Pregnancy is one of the toughest parts of a woman’s life, and as the pregnancy goes on, it doesn’t seem to get easier. As a woman reaches the third trimester, she is likely about done with the pregnancy, and she is ready to meet her baby. However, she has to get through the last hump of pregnancy and there may seem to be a lot of speed bumps along the way. Since her due date is fast approaching, her baby is growing rapidly. This is when they are putting on weight, so they come out all cute and chubby.
This also means that it is going to put a lot of pressure on her body. This is when it is going to stretch the most, and when the organs are going to start getting pushed aside to make room. There may be a lot of warning signs that mom is starting to look out for that could indicate that the baby is coming, but there can also be warning signs that something is wrong and that mom should contact her medical provider. We have 10 warning signs that mom should watch out for in her third trimester.
10 Vaginal Bleeding
According to What To Expect, Vaginal bleeding is something that mom-to-be should always be concerned about at any stage of pregnancy, but mom may want to pay close attention in the third trimester. This could be harmless, and it could actually be something like hemorrhoids, but it is always better to get checked.
9 Leaking
Leaking is another sign to watch out for, and since mom is already on the watch for labor, she is likely hyper-aware of any liquid that comes out. This could be something as simple as some urine that has leaked out due to lack of bladder control, but a quick trip to the hospital can determine if it is amniotic fluid or not.
8 Sudden Swelling
It is important to note that these are all signs, but they do not mean that something is wrong. They are indicators that mom-to-be may just want to make a phone call to her OBGYN or midwife. According to Healthline, Swelling is normal at all stages of pregnancy, but swelling that is severe and in the late stage of pregnancy could be an indicator of preeclampsia.
7 Severe Headache
Headaches are also normal in pregnancy, just as they are when you are not pregnant. Most headaches are minor and go away, but a headache that is severe could be a sign of preeclampsia, according to Stanford Children’s Hospital. If mom-to-be cannot get it to subside, she should contact her provider.
6 Pain Is Always A Red Flag
By the end of the pregnancy, mom is likely going to be in some pain or discomfort. There is likely pressure on the pelvic region, and she may even experience some cramping. If mom cannot alleviate her pain, or if it is so severe that she cannot speak or stand, she should be checked immediately.
5 Burning Pee
Burning pee may not be the most serious warning sign, but it could indicate that mom-to-be has a UTI. These can be caused by urinating too much, which is very common in pregnancy (especially near the end of pregnancy). Mom should get this checked as soon as possible.
4 Fever & Chills
According to Healthline, fevers and chills are never part of a normal pregnancy, and should always be taken seriously. If mom has a high fever and chills, she needs to have a conversation with her medical provider. It could be caused by a virus, which will often pass on its own, but if it is caused by bacteria, she will likely need antibiotics.
3 Blurred Vision
Preeclampsia is one of the biggest complications in the third trimester, and it is very serious. Along with swelling and headaches, blurred vision can also be an indicator. Your medical provider will be able to talk you through your symptoms and run additional tests to rule out this complication.
2 Vaginal Discharge
By the third trimester, mom is likely an expert in vaginal discharge, but there are moments when it could be a warning sign. If mom notices that it is excessive, that it is an odd color, or that it has a foul smell, she should get it checked out. This could be the loss of your mucus plug, or something more serious.
1 Baby Movement
In the third trimester, women are told to monitor their baby’s kicks and movements. This can be the first sign that something is not right, and that mom needs to get checked out. If mom notices that her baby is not moving as much as possible, it will always be best to go and get checked out.
Sources: What To Expect, Healthline, Stanford Children’s Hospital, Healthline