Common physical problems in the third trimester
These are some of the symptoms commonly seen in later pregnancy. They are usually nothing to worry about but if you’re worried about any symptoms, or you feel unwell, talk to your doctor or midwife or call the labour ward as soon as you can.
Subjects you'll find on this page include
Abdominal aches
Bleeding or spotting
Sore ribs
Sore pelvis
Sleeplessness
Feeling uncomfortable
Bad dreams
Finger pains
Itchiness
Vaginal discharge
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Problem
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Reasons
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Top tips
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Seek medical help
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Abdominal aches
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Your growing uterus is stretching your tummy muscles and the ligaments that support your baby.
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Talk to your midwife about the difference between stretching aches and contractions. A warm bath may make you feel more comfortable.
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Call the labour ward if the pains are severe or there is any bleeding or fluid leaking
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Bleeding or spotting
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If it’s jelly-like with red streaks, it may be a ‘show’ (the mucus plug that comes away during the early stage of labour).
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If it’s a ‘show’, it’s probably nothing to worry about, but tell your doctor or midwife. If you are less than 37 weeks call the labour ward.
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If there is bright red blood or constant spotting call the labour ward immediately or ask someone to take you to the hospital.
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Sore ribs
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This may be due to your baby’s position and kicking legs!
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Talk to your midwife – if this is due to the baby’s position the soreness will ease when your baby settles more into your pelvic area.
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If you have severe pain between the ribs, like very bad heartburn, this may be a sign of pre-eclampsia – call your midwife, doctor or labour ward immediately.
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Sore pelvis
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Your baby is getting into a position ready for birth.
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When your baby’s hard head ‘engages’ or drops into position it can make your pelvis uncomfortable. The good news is that you may feel less breathless as there is more room at the top of your bump.
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If the soreness is bad, speak to your doctor or midwife.
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Sleeplessness
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Your body is in overdrive, your baby has muddled up night and day and you keep needing to wee. No wonder it’s hard to sleep.
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Try not to worry about it, as that will make it more difficult. Have a milky drink before bed, and let your body just rest, even if you cannot sleep. Avoid caffeine, which is found in chocolate, coffee and fizzy drinks.
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Ask your midwife for advice if it continues.
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Feeling uncomfortable
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You have a large bump, you are very tired and want to rest. But you can’t get comfortable.
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Use all the pillows you need for between your legs, under your bump, wherever it feels better.
Avoid lying on your back as the weight from your baby can put pressure on a major blood vessel, this is not good for the baby and can also make you feel dizzy.
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Ask your midwife for advice if it continues.
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Bad dreams
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Many women have dreams about their pregnancy, labour and baby. And these dreams can sometimes be nightmarish. It doesn’t mean everything is going to go wrong – it’s a way of dealing with your fears and worries about the future that you may not express in your waking hours.
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If you find yourself thinking and worrying about these dreams in the day, try to close your eyes and imagine positive images of you and your baby, with you holding and loving your baby.
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If you’re scared by the dreams talk to your midwife.
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Finger pains!
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Not even your fingers are free from pregnancy niggles! If you find your fingers become numb or painful you may have carpal tunnel syndrome. This often affects women whose job involves repetitive hand movements, such as working on a keyboard.
This often gets worse at night.
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Give your hands a shake whenever you can and if you use a keyboard, try to keep your elbows above your wrists.
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Speak to your doctor or midwife if the pains are difficult to cope with.
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Itchiness
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Your skin may feel a bit itchy. It’s often due to your skin stretching and being more sensitive.
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Try using a plain moisturiser without perfume.
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Always tell your midwife about itchiness especially if it is on your hands or feet as it could be a sign of a serious liver problem.
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Vaginal discharge
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You may notice an increase in your vaginal discharge.
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Wear cotton pants. Don’t use a vaginal deodorant, wash inside the vagina or use a tampon.
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If it is yellow, green, brown, red, itchy or smelly, contact your doctor or midwife as you may have an infection that can be treated before the baby arrives.
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