Signs of Nearing Birth

You body may begin to feel more uncomfortable as your due date nears. As your unborn baby grows in size and crowds the abdominal cavity, you may have difficulty taking deep breaths or getting comfortable at night for sleep. Or you may be free from any discomfort as you anxiously await the arrival of your new son or daughter.

Some common changes and symptoms you may experience during the third trimester include the following:

• You may experience increased skin temperature as your unborn baby radiates body heat, causing you to feel hot.
• Hair may begin to grow on your arms, legs, and face due to increased hormone stimulation of hair follicles. Hair may also feel coarser.
• Leg cramps may become more frequent. This can be due to pressure on nerves with the weight of the uterus. Try some gentle stretches before going to bed to ease the cramping.
• Braxton-Hicks contractions (false labor) may begin to occur at irregular intervals in preparation for childbirth.
• Stretch marks may increase on your abdomen, breast, thighs, and buttocks.
• Your increasing weight gain and uterine size may cause backaches. Watch your posture and avoid arching your back when standing and walking. Wearing low-heeled, supportive shoes is also helpful.
• Colostrum (a fluid in the breasts that nourishes the baby until the breast milk becomes available) may begin to leak from your nipples.