After weeks of counting, it finally comes to that crucial third semester of your pregnancy. Like you, the primary concern of pregnant women during this period is premature birth. Medical experts said that beginning 28 weeks, a fetus can survive outside the mother’s womb should the lungs be developed enough. However, premature birth, which is less than 37 weeks, poses a myriad of complications both to the mother and child. It could lead to miscarriage, chronic illness and fetal fracture among others.

The following are some useful tips to deal with your third semester pregnancy:

1. Always consult your doctor. Prenatal check-ups are a must. Your doctor will suggest the frequency of the visit depending on laboratory results and you and your baby’s condition. Your doctor will guide you also on what to expect as “that time” draws near. Ask about false labor, cramps and morning sickness. Yes, there are some who still experience morning sickness during this period.

2. Go on a diet. Seek your doctor’s advice on the right regimen for you. Avoid sweet and salty foods. A wise mom would say that you should make the baby eat more food outside from your womb rather than inside. It is more painful to have to go through labor when the right time comes. Having the right diet has its perks. You don’t want the baby to come out more than 9lbs!

3. Exercise. Just because you are pregnant doesn’t mean you are excused from it. Exercise reduces pain and discomfort which is heightened during the third semester. Aside from light exercises, others do yoga. Try to look for the plan you’re most comfortable with so you can reduce those cramps, lower back pains and heavy thighs. But don’t overdo it as it may lead to premature birth. Seek a professional coach or your doctor.

4. Make a birth plan. In life, we should always plan for the inevitable. Make sure you’ve got everything covered. Make drills with your husband or anyone involved so that the people around you will remember the details from distant memory. To-do-lists are sometimes torn apart or cannot be found during emergencies.

It is crucial during this period to post the hotline numbers of your doctor and/or hospital for ambulance. Keep a bag ready at this point. You don’t want your husband to pack your bag at the last minute. The last thing you need is a pair of thong underwear. If you live a far distance from the hospital, make sure your car from this point on, has a steady supply of gasoline at any time of the day.

5. Join a club or clinic. Pregnancy is supposed to be a joyful feeling. However, there are pregnant women who experience mild to significant symptoms of depression. Seek a club or clinic nearest you so you can relate to other pregnant women. Share thoughts and tips on how to deal with pregnancy and what to expect especially if it’s your first time.

Make it a fun and learning session by bringing your husband or family members with you. You can also look for an online forum where you can freely discuss what you feel and learn from other expectant moms like you. If doing these doesn’t help, seek a therapist who can help you.

6. Live a healthy lifestyle. Drug abuse is a definite no-no. Furthermore, studies show that about 25% of pregnant women are abused physically or emotionally leading to premature birth or worst miscarriage.

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