Signs You Should Call Your Doctor During Trimester 3
Key Highlights
- Frequent doctor visits are crucial for monitoring the health of both mother and baby.
- Expect physical changes like swollen ankles, increased body heat, and potential hair growth.
- Be aware of any unusual symptoms like heavy bleeding, decreased fetal movement, or regular contractions, and inform your doctor immediately.
- Maintaining a healthy diet, getting adequate rest, and engaging in light exercise are essential for a healthy pregnancy.
- Discuss any concerns or symptoms with your doctor during check-ups and be honest about your health and well-being.
Signs You Should Keep In Mind
The third trimester of pregnancy can be both exciting and overwhelming as your body and your baby undergoes many more changes. In the upcoming discussion, we'll look at some of the changes your body will go through during the third trimester, as well as when it's a good idea to give your doctor a call. So, get ready, we've got you covered!
Expectations For The Third Trimester
Congrats on making it to the third trimester, you're almost there! But let's be real, it's not all sunshine and rainbows at this point. Your baby is growing bigger by the day, and your body is feeling the weight (literally). You might even start experiencing some Braxton-Hicks contractions, which are basically your body's way of practicing for the real deal. They can feel intense, but don't worry, they're not actually labour contractions. What else can you expect throughout your third trimester? Let's check it out!
Changes In Your Body
As your due date approaches, you might be feeling a little more uncomfortable. Your baby is growing bigger and taking up more space in your belly, making it hard to take deep breaths or get comfy at night. But don't worry, you're not alone!
Some moms are completely symptom-free while others might experience changes like increased body heat, swollen ankles, and leg cramps. You might also notice some new hair growth (yep, even on your face), and your sex drive might take a backseat.
On top of all that, you may continue to experience things like heartburn, constipation, and hemorrhoids. So do not neglect to take care of yourself during the third trimester, remember to eat well with protein and veggies in small portions, get enough rest, and try to stay active with a daily walk or light exercise.
Your little one needs you healthy and happy. And most importantly, don’t forget to keep all your scheduled check-ups with your doctor.
What To Expect During Your Check-Ups
During your third trimester, your prenatal visits will occur every two weeks until week 36, and then you'll be seeing your doctor every week.

Be ready to be weighed, measured, and have your blood pressure and urine checked at each of your visits during the third trimester. Your doctor may even perform a pelvic exam to check on your cervix.
But don't worry, at the end of each visit, your doctor will let you know what to expect before your next check-up. And remember, it's always okay to share any problems or concerns, even if you think they're not important or related to your pregnancy. Your doctor will help every step of the way!
Important Topics To Discuss With Your Doctor
When you go to your routine check-ups, your doctor may ask you some questions. Don't worry, they just want to make sure everything is going smoothly with you and your little one! They might ask if you have a good support system at home, how you're feeling, and if you've had any problems since your last visit.
They'll also check if you've had any vaginal bleeding, pain, or cramping, or if you've noticed any fluid leakage or swelling. And hey, don't forget about the baby too! They'll ask about fetal movement and whether you're planning to breastfeed or bottle-feed. Plus, they'll make sure you're all set for when the baby arrives.
So, just relax, answer the questions honestly, and don't be afraid to ask your own questions too!
Calling Your Doctor!

Here are some signs and symptoms that you should call your doctor right away:
- Heavy bleeding
- Water breaking
Symptoms:
- A noticeable decreased fetal movement
- More than three contractions in an hour or regular, painful contractions
- Increased vaginal discharge with odour
- Fever, chills, or pain when passing urine
- Headaches
- Changes or blind spots in your eyesight
- Significant swelling and weight gain
- Chest pain or difficulty breathing
Conclusion
It is very important to stay in touch with your doctor and inform them of any symptoms or concerns that arise during the third trimester.
By following your doctor's instructions and taking care of yourself, you can increase your chances of a smooth and successful delivery. We hope this article has provided you with helpful information and peace of mind!
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- Prenatal care in your third trimester: Medlineplus medical encyclopedia [Internet]. MedlinePlus. U.S. National Library of Medicine; [cited 2023Apr10].
- The Third trimester [Internet]. The Third Trimester | Johns Hopkins Medicine. 2021 [cited 2023Apr10].
- Nguyen TP, editor. Medical care during pregnancy (for parents) - nemours kidshealth [Internet]. KidsHealth. The Nemours Foundation; 2022 [cited 2023Apr10].
- When you visit your doctor - pregnancy: 3rd trimester [Internet]. Harvard Health. 2017 [cited 2023Apr10].
Our team of experts frequently monitors developments in the health and wellness field, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Current Version
Dec, 01 2023
Written By
Dr. Lozynska Liudmyla Yaroslavivna
Fact checked By
Dr. Pulyk Nataliya Omelanivna
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