Pregnancy & Birth with Dr. Boyd

All About The Third Trimester – What You Need to Know About Your 3rd Trimester

You want to know all about the third trimester in your pregnancy, right? Dr. Boyd and Annabelle, RN/BSN are discussing some of your BIG questions: body changes, health changes, preparation for labor, and how to be FEARLESS in birth!

Before I go any further, I want to mention my FREE Natural Birth Workbook! This 4 Step Process is a great start if you are considering a med-free birth. Click the button below to download the workbook…

Below are some of the key elements that Dr. Boyd and Annabelle discuss in their latest live stream.

When is the third trimester?

  • End of the 26th week/Beginning of the 27th week to end of the 40th-week gestation

You may be experiencing…

  • Difficulty getting comfy in your sleeping positions
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Swelling in legs, ankles, and feet
  • A sensation of shortness of breath

Cervical exam and position of baby around week 38 gestation

  • No preparation is needed.
  • This exam should not be painful, but it can be (talk to your healthcare provider).
  • Provides objective information about Mom’s cervix and position
    of baby (is the head down?).
  • Most healthcare providers begin examining the cervix around 
    week 36 to 38 gestation.
  • Assess the opening (dilation) and thinning (effacement) of the
    cervix.
  • Dilation (opening of the cervix): 1 cm – 10 cm (fully dilated).
  • Effacement (shortening/thinning of cervix): 0% – 100% (fully
    effaced).
  • Position of baby: location of the baby’s head needs to be down
    before delivery (vertex).
Watch the video below for a deeper understanding of your third trimester!
Do you want some help making a plan for your birth experience? I have created my FREE Natural Birth Workbook just for you. This 4 Step Process is a great start if you are considering a med-free birth. Download below…