The Third Trimester-Weeks 28 to birth
Congratulations, you have made it through to the third trimester. This is the period of time from the 28th week until delivery of the baby. Your partner probably seems to have been pregnant forever! These final weeks can seem to go so slowly.
Lets look at what the third trimester has in store for you, your partner and the baby.
Baby's development in the Third Trimester
At 28 weeks the baby is now covered with a substance called vernix, a greasy substance that protects the baby from the fluid which surrounds it in the womb. The baby's body has grown to catch up with the size of its head. The baby is now able to live, with specialized care, if it is born early. By 32 weeks the baby is perfectly formed if a bit thin. During the next few weeks it will add body fat, its lungs will mature, and the baby boy's testicles will descend into the scrotum. Between the 38th week and the 40th week the baby's head will move into position in the pelvis ready to be born.
Women's pregnancy experience in the Third Trimester
As the baby's size increases most women experience a certain amount of discomfort. The baby's weight, its more vigorous movements can cause them a number of physical problems- Aching backs, heartburn, restlessness, frequent trips to the bathroom and sleepless nights to name but a few. It should not be a wonder or surprise really. The woman's body goes through so many changes during pregnancy, hormones surge, ligaments in the pelvis soften and many women feel like their brains go like cotton wool! Pregnancy can be great but as the weeks go by most women do look forward to the birth with a good deal of longing (as do their partners)! Psychologically pregnancy is not necessarily all roses. Love helps get most couples through.
Dad's Preparation for the Birth of the Baby
Sex-What's that!
Worries about being a Good Dad
No amount of preparation will prepare you for your new role! There are some good books around that can help you with the day to day joys and traumas of child care. For most of us becoming a Dad is the greatest thing. If you have problems do discuss them with your partner. Communication is the key to sharing and finding solutions. Family support and advice can be very helpful too. In the end you have to decide how best to bring up your child.
Your family doctor can advise and help you too.
