Pregnancy Nausea in Third Trimester—One of Many Common Symptoms
A woman is considered to be in the third trimester of pregnancy from the 28th to the 40th week of gestation. During this time period, the fetus will be growing at a rapid rate. Due to this growth spurt, the nutritional needs of the unborn baby will increase; in particular, the baby will require more calcium, iron and protein.
Most women will experience a variety of uncomfortable symptoms as their baby’s growth causes pressure on their internal organs. The following symptoms are some of the more common symptoms that occur during the third trimester. The pregnant woman is not limited to these symptoms, nor will she necessarily suffer from all of these symptoms since each pregnancy is unique to the individual mother.
Commonly Experienced Symptoms of the Third Trimester
1. Nausea- Pregnancy nausea in the third trimester is very common. Just like nausea that occurs in the first trimester, it is thought that nausea late in the pregnancy may be the result of the continuing fluctuations in hormone levels. Additionally, the size of the baby in the third trimester places a lot of pressure on the woman’s stomach. This crowding of the stomach may result in both nausea and heartburn.
2. Fatigue- Many women will once again feel fatigue similar to that which they felt in the first trimester. This fatigue may be due in part to the fact that is often difficult to sleep well during the third trimester. The increased size of the fetus can make it difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position; the size of the fetus also puts pressure on the bladder and stomach, which can also contribute to interruptions in sleep.
3. Shortness of Breath- Due to the expansion of the uterus, there is frequently increased pressure on her diaphragm. This added pressure can result in mild difficulty breathing.
4. Swelling of Hands and Feet- This swelling is often referred to as edema; it is not a concern as long as it is mild. However, if the swelling should become pronounced, this could be the signal of the dangerous condition known as preeclampsia. Preeclamsia is the term for pregnancy-induced hypertension and its seriousness demands the immediate notification of the woman’s health care provider.
5. Spider Veins, Varicose Veins and Hemorrhoids- Any of these may develop as the woman nears the end of her pregnancy. Due to the circulatory changes that happen during pregnancy and due to the increased pressure on a woman’s legs resulting from the rapid growth of the fetus in the third trimester, an expectant mother will often suffer from these side effects.
6. Backaches and Leg Cramps- As the baby grows, the resulting size and weight gain can have a negative effect on the woman’s posture; this can result in back pain for the mother. Also, as the baby’s size increases, the woman’s hormones will aid in the relaxation of the joints in the pelvic area. This can also contribute to the back pain experienced in the later stages of pregnancy.
7. Constipation or Diarrhea- It is not unusual for the expectant mother to experience either constipation or diarrhea as she nears the end of her pregnancy.
8. Contractions- Anytime after the 20th week of pregnancy, a woman may begin to feel mild, occasional contractions that are known as Braxton Hicks contractions. These contractions are not a concern; however, if the contractions should increase in strength and frequency, a call to the doctor is in order.
Being aware of the many discomforts that may occur during the third trimester of pregnancy is important. Knowing that such symptoms as fatigue, backaches, heartburn and pregnancy nausea in the third trimester are all normal can help to ease the expectant mother’s concerns about whether such discomforts are serious health issues. However, at any point in time if the expectant mother has questions about what she is experiencing, it is best to get in touch with her health care provider to discuss her concerns.
