4 tips for your third trimester

The third trimester of pregnancy leads up to your labour and delivery, so it's a good time to educate yourself on what to expect once your baby is born. Here are four tips for a successful third trimester.

You might not have time to research and make important decisions about childcare once your baby is born. Now is a great time to start reading those baby books you've had on the shelf for six months. Some questions to consider are:

• Will you plan to stay at home and nurse the baby yourself?
• Will you and your partner take turns nursing?
• Or will he or she take over the childcare duties while you return to work?
• Will you both work and arrange for daily childcare?

It's important to begin planning for these decisions before the baby comes along.

Babies require a lot of extra supplies to keep them happy and healthy.

• You're going to need breast or bottle feeding materials, clothing, diapers, a crib, blankets and, of course, food and other supplies.
• You can buy much of this at a baby supply store or baby section of a department store.
• Alternatively, you could throw a baby shower to receive gifts from your friends and family.
• This will help relieve some of the burden, but many supplies do not last indefinitely.
• You can start with just the basics and buy more over time.

Cesarean sections are a very common way of delivering a baby. Many women elect to have a C-section because it is less painful than labour.

• Doctors also encourage many women who have formerly had C-sections to try vaginal birth as to not damage the uterus.
• There are also many instances when C-sections are necessary.
• Be sure to talk to your doctor about the possibility of a delivery by C-section.

There are certain signs that you should watch out for in your third trimester of pregnancy.

• If you experience a lot of sudden weight gain, along with swelling of your hands and face, you could be showing signs of preeclampsia. This occurs when your blood pressure rises in your third trimester, and your doctor should monitor you for any warning signs.
• Watching out for these signs, as well as other unusual symptoms, will help ensure you have a healthy pregnancy and delivery.

Even if you decide on a straightforward delivery, you can't guarantee this plan will happen. It's helpful to know your options, including drug-free delivery and cesarean section, and prepare for your new role.