Third Trimester Pain in Pregnancy

The third trimester of pregnancy---from 28 weeks until your baby is delivered---is a challenging time for expectant women, particularly with regard to pain. As your baby's size increases drastically, you will find your body becoming more uncomfortable. Knowing common causes of third trimester pain in pregnancy can help lessen your anxiety and allow you to focus on the impending arrival of your little one as you approach your due date.

Round Ligament Pain

During your second trimester, the round ligaments supporting your uterus began to stretch with the added weight of your baby; as your little one packs on the pounds in the third trimester, the pain caused by this stretching can increase drastically, manifesting itself in sharp, quick bursts of pain in your abdomen or hip area as you move around.

Backaches

Hormones that your body secretes during pregnancy serve to loosen the joints between your pelvic bones, which---coupled with the extra weight of your third-trimester baby---can cause increased back and hip pain.

Varicose Veins

A common occurrence during the third trimester, varicose veins (red or blue lines under your skin) can be quite painful, especially when located in your rectum (hemorrhoids), according to the Mayo Clinic.

False Labor

Characterized by irregular contractions that do not increase in severity, false labor prepares your body for true labor; although these contractions are usually weak, they can become more intense and painful as your body gets closer to delivery.

Considerations

Pain during the third trimester can wear you out when you need to be conserving your energy in preparation for labor. Be sure to take time each day to lie down and rest, which can drastically lessen your third trimester pain.

References

• Mayo Clinic: What to Expect During the Third Trimester