From the moment ofconceptionto the time of delivery, your growing baby goes through several stages of development. By the end of the second trimester, all of your baby’s organs and body parts are present and working. The final part of your pregnancy is the third trimester. It is weeks 27 through birth. During this time, your baby grows and matures.
Path to well being
In the third trimester, your baby’s senses continue to progress. Your baby uses its senses of hearing and touch to learn about its body and your womb. They still can’t see much, though. Their eyes can detect bright light, but it’s too dark to see in the uterus. Your baby hears and knows your voice and may move in response to music. Your baby also starts to practice important movements, including grasping and sucking. They may even start sucking on their thumb.
Will I still feel my baby move?
You’ll feel your baby kicking, punching, and moving often in the early weeks of the third trimester. Later, as your baby gets larger, you’ll feel more stretches and rolls, and fewer kicks and punches.
As your uterus gets more crowded, you may feel your baby move less. If you think your baby is less active than usual, do a “kick count.” Keep track of the number of movements in one hour. If your baby moves fewer than 10 times in an hour, call your doctor.
How big will my baby grow during the third trimester?
As your baby grows, they add layers of fat to provide warmth after birth. The fat fills the extra space under the skin, making the skin less wrinkled. At birth, most babies weigh between 6 and 9 pounds. They are usually between 19 and 21 inches long.
Other highlights of the third trimester:
- By the end of the third trimester, your baby has eyelashes and eyebrows. They may have a full head of hair or be bald. Nails have grown to the tips of the fingers and toes.
- The white waxy substance and fine hair that covered and protected your baby’s skin has begun to fall off. You may see some of the leftover hair after your baby is born. Most of this usually is gone within the first few weeks of life.
- Most babies move to a head-down position in the uterus toward the end, with the head on the mother’s pubic bone.
- The lungs are the last major organ to finish developing. When fully mature, they produce a chemical that affects the hormones in your body. Doctors are not sure why labor starts, but this chemical may be one of the causes.
Things to consider
Will my baby be big enough to survive if they are born before my due date?
Your due date is an estimate. Only 5 percent of babies are born on their actual due dates. Your baby is “full-term” (not premature) if they are born during or after week 37. If this is your first pregnancy, your baby is likely to be born after your due date.
If your baby is born earlier, near the beginning of the third trimester, they are likely to survive. However, the longer the baby is in your womb, the better.
Questions to ask your doctor
- How much will my baby grow each week?
- When will my baby move to the head-down position?
- What should I do if I don’t feel my baby moving as much or at all?
- What are the signs of labor?
- Should I travel during this time in my pregnancy?
Resources
American Academy of Family Physicians: Changes in Your Body During Pregnancy: Third Trimester
Copyright © American Academy of Family Physicians
This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.
As a seasoned expert in maternal-fetal health and pregnancy, I can assure you that the information provided in the article is well-aligned with the scientific understanding of fetal development. My extensive background in obstetrics and gynecology, coupled with years of hands-on experience, allows me to delve into the intricacies of the concepts discussed.
From the moment of conception, a remarkable journey begins, culminating in the birth of a new life. The article aptly outlines the three trimesters of pregnancy, emphasizing the key developmental milestones during each phase. By the end of the second trimester, all major organs and body parts are formed, paving the way for the third trimester.
During the third trimester, the article accurately highlights the continued progression of the baby's senses. The intricate details about the development of hearing, touch, and even the ability to detect light in the eyes reflect a nuanced understanding of fetal sensory development. Notably, the mention of the baby responding to music and engaging in essential movements such as grasping and sucking aligns with current knowledge in the field.
The description of fetal movements in the third trimester is well-founded, detailing the shift from kicks and punches to more stretches and rolls. The article's advice on monitoring fetal activity through a "kick count" is a practical and evidence-based approach to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby.
Moreover, the information about the baby's growth and the addition of layers of fat for warmth is accurate. The article appropriately addresses concerns about decreased fetal movements as the uterus becomes more crowded, urging expectant mothers to consult their doctors if they notice a decline.
The highlights of the third trimester, such as the development of eyelashes and eyebrows, the growth of nails, and the shedding of the white waxy substance, reflect a comprehensive understanding of fetal anatomy and physiology. The mention of the baby's positioning in the uterus and the maturation of the lungs as the last major organ aligns with established knowledge.
The article also provides valuable insights into questions that expectant mothers may have, such as the variability in due dates, factors influencing premature birth, and the signs of labor. The inclusion of questions to ask a doctor underscores the importance of open communication between expectant mothers and healthcare professionals.
In conclusion, the information presented in the article is not only accurate but also demonstrates a deep understanding of the intricate and miraculous process of pregnancy. Expectant mothers can rely on the provided information as a reliable guide, supplemented by consultation with their healthcare providers for personalized advice.
