Third Trimester

Each three month block of a pregnancy is known as a Trimester, as a means to simplify reference to the different stages of fetal development.

Well by the third trimester, I was getting BIG. Although I was doing everything as before, it was taking twice as long. Even getting out of the car was a struggle towards the end. At this stage in the Pregnancy, I was exhausted, and it was a struggle to get through the day.

My bump!

The leaving speech at work was quite difficult.
I felt mixed emotions.
On one hand I was sad and a bit guilty to be leaving work
but also excited about bringing a baby into the world.

They had a collection and bought a baby play-mat, carrier, and some Next vouchers just for me as a treat.

Around this time, my friends arranged a baby shower, which is a kind of surprise party for the expectant mum, strictly girls only! I don't really like surprises, but it was a great party

Friends I hadn't seen in years turned up. I was given so many baby clothes and ended up with bottles of champagne and wine. I didn't drink at the party, and we saved the bottles for celebrations after the birth. Three months later we still haven't got through it all.

The hospital visits continued, and I think we had about four ultrasound scans.
The care from the NHS was actually excellent. However, the waiting rooms were too small and got packed really quickly.
I even saw a mum-to-be sitting down on the floor as they had run out of chairs!

I had quite a few visits to the hospital in the third trimester as I had high blood pressure.

Get this - you have to pay to park the car in the Hospital!
An average 4 hour visit would cost £6.50 and because there wern't enough spaces, it took 20 minutes before we found a free space.

Parentcraft Classes

During the third trimester, we both went to all four of these classes which we found useful.
They used to be called antinatal classes, but have been re-branded.

Both parents-to-be are invited and it's a good way to meet people in the same situation. The four sessions were held at our local health centre by the midwife.

We did get a chance to go round the hospital and see the baby unit for ourselves. We saw a water-birth pool, and the various instruments used for delivery. It was well worth it and we even got to try out some Entonox (pain-relieving gas). The rest of the day was a blur! After the visit, everything started to become quite real

This Gym ball was recommended by the Midwife.
Third trimester gym ball

It's like a giant bouncy ball, I think she called it a Pezzi Ball.

It can be used for practicing birth positions. It can help the baby to get into the right position.

You can get them from Argos and they're really cheap. It can also be used for getting back in shape after the birth.

Relaxing music

A friend bought me some Dolphin and Whale noise CD's.
I can't listen to it now as it reminds me of the birth. Enough said!

Classic FM - Relax and Escape [Play.com]

Peace - Ultimate relaxation - [Play.com]

Chillout Moods: Chilled and Blissful Vibes [Play.com]

Hospital Bag

You need to pack a hospital bag well in advance. It needs to contain enough clothing and supplies for the birth and also for the possible Hospital stay afterwards.

Don't forget to take a camera or some music tapes or CD's. My birth took 22 hours in total, and that's a lot of listening!