Prenatal Tips for the Third Trimester
In the first stage of labor, the cervix stretches or dilates enough to let the baby’s head pass through. You can be at home and usually have plenty of time to make phone calls and prepare for the birth before you need to go to the hospital.
- Contractions are fairly mild and far apart
- Can last hours or even days
When you find that it is difficult to continue activity or talk through contractions, you are in active labor. These contractions:
- Come in a wave pattern
- Begin slowly, gradually increase in strength, peak, and slowly fade away
- Have a rest period before the next contraction begins
As labor progresses, contractions come more often, last longer, feel stronger. Relaxing between contractions, helps keep you from becoming too tired. You might feel:
- Leg cramps
- Numbness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle tremors
Learn more about Your Prenatal Baby: Third Trimester from Just In Time Parenting. You can also go to our Resource Links for additional information on child care and development.
