The Third Trimester of Pregnancy
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Third Trimester: Old Fashioned Remedies and Doctor Visits
Applying the practices of the past for relief today. They got by with a little help from their friends. And families, of course. Women of previous generations had a circle of friends and relatives to rely on in the final days of pregnancy. If they were too big to bend over the wash tub, a nurturing friend did the wash for them. If they were in bed with an aching back, their sisters were right there gently caring for them. Grandmothers-to-be were willing and able to take over child care or kitchen duties. These women did not have the medical advances you do, but they had something very important; they had help at their fingertips, help they probably didn't even have to ask for. When there was a need for assistance, people appeared to assist seemingly instantaneously. The circle of arms to enfold a pregnant woman and her household was wide and strong. People are busy with their jobs or their own family responsibilities and may not see your need - even people within your own family. If you're lucky enough to live close to loved ones, you may still find yourself feeling overwhelmed by physical limitations. Sometimes, all it takes is a phone call to your mother-in-law, your brother, your step-sister to get the ball rolling. "Hey, I could use a little help getting the nursery put together. What are you doing next weekend? I'll order your favorite takeout..." That's all it'll take to get a little help. Don't be shy, be proactive. People who love you want to help you, they really do. They just need a little reminder sometimes. In this age of corporate relocation, you may be across the continent from the circle you'd like to count on, but that doesn't mean a local circle is not available to you. It's just that now sometimes people need to ask. If you are feeling overwhelmed by your responsibilities, ask for help. From a trusted co-worker, a kindly neighbor, a church support group, a neighborhood club. People are happy to help, but in this fast-paced world they may not recognize that their help is needed. If you let one person know you need help, the word will spread and your burden will be lighter. You may find that people you only know in passing would be thrilled to drop off casseroles for your freezer or the other Cub Scout moms are available to chauffeur your little scout to and from activities. Your call for a little friendly help could be the spark of a new friendship.
In addition to friends, they had the help of Mother Nature. This trimester, you may be considering using herbs to ready your body for childbirth...getting your uterus into shape, so to speak. Visit natural/health food stores, tea vendors, or herbalists and check out their selections of prepackaged herbal teas designed for childbirth preparation. They're out there, even in small towns. According to herb connoisseurs, the herbs which are most beneficial to preparing for baby's big entrance are:
Add extracts of them to your water or brew them up as tea. A great idea is to take any leftover tea you don't drink and freeze it in ice cube trays to suck on during delivery. As always, talk to your doctor about any herbs you consider adding to your diet, just to be sure that they are safe for your individual pregnancy. Doctor Visits During the Third Trimester You will be seen by the doctor every two weeks during months seven and eight. At the 36th week, you will begin visiting your doctor on a weekly basis. That's probably more than you see your best friend. Then again, many mothers consider their doctor their best friends at this point, after all think of all they've been through together. You're about to go through even more. Ask any doctor and they will tell you that there really is a bond which exists on his or her part with moms they've gone though delivery with. We know that you could have chosen someone else to care for you, but you choose us and that's an honor. What should you expect at your visit? Weight check Blood pressure check Urine sample Fetal heart rate check Baby will be measured (doctor will measure your growing middle with a tape measure) Your hands and feet will be examined for swelling Close to due date: If you are having contractions - Braxton hicks - as well as labor contractions, your doctor will perform a pelvic exam as part of an overall exam. Tests to be performed this trimester: Group-B Strep test Sonogram to determine baby's size and position may be performed All this leads up to the final visit...the visit that ends with baby.
Next Topic: Labor and Delivery: First Stage
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