Every Day Closer To Holding Your New One

You're excited, anxious and a little in awe of the remarkable changes that have taken place in your body over the last six months, but the amazingly rapid development of the fetus in the Third Trimester is even more incredible. Finally after six months of pregnancy the final countdown has commenced. Hopefully by now you've said a final farewell to morning sickness, nausea, exhaustion, mood swings and food cravings; but there are other new discomforts for you to experience during the third trimester. Say hello to varicose veins, heartburn, increased bladder pressure, stretch marks and the infamous Braxton Hicks contractions!

From the Sixth to the Last Month of Pregnancy Wonder Abounds

The third trimester runs from week 28 to birth which is generally up to the 40th week, and this is the time when your fetus grows rapidly and finishes its development.  Baby development in the third trimester includes developing all of its own organs with most of them being functional enough for the baby to survive if prematurely born after only 30 weeks gestation. Further development of the fetus in the third trimester includes baby's eyes opening and closing, responding to light and that the skeleton now stores iron and builds skeleton.

A concise breakdown of general fetus third trimester development follows:

At the end of seven months:

• Fetus weighs around 2 - 3 lbs and is 14 - 16 inches in length
• Now has taste buds
• Layers of fat are starting to form
• Organs are growing
• Skin still looks wrinkled and red
• If born now the baby would be premature and need special care

At the end of 8 months:

• Fetus weighs around 4 - 6 pounds and is 16 1/2 to 18 inches in length
• Growth is very swift this month
• Incredible brain growth now occurs
• Body organs are now all developed except for the lungs
• Movements or "kicks" are clearly visible on mom's stomach
• Kidneys have matured
• Skin appears less wrinkled
• Fingernails extend over fingertips

At the end of 9 months:

• Fetus weighs around 8 lbs and is generally 19 to 20 inches in length
• The lungs are fully mature
• Baby is fully developed to live externally of the mother's body
• Skin is no longer wrinkled or red but smooth and pink instead
• Baby is less active with head engaged in the pelvis ready for birth

What about mom during the third trimester? Obviously by this stage of pregnancy most moms to be are carrying extra weight which is downright uncomfortable. Chances are she will experience some or all of the following: back pain, difficulty in breathing, repeated frequent urination, high blood pressure, swelling in hands and feet as well as difficulty sleeping due to the discomfort of her swollen stomach and all of the other annoyances.

The third trimester is an exciting although uncomfortable time for pregnant women, as well as a time of amazing development for the growing fetus. And what's the best part? Your patience is rewarded with a gorgeous baby to love and nurture.