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Precautions to be taken during third trimester

Like the first trimester of pregnancy, the third trimester is also crucially important for the mother and her child. It is during this period that the baby is fully mature and the mother would get signs that she is ready to give birth. By the third trimester, the fatigue, nausea and tiredness might return. Therefore, an expectant mother must follow several precautionary measures to keep herself fit and to ensure that the baby’s development is healthy and positive. The third trimester basically is the period from the 7th month to birth, wherein the mother may encounter several bodily changes, including weight gain of 1-3 kg per month and Braxton Hicks contractions tighten uterine muscles for preparation of birth. Pregnant women need to avoid some basic things and take care of certain situations to ease stress and to ensure healthy childbirth.

Third trimester

Precautions to be taken during the third trimester

As an expectant mother, you must have been following several precautionary measures since conception. You have to continue with these along with other preventative methods for the health and safety of you and your baby. These precautions can be basic, like avoiding lifting heavy loads or specific, like avoiding certain kinds of food items. Here, we have combined a list of several general precautionary measures that you need to take during the third trimester of pregnancy. These measures are divided on the basis of different pregnancy stages so that you can easily follow them.

7th Month

1. By the 7th month, all the organs of the baby are developed. From the 7th month onwards, the baby begins to mature in terms of size and weight and also acquires the basic human tendencies and behavior. So, during the 7th month of pregnancy, you must be a little cautious about how you work and what you carry. Most importantly

, you should avoid carrying heavy loads as this can strain your back which can affect the baby.

2. You must take the help of railings when you climb up and down the stairs. You must also avoid taking stairs for reaching higher floors. This can be implemented by taking lifts whenever possible. But this doesn’t mean that you don’t need to be physically active. Go for a walk each day and perform several breathing exercises under the guidance of a professional trainer.

3. During this month, you need extra sleep. This can implemented through proper diet and exercise. But the shortness of breath may interfere with the sleep. So, avoid sleeping on your right side. Instead, lie on the left side. This short term strategy can improve blood flow and work as a sleep aid. Overeating must be avoided. Also, if your tests show that you may suffer from bleeding during or after delivery, then you must take preventative measures like taking the prescribed medicines and deciding upon the birth process.

8th Month

1. The 8th month is crucial for the development of the baby, as the baby is nearly ready for the birth. Moreover, this month is the period of rapid growth of the baby. So, you need to be very alert about the signs and signals that your body gives you. Avoid too much work and keep yourself hydrated to avoid constipation. Also, as a precaution, lie down on your back if you get Braxton Hicks contractions.

2. Make sure that you still do some exercises under professional guidance. Also, visit your doctor at least once a week to keep a track of baby’s progress. Avoid taking long journeys and air travel must be avoided. This can be implemented by making all journeys during the second trimester. Preferably, travel by rail rather than other modes. But if you are already in your third trimester, then avoid travel till baby’s birth.

3. For the entire pregnancy, you must avoid cat litter and the excretion of other small pet animals. But during this month, you must be very cautious about avoiding these as the chemicals from animal excreta can result in brain deformities for the child. Avoid going out in dusty weather and as a precautionary approach, avoid eating foods that might not have been handled properly.

4. You must not do household chores. Instead, ask your partner to help you with the household chores. This will ease your burdens and will also help your partner to get ready of the responsibilities that he has to take. Maintain a nutritious diet but don’t eat too much. Consult a doctor if you don’t feel well.

5. Avoid eating fish as it may contain higher levels of mercury which can affect your child’s growth. Your diet must consists of about 2,500 calories from which approximately 10 percent must come from protein rich foods such as meat, eggs and dairy; 35 percent from healthy unsaturated fats including nuts and several oils; and 55 percent from complex carbohydrates that you can find in whole grain products. Avoid processed foods as much as possible.

9th Month

1. The period from the 9th month to the baby’s birth is quite crucial for the mother and her child. Therefore, during this period, you must stay quite fit and keep yourself in a positive mood. Although, travel must be avoided during the 7th and 8th month, but it is strictly a no-no during the 9th month. As a precaution, you must decide about the birth process before hand, and you and your partner should make all necessary arrangements, including checking out the hospital where you will give birth.

2. During the 9th month, you must take maternity leave from the job so that you can rest and prepare yourself for the arrival of the baby. This strategy can help you stay fit and stress-free by the time you go into labor.

3. Consult your physician regarding any kind of medical problem that you might encounter during childbirth. If you have gestational diabetes, then you must avoid any type of unnatural sugar and must keep your blood pressure within normal range.

Don’t forget

Plan on weekly medical checkups to track every development. Also, ask your partner or a family member to stay with you all the time, just in case you require medical attention. Don’t forget to maintain a healthy diet with lots of fresh fruits and juices. Before taking any medication for any symptom, you must consult your physician for advice. Avoid any kind of stress and keep yourself positive.

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