dreaming. He’s pretty much in proportion now and measures roughly 40cm long.
Amazing guide to your growing baby
You
Your navel is probably sticking out and when you’re tired, you may have a heavy feeling in your pelvis.
Rest as much as you can and avoid lifting anything heavy or cumbersome. Talk to other pregnant women at your antenatal classes and on the babyexpert chatboards you could make lots of new mates and allay your fears about labour.
If you haven’t done so already, get your hospital bags ready – one for you, one for the baby and maybe one for your partner. Not sure what you’ll need? Click for help.
