Week 29 to week 40: what happens in the last trimester of pregnancy?

In this article you will learn

The third trimester of pregnancy

The last trimester of pregnancy, final sprint! It is probably the most exciting trimester because it ends with the highlight of pregnancy: the birth of your child. In this article we answer the most frequently asked questions about the 29th week of pregnancy to the 40th week of pregnancy: How does the fetus develop?

The pregnancy trimesters at a glance:

In order to keep track of the time during pregnancy and to know the developmental status of the baby, we speak of pregnancy weeks (1st to 40th week of pregnancy) or pregnancy trimesters (first to third pregnancy trimester):

First trimester: 1st to 12th week of pregnancy

Second trimester: 13th to 28th week of pregnancy
Third trimester: 29th to 40th week of pregnancy

“How does the fetus develop in the third trimester of pregnancy?”

In the third and final trimester of pregnancy, the excitement mounts: the baby in your womb is already fully developed and viable. Before the 37th week of pregnancy, it is still considered a premature baby, but medical measures can usually successfully support the start in life in the event of a premature birth.

Since the 25th week of pregnancy, the child has officially been equipped with everything it needs to survive outside the womb: the brain, nervous system and organs are fully developed, grasping and swallowing reflexes have been perfected. Nevertheless, the third trimester is essential for the baby to gain height and weight.

By the time of birth, the fetus has grown to a length of about 50 cm and a weight of 3,500 g. Between 35 weeks and 37 weeks the child turns into the birth position. You notice that when the so-called sinking pains start. The child then lies head down and sinks a little deeper into the pelvis. So it is in the optimal position for the birth.

“What symptoms can arise in the last trimester of pregnancy?”

It gets difficult in the last third of pregnancy, because of course you notice that your baby is going through a growth spurt this trimester. In the last phase of pregnancy, the following symptoms are not uncommon:

Gastrointestinal complaints
Back pain
Shortness of breath
Heartburn
Circulatory problems and dizziness
Frequent urge to urinate
Water retention in hands and feet

The baby's size puts pressure on your organs, which can result in gastrointestinal distress, heartburn, and shortness of breath. However, as soon as the fetus has turned into the birth position and is lying lower in the pelvis, these symptoms subside somewhat: you have a little more space for yourself in your body again. Sleeping with your legs slightly elevated during the night helps against water retention (oedema).

To stimulate blood flow and circulation, it can also help to shower your legs alternately with warm and cold water. In addition, joint-friendly exercise in the form of walks and small swimming units helps. If the circulatory problems increase, it is important not to overexert yourself: feet up – and contact the attending gynecology practice in the event of severe symptoms.

“What do the previous contractions in the last third of pregnancy mean?”

< p>In the last trimester of pregnancy (29th to 40th week of pregnancy) you will always notice slight previous contractions. Don't worry, that doesn't mean your child is going to hit the road right away.

How do contractions feel?

As described above, the so-called sinking pains serve to bring the baby into the right position. Of course, every pregnant person experiences these contractions differently. Some pregnant women don't feel them at all, others have to breathe them out.

The contractions are noticeable through a pulling in the lower back or abdomen, so they can be compared to menstrual pain. Others feel them down to their thighs.

How does pre-pain feel?

Many pregnant women perceive the pre-term contractions a little more intensely than the contractions: they are also noticeable through a pulling in the abdomen or lower back. The abdomen is hard and tight. Preterm labor usually occurs from the 36th week of pregnancy. They are a kind of gymnastics program for the uterus: the uterus contracts and trains for the birth with this muscle training.

How can I distinguish between pre-labor and labor pains?

< p>Preterm labor occurs at irregular intervals, while labor pains are rhythmic and occur five to seven minutes apart. Unlike pre-pains, they get stronger at rest. The body initiates labor and the following contractions will occur:

Initial contractions: Beginning of labor
Transitional contractions: During labor
Pushing contractions: Just before End of birth
Aftermath: Immediately after delivery

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