"Everything grows rounder and wider and weirder, and I sit here in the middle of it all and wonder who in the world you will turn out to be." Carrie Fisher
Key Concepts:
- For your baby: Generally speaking, in the third trimester of pregnancy, a baby undergoes rapid development in preparation for birth.
- For you: Towards the end of pregnancy you might start to feel more uncomfortable as your baby grows. You’re also likely having more OB visits, getting more testing, and considering some planning around delivery.
- For your partner: In the final trimester, a partner can play a crucial role in preparing for their child's birth by staying actively involved and supportive. This includes emotional and physical support, as well as filling their own tank to be ready for newborn care.
- The third trimester is a time filled with unknowns. Expecting parents often experience significant stress and anxiety due to a combination of physical, emotional, and psychological factors. All these factors combined create a complex web of stress and anxiety. Managing it is an important step for the moment - and benefits both YOU and your baby.
What to Do:
- Accept and admit the stress. This isn’t a competition and there isn’t a right or wrong way to feel. Owning the way you feel is a healthy and adaptive way to enter this new journey.
- Quiet the noise where you can. Do you need to delete social media or unfollow an influencer who is making you more anxious? Listen to voices that build you up and not those that create confusion or fear.
- Build a support network that works for now. These may be new voices (like Cooper) or friends who are parents already. Find support that actually works, and don’t be afraid to let other relationships take a pause if needed.
- Remain open minded and flexible
- There are a few logistical pieces that you may want to start discussing in the final few months of pregnancy. These include:
- Building a registry
- Cord blood donation
- Delayed cord clamping
- Circumcision
- Skin-to-skin
- Choosing a pediatrician