Common Aches & Pains in Your Third Trimester
This is a time of growing anticipation of your baby’s arrival, and it can also be a period of aches and pains for moms. Some women are lucky and escape much of the discomfort while others – the vast majority – become quite familiar with the symptoms that result from the strain pregnancy places on your body. Carrying another person inside of you is not easy, as any mother can attest to. Your body is expanding, and with this comes change. But just because this is normal and healthy doesn’t mean there aren’t steps you can take to make things easier. When you feel good, it’s also good for your baby, and you both deserve that.
Common symptoms during this time include: growing fatigue; frequent urination; shortness of breath; back and hip pain; spider veins, varicose veins and hemorrhoids; indigestion and heartburn; swelling of feet and ankles; and sciatica. Although these symptoms may be common, it’s still important to communicate anything you are experiencing to your doctor. The following guide is meant to provide a brief description of symptoms, along with tips for alleviating discomfort.
Fatigue. The tiredness you experienced at the start of your pregnancy typically recedes during your second trimester and returns during the third trimester. It’s nature’s way of reminding you to slow down. Unfortunately, fatigue is enhanced by the difficulty many women experience when trying to find a comfortable position to sleep in. It’s often recommended that you sleep on your side and some doctors may specifically advise that you sleep on your left side during this time.1 A body pillow that supports your weight can work wonders in making you more comfortable, as can a thin pillow placed between your legs and another one under your belly for support.
Frequent urination. Reminiscent of your first trimester, you may find the increased pressure on your bladder translates to frequent washroom visits, which can be especially disruptive at night. To help you sleep through the night, try cutting down on your fluid intake in the afternoon and evening, and lean forward when urinating to encourage your bladder to empty. You may find that you leak urine occasionally, especially if you sneeze or laugh; if you experience this, you may want to wear non-deodorant panty liners for protection.
Shortness of breath. Pressure on your diaphragm from your expanding uterus can lead to shortness of breath but, despite this discomfort, rest assured it is not effecting your baby.2 Keep your back straight and your shoulders back and relaxed as improved posture can help, as can aerobic exercise. Take things slowly and give yourself permission to stop and rest.
Back and hip pain. The pregnancy weight along with the hormones that are working to loosen your joints can be tough on your back and hips. An under-the-belly support garment can make you more comfortable, as can a pillow between your legs at night if you sleep on your side. A hot water bottle or ice pack may also provide some relief while sitting or sleeping. Low-heeled shoes with good arch support also help but in general, try to reduce the amount of time you spend standing, and when you must stand, place one foot on a low stool. You can also try pelvic tilt exercises, where you kneel on all fours with your back straight and then rock your pelvis back and forth.
Varicose veins and hemorrhoids. Circulatory changes during this time can lead to varicose veins – the fine, bluish, reddish or purplish lines under the skin – particularly in your legs. To prevent or avoid aggravating this situation, try not to stand for long periods of time or sit with your legs crossed. Support stockings can help, as can elevating your legs whenever possible. If you have varicose veins in your rectum (hemorrhoids), make sure to include lots of fibre in your diet to prevent constipation, which can aggravate the condition. Warm tub soakscan also provide relief.3
Indigestion and heartburn. Pressure on your digestive tract leads to this common pregnancy symptom. It can be eased by eating small regular meals instead of three main meals, eating slowly, avoiding spicy and acidic foods, and waiting at least an hour after eating to lie down. Your doctor may also be able to recommend heartburn aids or digestive enzymes.
Swelling of feet and ankles. Pressure on the veins that return blood from your legs and feet may result in swelling. Swimming may lesson the swelling as can keeping your legs elevated whenever possible, including during sleep.
Sciatica. Pressure from the uterus on the sciatic nerve can cause pain, tingling or numbness in the hip, buttock or thigh. This is typically eased closer to delivery but in the meantime, warm baths and application of heat to the affected areas can alleviate symptoms. If lying down you might also try lying on your opposite side to relieve pressure on the nerve.4
Pregnancy Fact:
Spider veins are small, red, raised lines that branch out from the centre and may appear on your face, neck and upper body. They are not painful and typically disappear after delivery.5