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3rd trimester of your Pregnancy

12/12/2018

12/12/2018

3rd trimester of your Pregnancy

3rd trimester Ultrasound


Takes place between 28 and 32 weeks, and evaluates the foetal growth and well-being. Estimates foetal weight, determines the foetal position, placenta location, volume of the amniotic fluid and cervix size.



CTG

This is an exam that evaluates foetal well-being by interpreting variations in the foetal heart rate, associating it with maternal contractions or foetal movement. Lasts approximately 20 to 30 minutes and it is advisable to eat a meal or something sweet before. What does it entail? Two elastic straps are adjusted around the belly and two transducers are applied. One to capture foetal heart movements and the other to capture uterine contractions.



Sexual intercourse


The couple’s sex life should be maintained without restrictions (except in case of contraindications), adapting positions to the mother’s comfort. At the end of the pregnancy, sexual activity may be advised to accelerate labour.



Maternity bag


• Pregnancy booklet

• Clinical tests & ultrasounds carried out during the pregnancy

• Identification documents


For you:


• 3 or 4 open front pyjamas or nightgowns;

• Dressing gown;

• Nursing bra and absorbent discs;

• Bath towel;

• Slippers;

• Personal hygiene products;

• Super absorbent sanitary pads.



For the baby:


• 4 or 5 complete outfit changes;

• Cap;

• Bibs;

• Disposable diapers;

• Wipes;

• 1 blanket;

• Cloth diapers;

• Hygiene products;

• Bath towel.


Discomfort during pregnancy


If you suffer from...


1. Leg cramps

2. Urinary incontinence

3. Dyspnoea (shortness of breath)



What to do?


1. Massage or apply heat in the painful area to help diminish pain. Work the sore muscle slowly, stretching your leg and flexing the ankle and toes upwards.

2. Urinate frequently, carry out pelvic exercises several times a day. Consult your physician if the problem persists after labour.

3. Move slowly and avoid major exertion, sit up straight, sleep with one or two extra pillows to rest in a semi-reclined position.


Warning signs


• Haemorrhages;

• Persistent abdominal pain;

• Fever;

• Feeling little or no baby movement;

• Repeated contractions before due date which do not subside with rest;

• Loss of amniotic fluid;

• Vaginal discharge with itching or burning;

• Pain or burning during urination;

• Persistent vomiting;

• Excessively swollen face and limbs in the morning;

• Strong or persistent headaches;

• Altered vision;

• Itching palms of the hands or soles of the feet



Labour signs


• Secretions with traces of blood: Similar to a gelatinous discharge, dark pink or with traces of bright blood. Loss of the mucus plug occurs when the cervix begins to dilate, indicating that the pregnancy is full-term

• Regular uterine contractions

• Ruptured membranes: You should go to the hospital if your waters break, even if contractions are irregular

• Cervix begins to dilate



When to go to the hospital


Contractions are rhythmic and progressively more regular and prolonged. When they occur every 10 minutes, you should make your way to the hospital calmly. False labour pains are irregular contractions that do not increase in intensity or frequency over time and diminish with rest.



Your baby’s development


28th Week: The foetus may settle in the head-down position, open and close its eyes, hear loud noises from outside the womb, may cry and respond to stimuli like pain and light; weighs approximately 1600gr and is the size of an eggplant.

32nd Week: The organs are prepared to survive, but the lungs are not mature yet; the baby moves and kicks hard; may weigh approximately 2200gr and is the size of a broccoli.

37th Week: Has a round appearance with pink skin. Continues to suck its thumb and may occasionally have hiccups. Weighs approximately 3kg and is the size of a melon.

38th to 40th Weeks: The foetus is ready to be born with fully mature organs. Foetal movements reduce slightly. Weighs approximately 3,400kg and is the size of a pumpkin.



The 3rd trimester ultrasound can be carried out at Clínica de Miraflores, Clínica de Cascais (CascaiShopping), Clínica de Sintra, Clínica de Carcavelos and Clínica Médica de Faro. The CTG can be carried out at Clínica de Miraflores, Clínica de Cascais (CascaiShopping) and Clínica de Sintra. Appointments can be scheduled by telephone (214 124 300).

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