The last three months of pregnancy can be a pain in the…back, legs, and stomach, among other places.
Take this quiz to see if you know how to deal with the inevitable discomforts of the last trimester.
(Answers follow the last of the questions.) At least the longest part of pregnancy is behind you!
1. True or False: If you’re tired (and you probably are), an extra cup of coffee can help.
2. If your ankles and feet are swollen you should: (Choose all that apply.)
a. decrease your salt intake
b. elevate your feet if you’re sitting for long periods
c. limit your fluid intake
d. sleep on your side
e. wear high-heeled shoes
3.
True or False: A Pregnancy girdle is good for preventing backache.
4. Good treatments for constipation include: (Choose all that apply.)
a. eating whole grains
b. drinking fruit juice
c. eating fresh fruit and vegetables
d. commercial laxatives
e. sitting on the toilet until you can go
5. True or False: Shortness of breath is nothing to worry about.
6. Which medications are safe to take in the last trimester?
a. acetaminophen
b. aspirin
c. antacids
d. prescription medications
e. none
7. True or False: Strange dreams and sharp emotional ups and downs are normal in the last trimester.
ANSWERS
1.
False. Don’t fight it—take a nap. Although one or two cups of coffee or tea appear to be safe during
pregnancy stoking up on coffee in order to stay awake isn’t a good idea.
2.
b and d. A generation ago limiting salt and fluids was thought to be good treatment for swollen ankles.
In fact, normal salt consumption is okay, and drinking plenty of water helps your kidneys function and
get rid of excess fluid. Keep your feet elevated if you have to sit for long periods, and occasionally
rotate your feet at the ankles. Wear flats or low-heeled shoes. Soak in a warm bath, rock in a rocking
chair, and sleep on your side, preferable your left. If your face looks swollen or if swelling of your
hands and ankles increases suddenly, call your birth attendant.
3.
False. A pregnancy girdle holds your muscles in so you don’t have to. That weakens the muscles that
can help prevent backache. Concentration instead on your posture. Standing; head erect, shoulders
back and down, stomach held in. Sitting: sit on your “sit bones” (the bones at the base of your
buttocks), keep your back straight. Avoid the pregnant woman’s natural tendency to slouch. If a
backache is so bad it keeps you from walking call you healthcare provider.
4.
a. and c. Constipation occurs late in pregnancy because pressure from the growing uterus makes the
stomach empty more slowly. The slowdown may also cause heartburn. Whole grains, fresh fruit and
vegetable, and plenty of water help keep the stomach moving. Although us unsweetened fruit juice
may be high in some vitamins, it lacks the fiber of fresh fruit. Don’t use laxative unless your doctor or
midwife approves. Try to “go” whenever you feel the urge, but don’t sit and strain on the toilet for
long periods; than can give you hemorrhoids.
5.
True and false. Your baby, your internal organs, and your last meal are all taking up room, and you
want to breathe too? Shortness of breath is common in the last trimester. One way to help is be belly
breath. Look at yourself when you breathe normally. Is your stomach or chest moving with each
breath? It should be your stomach. If it’s not, practice getting your breath way down instead of in
your chest. You’ll be able to breath more deeply. You may also find that belly breathing helps relax
you. But if you are suddenly or severely short of breath especially without any particular exertion, or
if you feel pains in your chest, you should notify your birth attendant.
6.
e. Although, some medications are relatively safe to take during the third trimester, you shouldn’t take
any without first asking your health-care provider. If you have a headache, your doctor or midwife
might tell you it’s all right to take acetaminophen, but definitely not aspirin, which can increase
bleeding during delivery. If your nose is stuffy, it may be allergies or just the nasal congestion that
often accompanies pregnancy. Again, your birth attendant can recommend safe remedies. A
humidifier is a great not-drug way to ease congestion. If you have heartburn, talk to your doctor or
midwife before taking antacids. To avoid heartburn, skip spicy or greasy foods, eat slowly, and eat
several small meals instead of a few large ones.
7.
True. Don’t worry. Those odd dreams about your body or your baby are normal and no reflection on
your mothering ability. The last trimester is a time of contradictions. You’re proud of your growing
belly, but you’d like to wear normal clothes again. You can’t wait to see your baby, but you’re
anxious about the responsibilities of parenthood. Your dreams reflect these conflicts. But if your
dreams or anxieties trouble you, a private talk with your childbirth educator can help.