Now that I have had a month to really reflect on the pregnancy journey, it’s about time I share my overdue third-trimester recap. Our third trimester was cut short by one week because our baby girl just couldn’t wait to meet us! So, we made it through a full 39 weeks of pregnancy.
The third trimester was, by far, the most uncomfortable. Not only had a gained a full 25+ pounds from my pre-birth weight, but I also had some other surprise symptoms. While this final stretch left me with some more discomfort than the previous two, it was also my favorite. I could see my full bump, we had my baby shower, and I knew the clock was ticking before we got to meet her.
All of the Pregnancy Symptoms
Body Aches
WELL… forget about my early stresses over gaining weight. As I mentioned in my second-trimester recap, I was right on track for weight gain. Ultimately, I ended up putting on the weight that was anticipated. The problem was it came on fast. I felt pretty out of breath and heavy from the increase.
My lower back pain continued through the third trimester with the addition of strange sensations in my legs. I had what I can only describe as growing pains. Both legs felt heavy and weak as if I had been putting in extra reps on leg day. While I dodged any swelling of my feet and ankles, the belly still had an impact on my lower half.
Heartburn & Acid Reflux
Everyone asked if I had heartburn because it was a sign that our baby would have a full head of hair. In this case, the old wives’ tale appears to be true. Isla came out with a beautiful head of brown hair.
The heartburn did continue until the very end. Tums helped a little but I had to control it as much as possible through my diet. There were a lot of foods (spicy, red sauce, etc.) that cause some serious heartburn. There were days that I got brutally uncomfortable.
Disrupted Sleep
Late nights have always been normal for me but that was when I could sleep in and get some solid shuteye. Pregnancy made sleep a true challenge. Between hourly wake-up calls from my bladder, strange dreams, and exhaustion at unwelcome times, I could not keep up.
I have never been a napper but pregnancy had me taking mid-morning naps several days a week. Working full time means sneaking in power naps on your lunch break. You adjust to them, but they are still not enough. Looking back, I am convinced it was my body preparing me for these frequent wake-up calls from the newborn we created together.
Mysterious Bumps
I say mysterious bumps because neither my doctor nor dermatologist could put a finger on what broke out on my body in the final month of pregnancy. My hands and feet were covered in tiny red bumps that itched like crazy. They even started creeping up my ankles and arms. It was so bad that I woke up scratching and was beyond exasperated with the lack of explanations.
Having had eczema many times in my adult life, I had a basic idea of how to approach the bumps. I used Cortizone on the itchiest parts of my hands and feet, took Aveeno Baby oatmeal baths (these are a lifesaver), and used Aveeno Eczema Therapy colloidal oatmeal moisturizer. All of these in addition to less handwashing and sanitizing helped to soothe for short stretches of time.
There are many pregnancy-related rashes that can flare up in the third trimester. Keep an eye on your skin and try to catch them early. I have sensitive skin and didn’t anticipate experiencing this. As it may have been allergy-related, there is a possibility it was from environmental factors. As they can dry up milk supply, I chose not to take any allergy medications this year.
Things That Have Helped Me
Maternity Clothing
Did my maternity jeans still fit? Yes. Does that make them comfortable with a 9-month belly? Absolutely not. I spent the majority of the third trimester in maternity leggings and stretchy dresses. The Time and True ruffle sleeve tee and Time and True classic black and white v-neck tees (only $6.94) from Walmart were rotated almost every day. They are now stored for future baby bumps.
The bigger I got, the warmer it got. New England and I were coming to a boil around the same time. My favorite leggings from the second trimester became pretty hot at the end. I ended up picking a few pairs of capri-style maternity leggings and biker shorts (all with pockets) to get me through. I love the Pureactive Cropped Pocket Legging from Pact and the POSHDIVAH Yoga Shorts on Amazon.
The only bras I was wearing were the Racerback Nursing Sports Bra from Shape Up Mamma and this Nursing Bra 5-Pack on Amazon. The Amazon pack comes in great colors, holds up in the wash, and is also so good for nursing. I brought these to the hospital with me and wear them almost every day now. For less than $10 each, they are worth it. If you are breastfeeding, order a size up from what you would normally. The straps are adjustable but you will need the extra cup room.
Pregnancy Pillow
After using the pregnancy pillow for two full trimesters, I can confidently say it’s a win. The pillow made sleeping with a bump so much more comfortable (when I could sleep, of course). Sleeping on my back became more of a non-issue as the belly grew in the past few months.
The PharMeDoc Pregnancy Pillow is the one I was using day and night. It is easy to adjust for your comfort. I regularly used it behind my back and neck to help with positioning and ease any kinks in my back and neck. At $40 it is relatively affordable and will continue to work for nursing purposes.
I am working on a bunch of blog posts that include more details on things we are using with our newborn so stay tuned for those. In the meantime, thank you all for the love on our pregnancy journey! I am so grateful to have Isla here with us and cannot wait to see her grow.