The Top Three Challenges of Your Third Trimester and How to Best Manage Them

So here it is,  you’re getting ready to enter the last leg of this pregnancy marathon! You are ecstatic and can’t wait to meet your bundle of joy.  But things are moving slowly and you are only getting bigger and bigger. The first trimester was full of joy, excitement and not to mention nausea. During the second trimester, you got a boost of energy, you’re glowing and maybe took the cutest maternity shoot ever. But then the third trimester is here and you can’t see your feet, you aren’t comfortable in any position and you just want your baby out already!

During the third trimester, your body is starting to expand and it gives way to the itchy irritated skin. This is a great reason to delve into self-care.  To soothe your itchy skin, fill your tub with water and add drops of lavender oil and flowers and rose water. Light up some candles and chill.  Put some oatmeal in a cheesecloth and use it to wash up.  Use fresh, organic moisturizers to hydrate your skin. I prefer to make mine at home. I use shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil, jojoba oil and 1-2 drops of any essential oil. Blend them all together and use daily.

Do you feel like a robot mosquito bit you and your legs are ridiculously swollen? That's because it’s taking a longer time for the blood circulating through your legs to make it’s way back around, so fluid from your veins enter the tissues of your ankles and feet. It helps to keep your legs elevated when you can throughout the day.  Whether you are on your feet or your booty all day, remember to change it up and take a walk every few hours to keep the blood circulating.  While you're shaking it up, be sure to stay hydrated. When your body is dehydrated it retains water, hence your swelling torpedoes!  Indulge yourself in a variety of fruits and leafy green veggies.

Not using the bathroom to the best of your ability? It's pretty normal during pregnancy.  The hormones in your body have actually relaxed your smooth muscles including your digestive tract.  Constipation happens, so the first line of defense is to drink a lot of water. Start your day off with a full glass of water with lemon. Eat lots of fruits in the morning and leafy greens all day.  Pears are a good fruit to go with and for some reason Asian pears really get things moving down there.  Exercise also helps, so don't be afraid to sweat a little.

Now, this isn’t really a challenge but nesting can only be described as a sudden urge to clean and organize before the arrival of your newborn. Listen, if you get the urge to clean your whole house and yada yada yada, by all means, do it! But enlist others in your quest to prepare.  You don’t have to do it all alone. Delegate, delegate, delegate. Whether this is your 1st pregnancy or your 4th, your life is about to change, so use your time wisely and enjoy it with your loved ones.

I’d love to hear more about the challenges you are having with your pregnancies! Please send an email or comment below.