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Healthy Pregnancy & Childbirth
The Third Trimester; Photo of pregnant woman
What You Need to Know
Classes for Expectant Parents

Check your local hospital, and your health plan, for classes on childbirth and infant care.

Your Changing Body

You may see signs that your body is getting ready for labor. Be patient. Within a few more weeks, your baby will be born.

Baby's Third Trimester Changes

At month 7, your baby is about 14 inches long. If born prematurely, your baby would likely survive with special care.

Third Trimester Visits

You will likely visit your health care provider every two weeks. Then visits will increase to once a week in your last month.

Those Last Few Weeks

As your body prepares for labor, your health care provider may talk about "position and station." Position is your baby's placement in the uterus (facing left or right, head first, or feet first). Station refers to how far your baby has moved down (descended) into the pelvic cavity.

Third Trimester Tips

To reduce heartburn, eat small, light meals throughout the day rather than three large ones.

Will You Be Pregnant During Flu Season?

Pregnant women in their second or third trimester during influenza season should be immunized.

Self-care Steps for Discomforts

Most of the discomforts you experience during pregnancy don't require treatment, but in many cases you can help make them better by doing a few simple things.

Labor and Childbirth: Thinking About a Birth Plan

A birth plan is an outline of your wishes for your labor and birth. This plan helps your healthcare providers know what you want and expect. Work with your provider to create a plan that leaves room for the unexpected.

A Labor in Waiting

Labor need not take you by surprise. In the last weeks, you or your healthcare provider may notice changes that mean labor is near.

Packing for the Hospital

Here's a list of some items you will want to have ready for the hospital. Don't forget a watch with a second hand.

Deciding About Circumcision

Circumcision is most often done just before a baby boy goes home from the hospital. You can also choose to have it done later,but when the child is older circumcision requires anesthesia and costs more.