Adoption Blog

You may be two-thirds of the way through your pregnancy, but your baby still has plenty of growing to do! At the end of the second trimester your baby is only about 2 pounds. He or she will grow to be between six-nine pounds over these next few months.

So, if you thought your belly couldn’t get much bigger - it will. A lot bigger! Here are some other things you can expect during your third trimester of pregnancy.

You will gain most of pregnancy weight during the third trimester. Aim to gain ½ to 1 pound per week. By the end of your pregnancy, you should have gained between 25-35 pounds (unless otherwise specified by your doctor).

The extra weight you've gained is putting added pressure on your back, making it feel achy and sore.

You may have felt peppy in your second trimester, but expect to feel fatigued during the third trimester. If you can, take a nap when you feel tired. Or, find a few minutes throughout the day to sit down and relax. Certain foods or exercises can give you an extra boost.

You may start to notice you aren't breathing as easily. This is completely normal. Your uterus is expanding and sitting just under your rib cage. This leaves less room for your lungs to expand.

You have probably heard one pregnant woman or another complain about swollen feet. Different parts of your body swell during pregnancy because of excess fluid retention. Fingers, feet, ankles and the face are all common places for swelling.

Pay attention to the physical feelings you notice throughout the third trimester of pregnancy. Don’t skip doctor’s visits, and always explain any changes. Our adoption counselors are available 24/7 to address any concerns you have about pregnancy or placing your baby for adoption.