What To Expect During the Final Stages of Pregnancy
Regular pregnancy care supports your health and the health of your developing baby, and this extends from the first trimester through to delivery. Throughout your pregnancy, your body undergoes significant transformations, and the final weeks bring their own unique set of changes and preparations. Understanding what happens during this time helps you navigate the end of your pregnancy with more confidence. Here is more information about what to expect during the final stages of pregnancy:
Rapid Fetal Growth
The final weeks of pregnancy are marked by accelerated fetal development. Your baby gains a significant amount of weight, which is primarily fat that will help regulate their body temperature after birth. While the baby’s length will not increase much more, their brain and lungs continue to mature. This growth period places extra demands on your body, so rest becomes very beneficial.
Physical Discomfort
As your baby grows and settles lower in your pelvis, you may notice an increase in physical discomfort. Many women experience more backaches and pelvic pressure. These sensations are a normal part of the process, but you can find relief through gentle stretching and proper posture. Swelling in your feet and ankles is also a typical issue.
You might also experience practice contractions, known as Braxton Hicks. These contractions feel like a tightening of your abdomen, and they are typically irregular and do not increase in intensity. While these contractions are a normal part of late pregnancy that help prepare your uterine muscles for labor, you can contact your provider if you have any questions about them.
Bodily Changes
Your body continues to prepare for childbirth during the final stages of pregnancy. One change you may notice is the “lightening,” which happens when the baby drops lower into your pelvis. This shift can make breathing easier, but it might also increase pressure on your bladder, leading to more frequent urination.
Another sign that labor is approaching is the loss of your mucus plug. This plug has sealed your cervix throughout the pregnancy to protect against infection. It can be lost weeks, days, or just hours before labor begins, so it is a signal that your body is getting ready.
The cervix also undergoes changes by softening, thinning (effacing), and opening (dilating). Your healthcare provider will monitor these changes during your prenatal appointments, as they are indicators of your body’s progression toward labor. These transformations happen at a different pace for every woman and every pregnancy.
Planned Preparation for Labor
Preparing for the final stages of pregnancy care involves a few practical steps. When labor approaches, packing your hospital bag ahead of time means you have everything you need ready to go. You will want to include items for yourself, your partner, and the baby, and your preparation might include:
- Clothing for your hospital stay
- Toiletries and personal care items
- Outfit for the baby to wear home
- Snacks and drinks for your support person
You should also finalize your birth plan and discuss it with your healthcare provider. This plan outlines your preferences for labor and delivery, and sharing it helps your medical team support you. By having these details arranged, you can focus on the experience when the time comes.
Schedule Pregnancy Care Today
The final stages of pregnancy involve distinct physical changes and preparations as your body gets ready for childbirth. Staying informed about these developments helps you understand the process. Regular check-ins with your healthcare provider will keep you updated on your progress and your baby’s well-being. To continue receiving support, schedule your next pregnancy care appointment with an OBGYN team today.
