Experiencing discomfort during the third trimester of pregnancy is common. While morning sickness is often associated with the early stages, sickness or unease can reappear or intensify. These sensations are a normal response to the body’s changes as it prepares for childbirth.
Understanding Third Trimester Discomfort
The feeling of sickness in the third trimester stems from physical changes. The growing uterus expands, placing increased pressure on nearby organs such as the stomach and diaphragm. This compression can cause nausea, discomfort, heartburn, or indigestion.
Hormonal fluctuations also contribute to these symptoms. Progesterone levels can relax smooth muscles in the digestive tract, slowing gastric emptying, potentially leading to nausea. While progesterone levels may slightly decrease in the third trimester, estrogen levels typically rise, contributing to digestive sensitivity.
The body’s increased blood volume during pregnancy can also play a role in fatigue, which can exacerbate feelings of nausea. The baby’s position can further influence discomfort, as certain positions may place more direct pressure on the stomach or other digestive organs.
Effective Relief Strategies
Managing third-trimester sickness involves dietary adjustments. Eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day can help prevent the stomach from becoming too full or too empty, to prevent nausea. Opt for bland, low-fat foods like crackers, toast, bananas, or applesauce, as they are easier to digest.
Avoiding spicy, greasy, or highly acidic foods can also help, as they can irritate the digestive system. Staying hydrated by sipping water or fruit juice is important, as dehydration can worsen nausea. Some individuals find relief from ginger in various forms.
Lifestyle changes also contribute significantly to managing discomfort. Ensuring adequate rest is beneficial, as fatigue can intensify nausea. Gentle exercise, as approved by a healthcare provider, may also aid digestion and overall well-being.
Elevating the head during sleep can help reduce acid reflux, a common cause of nausea, by preventing stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus. Wearing loose-fitting clothing can alleviate pressure on the abdomen, providing additional comfort. Avoiding strong or offensive smells is also helpful, as certain odors can trigger nausea in pregnant individuals.
Other home remedies can offer relief. Acupressure bands, often worn on the wrists, are designed to apply pressure to specific points that may alleviate nausea. Peppermint, either as a tea or in lozenge form, is another option some find soothing for an upset stomach. Avoiding strong smells, particularly from cooking or perfumes, can also prevent nausea from worsening. If heartburn is a significant factor, over-the-counter antacids like Tums can provide relief, but consult a healthcare provider before starting any new medication.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While third-trimester nausea is often normal, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. If you experience severe, persistent vomiting that prevents you from keeping fluids down, it could indicate dehydration or a more serious condition like hyperemesis gravidarum. Significant weight loss accompanying nausea is also a cause for concern and should be reported to a healthcare provider.
Other warning signs that require prompt consultation include severe abdominal pain, a sudden onset of nausea accompanied by dizziness, headaches, or blurred vision. Swelling in the hands or face, sudden weight gain, or seeing spots before your eyes, especially when combined with nausea, could be signs of preeclampsia, a serious condition involving high blood pressure. Any new or concerning symptoms, such as fever, signs of preterm labor like regular contractions or leaking amniotic fluid, or bruising, should also prompt a call to your healthcare provider for personalized advice and to rule out underlying conditions.