third trimester Content | Baby Billy

Fetal monitoring

Fetal monitoring measures the heart rate and rhythm of your baby. From the result, you will know how your baby is tolerating your contractions. What is fetal monitoring?Fetal monitoring is when your healthcare provider keeps tabs on your baby's heart rate during labor.👶💗 You'll be able to see how your baby responds to conditions in the womb and your contractions. If your baby shows abnormal heart rate, it is a signal that the baby is calling for help.🆘External fetal heart monitoring👶Continuous external electronic fetal monitoringA stretchy band called a transducer will be tethered around your abdomen to continuously record your baby's heartbeat. A second band around your abdomen is used to track your contractions.😃The transducers are connected to a machine that constantly writes down your baby's heart rate during labor.💗 Despite limited movement and slight discomfort due to the machine, aren't you excited to listen to your baby's heartbeat? Is it in tune with yours?🥰 👶Intermittent auscultationAuscultation is a method of periodically listening to the fetal heartbeat. Your healthcare provider will hold the handheld Doppler device, external fetal monitor probe or fetoscope against your abdomen and record the heartbeat at specific intervals. 'Baseline' heart rate: This is your baby's heart rate between contractions when the baby is not moving.❤️Heart rate during and shortly after contractions: Your healthcare provider is trying to check how your baby is tolerating labor.🤔Internal fetal heart monitoringInternal fetal heart monitoring can only be done when the amniotic fluid sacs🌊 surrounding your baby have broken and the cervix is opened. If the external fetal heart monitoring is not accurate, the internal fetal heart monitoring is conducted.🙆‍♀️ A thin wire called electrode is attached to your baby's scalp and runs from the baby through your cervix.🧠During labor, your uterine contractions and your baby's heart rate are recorded simultaneously to see how often you are having contractions and how your baby is tolerating them.⏺️ The pressure inside your uterus while doing internal heart monitoring can also be examined by putting a thin catheter through your cervix and into your uterus. Then, the catheter will send uterine pressure readings to a monitor and the doctor👩‍⚕️ can get more information about the strength of your contractions.😃 Why do you need fetal heart monitoring?Fetal heart rate monitoring❤️ is extremely helpful if you have a high risk pregnancy. If you take preterm labor medicines to prolong your pregnancy days, fetal heart monitoring can check your baby's health conditions during this important time.😃Fetal heart monitoring can be used in other tests to further assess your baby's conditions:  Nonstress test:The test monitors to see how your baby responds to the baby's movement.👶Contradiction stress test: If the result of the nonstress test is abnormal, this test measures fetal heart rate and uterine pressure at the same time to see if the baby is doing well during contractions when you're in labor.👶A biophysical profile (BPP): This test combines a nonstress test with ultrasound to measure the physical traits of your body.👩   

Evening primrose oil during pregnancy

Evening primrose oil is claimed to help speed up the first stage of labor and induce labor when applied vaginally. This supplement hasn't been widely studied yet. If you want to use it, you should consult with your doctor first. What is evening primrose oil?Evening primrose oil is a dietary supplement from the seeds of the evening primrose plant native to North America.💐 Research shows that it may stimulate the production of prostaglandins hormones that help ripen the cervix and induce contractions.🤰🏵️ There is a lack of evidence to support evening primrose oil's effect on labor. More research is needed to figure out whether it actually works and is safe for pregnant moms.🥽🥼👨‍🔬Pros and cons of evening primrose oil💐ProsSince it hasn't been widely studied👨‍🔬, it's hard to assuredly claim the pros of the product. It may help speed up the first stage of labor when applied vaginally, get the cervix ready for labor and ease discomfort in some issues such as eczema.🤔💐ConsIt may cause an upset stomach or headache.🤕 Because the effect of evening primrose oil on labor hasn't been confirmed, it may increase risk for complications. If you want to use it, you have to consult with your doctor first to make sure it's safe for you.👩‍⚕️ 💐WarningsDon't use evening primrose oil if you're taking anticoagulants because it may worsen bleeding. If you have seizure order, it may diminish the potency of anti-seizure medications.🙅‍♀️ 

Rash during pregnancy

Most rashes during pregnancy are unrelated to your pregnancy but there are a few pregnancy conditions that do cause rashes.🧐  Atopic eruption of pregnancy (AEP)🤰SymptomsAEP includes three conditions, atopic dermatitis (eczema), pruritic folliculitis, and prurigo. An outbreak of AEP on your arms, legs🦵 or torso can be extremely itchy. Eczema often appears red🔴 or purple with small bumps and flaky skin. These itchy bumps are grouped, appear thickened and may have a crust. Pruritic folliculitis looks like tiny pimple bumps while prurigo may look like bug bites and dome-shaped papules at the beginning.🙁 🤰TreatmentAEP is treated with topical medication and oral antihistamines. Sometimes oral steroids can be prescribed.💊 Consult with your doctor carefully to have the most accurate diagnosis.Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques (PUPPP)🤰SymptomsYou may feel itchy like crazy at the beginning. PUPPP appears first on your belly or around stretch marks you have, then further spreads to your thighs🦵, buttocks, back, arms💪 and legs. PUPPP doesn't really affect the area above your chest. 🤰TreatmentYou are often given a topical ointment or oral antihistamine. Sometimes oral steroids can also be prescribed if the doctor finds it necessary.💊👩‍⚕️Pemphigoid gestationis🤰SymptomsPemphigoid gestationis is an autoimmune disease, which means your immune system attacks your own organs, creating intensely itchy rash that turns into large, blistering lesions.🙁 The outbreak begins around the belly buttons and travels to other parts of your trunk, arms💪 and legs🦵, including your palms and soles. 🤰Treatment  This condition is often treated with oral steroids. You ask your doctor for an accurate diagnosis.💊👩‍⚕️  

Labor positions for active labor

Trying different labor positions can help you manage the pain of labor better, reduce the need for a c-section and diminish time for labor.😃 There is no best position for labor. You just have to let your body be your guide. These birthing positions are effective and you might be able to choose the right one for you.🧐 Labor positions for active labor🤰Standing and walkingGoing up and down stairs sideways effectively assists pelvis opening. During contractions, you can lean against the wall or on your partner.👨‍👧🤰Rocking and slow dancingConsider yourself in a prom having a beautiful waltz danced to a classic slow dance song with your partner.💃🏻😃 Swaying back and forth in rhythm can be comforting during labor. 🤰SittingSitting on the bed🛏️ or the chair with pillows supporting your back might help you relax. Choose wherever you feel most comfortable. Also you can try to sit leaning forward to take some pressure off your back.🪑🤰Sitting backward on a chairPick an armless chair🪑 and face backward. You can put a pillow between the chair and your belly and lean on it while resting your arms and head on the top of the chair. Sitting leaning your body forward like this helps take some pressure off your back.😃Other labor positions for active labor🤰Hands and kneesPut your hands and knees in position as if you do push-ups. This position may offer some relief from back pain before and during labor.🏋️ 🤰Sitting upright on an exercise ballAn exercise ball is often used in yoga to teach you balance.⚽ Sitting on the ball puts your knees lower than your hips and helps move your baby into the birth position while you roll your hips around.⛹️‍♂️🤰Lean forwards while sittingYou can sit on the exercise ball and lean forward onto a stable surface.🪑 This position looks like you're squatting. You can also enjoy moving your hips around on the ball.🤰Lean forwards while standingStand still with your legs widely opening🦵. Lean your upper body over an exercise ball propped on a table. This position encourages your little one to descend faster.👶

Third trimester sleep

A good quality sleep seems like a distant memory when you enter the third trimester… How does sleep change in the third trimester?😴Can't get comfortableBack pain and sore muscles just keep reverberating even when you try to distract yourself🙁. Your belly is too big to allow you to lie down comfortably. Restless legs syndrome occurs more when your body is trying to rest and urges you to stay active, making it virtually impossible for you to get to sleep.💤 As your digestive system slows down in late pregnancy, acid rising back up causes heartburn in the chest, making it hard for you to fall asleep. Not to mention that your baby👶 is kicking and moving around in your belly keeps you awake at night too. 😴Bathroom visitsYour baby👶 is growing and putting more pressure on your bladder. You will find yourself visiting bathrooms🚻 more often as your need to pee increases. You can reduce the number of nighttime bathroom visits by cutting down fluids in the evening and emptying your bladder completely before you go to bed.🚽 😴WorryPregnancy is a long journey that has all ups and downs. It's normal to be worried at this point since the baby is coming out in no time.😃 Anxiety is not sleep inducing!😢 Talk about your concerns and worries with your partner and friends.👨‍👧 Make sure to gain all information about labor and delivery, postpartum period to prepare yourself for the last phase and stay assured that everything is going to be just fine!🤗Irregular pregnancy sleep patterns are linked to mental problemsPoor sleep😴 during this time is normal due to hormonal and physical changes. Pregnancy takes a toll on your body, making you feel physically drained but don't worry too much! Most symptoms won't develop postpartum depression.😃That said, late pregnancy depression can still progress into postpartum depression. Since it's difficult to tell exactly when depression actually hits you, it's important to express your worries and concerns with your healthcare provider and your partner and be heard.🤗 Don't be scared if you have difficulty sleeping with other symptoms of moodiness. You know that everyone is right here for you!🥰 

Shortness of breath during pregnancy

Running out of breath soon?😮‍💨  Even a minimal amount of exercises can take your breath away fast. Sit down, take a deep breath and here's what you need to know about shortness of breath during pregnancy.😃 Shortness of breath during pregnancy😮‍💨Causes of shortness of breathPregnancy hormones stimulate your body to breathe in more frequently and deeply😮‍💨 to take in more oxygen for your growing baby-to-be. Your blood capillaries🩸 are also swollen, muscles in the lung are relaxed to absorb more air.As your uterus👶 keeps growing bigger, it puts pressure on your diaphragm and lungs, limiting their full potential to inhale as much oxygen as they want, causing you to feel out of breath. 😮‍💨When will shortness of breath ends?When you reach closer to your due date, your baby👶 is moving to the position and preparing to come out. As your baby drops down into your pelvis, the lung and diaphragm will be less compressed and you will breathe more easily.😃 What you can do about shortness of breathTo ease your symptoms a little bit, you should stand🧍🏼 as straight as you can to expand your lungs and let them do their job. Take it easy when you exercise🚶 by having breaks in between. Sleep on your left side😴 so you can easily breathe and blood circulation works better. 

Tdap Vaccine

Why should I take the vaccine?💡All moms-to-be should get the Tdap vaccine for your health and the health of your baby. The vaccine protects your baby from whooping cough, or pertussis through passive immunity inherited from the mother. It is extremely fatal if the baby gets pertussis as a newborn and is most likely to be hospitalized or even die. Your vaccination passes antibodies who will act as a perfect shield to protect your baby for the first few months until she can be vaccinated.  How to get the vaccine?💉You should get the Tdap vaccine between 27 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, preferably during the earlier part of this period. Visit hospitals, nearby clinics or consult with your pediatrician to get the vaccine.TMI from Baby Billy👩‍⚕️: Tdap vaccine protects against three serious illnessesTetanus: Tetanus is a condition caused by a puncture or deep cut that is infected with bacteria. Though it's exceedingly rare due to vaccines, it can cause tightening of the muscle in the face and neck making it difficult for you to breathe or open your mouth. Diphtheria:  Diphtheria forms a thick coating on the back of the throat that makes it hard for you to breathe. Although it's rare now because of the vaccines, it can cause heart failure and paralysis.Pertussis:  It is also known as whooping cough. The results can be intense coughing spells, vomiting, problems breathing, difficulty sleeping and sometimes even death. Since newborns can only get vaccinated at 2 months old, they are vulnerable to this potentially deadly condition if they do not receive antibodies from the mother.Tdap vaccine is safe during pregnancyThe Tdap vaccine is safe for both you and your baby during pregnancy. You may find some minor effects like soreness at the site of injection, redness, body aches but the benefits of the vaccine outweigh them all. Serious reactions such as fainting, severe pain and bleeding are rare.Vaccination required again after pregnancy If you have already received the Tdap vaccine before you were pregnant, you still need it! You should get it again in the third trimester of every pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated. 

Perineal massage

Perineal massage helps stretch the perineum and make it more elastic so that your baby can come out more easily. It's really easy. It won't take long for you to master all techniques!🧐Perineal massage💆What is perineal massage?Perineal massage is a method that helps prepare the pelvic floor muscles and make them more flexible for vaginal delivery.😃 Giving these muscles a gentle massage in the weeks before your baby's birth can soften and stretch the tissues, keep the perineum area loose and pave ways for the baby to come out more easily.👶 You can do a perineal massage yourself or ask your partner to do it for you.👨‍👧 You can also do it during delivery too! 💆Benefits of perineal massagePerineal massage is effective in reducing damage to the pelvic floor and avoiding perineal tears.🤗 It can also help you refrain from going through an episiotomy during delivery, having scars, postpartum urinary or postpartum perineum pain. Preparation for perineal massage💆When to startYou can begin perineal massage at about 34 weeks in the third trimester.🤰 You can do it three or four times a week until the due date, each takes 5 minutes. Although you might feel some sensation and burning pain in the first few weeks, you will gradually be accustomed to having massages, learning how to breathe👃 and relax and eventually feel more comfortable.💆 💆Massage oils and gelsMassage oils and gels are essentials in the massage process as they help moisturize the perineum and make it more elastic.😃 There is a variety of natural oils for you to choose from such as coconut oil, sweet almond oil or sunflower oil.🌻 However, because some of these products can irritate your vagina, you should consult with your doctor for recommendations.💆How to do perineal massageThe massage should be done gently to prevent bruising and swelling.😃 After you sit in a comfortable position, lean back on pillows, bend your legs and spread your knees open. Put one or two drops of oil on your thumbs, place them about 1 to 1½ inches inside your vagina and gently stretch the wall out to the side.💆 Then keep massaging up and down in a U shape. Repeat the process for a total of 4 to 5 minutes. It's easy, right?😝 

The stages of labor and delivery

The process of labor and delivery is divided into three stages. Since the length of labor varies among moms, it's hard to give an accurate prediction how long it will last for you. Guess you have to wait until it actually happens.🤗🧐 First stage of labor👶Early laborIn the early labor phase, you should expect contractions striking at relatively regular intervals and intensifying over time.😫 Sometimes it's hard to distinguish them from Braxton Hicks contractions which occur irregularly and don't cause pain. Eventually the contractions will come every four to five minutes and last for 40-60 seconds each. Gradually they get longer, stronger and closer together, creating painful yet mild torment so you can still talk through them.😣 The bloody show follows with pink or brightly red vaginal discharge.🩸 If you see your water break🌊 before contractions begin, you have to call your doctor immediately. 👶Active laborYour contractions become increasingly intense and you'll no longer be able to rest.☹️ As your cervix dilates more quickly up to 6cm, the contractions last every 2½ to 3 minutes, or even up to 5 minutes. Your baby👶 also starts to descend into your pelvis and prepares for exiting. Sometimes, epidural anesthesia causes blood pressure to drop, making you feel like vomiting and nauseated.🤢 If this is your first baby, this phase will last between 5 to 7 hours on average. If you've had a baby before, the active phase will go faster between 2 to 4 hours on average. If you have a big baby or twins, labor may last even longer.😀 👶TransitionYour cervix dilates from 8 to a full 10cm. Contractions are coming every two to three minutes and lasting a minute or more. When your baby is moving downward, you will feel the urge to push and rectal pressure as if your bowels were moving.😣 The anguish kicks in and you start making deep grunting sounds.😣 It's nearly time to push! If you have an epidural, you will probably handle the pain a bit better. The pressure you'll feel in your lower back and rectum depends on your baby's position and the type and amount of injection you get. Lots of blood will come out.🩸 You may feel nauseated or even vomit due to the pain.🤮 Second stage of laborYou are completely ready for childbirth.😃 This stage is the most work for you since you start pushing out your baby. At the beginning of the second stage, your contractions may be a little further apart, leaving you some spaces to breathe and rest.😌 Then, you start pushing and moving the baby down the birth canal. Bearing down can offer you some relief. Take it slow and listen to your coach as you will be instructed when to push with each contraction to accelerate the baby's exit.👶 You may need episiotomy which is a small cut at the opening of the vagina to create a clear path for your baby.Crowning is the process of your baby's head slowly appearing. The doctor👩‍⚕️ may use a forcep to help your baby out more easily. Now you feel more compelled to push. With each contraction, more parts of your baby's body become visible. At some point, a slow and controlled push is required to allow your baby to gradually stretch out your vagina and prevent the perineum from tearing.🧐 Push a bit more! The whole head gradually appears in awe.🤗 Your baby turns to the side, paving the way for her shoulders and the rest of the body to come out. Finally, your baby is out and removed from any blockages while the umbilical cord is cut!😍 Then your baby is dried off with a towel and kept warm. Third stage of laborRight after giving birth, your uterus begins contractions again to separate the placenta from your uterine wall. It's usually just a one final push that is short and not difficult at all.😃Congratulations! You did it!🤗 Your pregnancy journey finally comes to an end and your baby is born. Enjoy your skin-to-skin special moment with your little angel and get started breastfeeding.😙  

Early signs of labor

Still feel like you won't know when to announce 'It's time'? Even the slightest contraction at this time makes you worried and panic? Stay calm, it can be a false alarm…What is labor?The process of delivering your baby👶 has three different stages. In the first stage, contractions start thinning the skin of your vagina and dilate your cervix. This stage has two phases2️⃣. In the latent phase, your cervix is slowly opening from 0 to 6cm. In the active phase, stronger contractions stretch your cervix further from 6cm to full dilation at 10cm. The second stage begins when your baby's head moves downwards into the vaginal canal and is ready to come out.👋 Push! You'll be pushing during this stage.🏋️ The third stage is the shortest and easiest. After your baby is born and the umbilical cord is cut, your uterus starts contracting again to separate the placenta from the wall of your uterus. You probably won't notice this as you're paying full attention to your new angel here.🤗Early signs of labor👶 Baby has droppedLightening signals your baby👶 is descending into your pelvis a few weeks before labor begins. If this is your first baby, lightening can be a good indicator that your baby is getting into position to make his exit so you should be prepared. In subsequent births, the process doesn't often happen until you're truly in labor.💪You may catch your breath more easily👃 since the pressure is much lifted off your diaphragm. But you will need to pee more often because your baby is now pressing on your bladder.🚽👶 Loss of the mucus plugMucus plug is a small amount of thickened mucus buildup within your cervical canal to seal off your uterus from the world during pregnancy.🤰 If you see the mucus coming out in a lump all at once or little by little as a vaginal discharge, it's likely a sign that your cervix is dilating but it's not the labor time yet.🙅‍♀️ 👶 Bloody showMore vaginal discharge is being released thanks to your body's increased estrogen. When your cervix starts to soften and dilate, you will probably notice pink or bright red blood called bloody show.🩸 Labor is imminent! 👶 Cervix started to efface and dilateEffacement means the cervix stretches and gets thinner. Dilation means the cervix is opening and making ways for the baby. As your due date is near, your doctor👩‍⚕️ may do a vaginal exam during a prenatal visit to determine whether your cervix has stretched and opened.🩺👶 Braxton Hicks contractions  Unlike true labor contractions, they are irregular and not painful.🙂 They often last for fewer than 30 seconds or up to 2 minutes each. You will feel a tightening of your uterus, the front of the lower abdomen or groin that comes and goes. If it comes more frequently or intensely, it may signal true labor is on its way but not always.🤔