Current special Baby City - Valid from 01.10 to 31.10 - Page nb 9

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round women limited baby meals body acid

“» BETTER MATERNITY Helen also found it difficult to eat large meals. “I could only manage small portions because | felt so full,” she explains. To maintain her energy, she focused on eating iron-rich foods and took prenatal supplements. “This made a big difference in keeping my energy levels up.” GREATER FOETAL ACTIVITY AND WEIGHT INCREASE The third trimester mainly involves packing on the kilos - both for you and your baby. Most of the weight gain will be focused on the baby’s growth and development. You may also have swollen feet, ankles and hands due to fluid retention - and may need some help tying your shoelaces due to your round belly! As your baby grows, you'll experience more pronounced and frequent movements. But being so big, your baby’s room to manoeuvre is limited, so the type of movements may change from kicks to more rolling and stretching sensations. HEARTBURN AND INDIGESTION A larger womb can put pressure on the stomach and intestines, unfortunately leading to increased episodes of heartburn and indigestion. Heartburn happens when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach. Many women relieve this discomfort by using pregnancy-safe medication recommended by their doctors. Another good strategy is to opt for smaller meals, just as Helen did. BRAXTON HICKS, SHORTNESS OF BREATH AND OTHER BODILY CHANGES The Braxton Hicks contractions that you felt in your second trimester may now become more frequent and intense as your body prepares for labour. While they're uncomfortable, they're usually irregular and don't lead to labour, so there’s no need to contact your gynae or midwife just yet. As the womb expands upward, it can push against the diaphragm and make it more difficult to take deep breaths. This can lead to feelings of breathlessness, especially when lying down or exercising. You may need to go to the loo more often as your baby’s head presses against your bladder. Don't be alarmed if your vaginal discharge increases, becoming thinner and milkier - as long as it doesn’t smell bad. Your breasts will also begin to swell in preparation for breastfeeding, which may mean (once again!) searching for a more comfortable bra.