ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR BABY?

You're in the home stretch! Some of the same discomforts you had in your second trimester will continue. Plus, many women find breathing difficult and notice they have to go to the bathroom even more often. This is because the baby is getting bigger and putting more pressure on your organs. Don't worry, your baby is fine and these problems will lessen once you give birth.

Some new body changes you might notice in the third trimester include:

1. The shortness of breath
2. The swelling of the ankles, fingers, and face. (If you notice any sudden or extreme swelling or if you gain a lot of weight really quickly, call your doctor right away. This could be a sign of preeclampsia.)
3. Your belly button may stick out
4. Trouble sleeping
5. The baby "dropping," or moving lower in your abdomen
6. Braxton Hicks, which can be a sign of real or false labor
As you near your due date, your cervix becomes thinner and softer (called effacing). This is a normal, natural process that helps the birth canal (cervix) to open during the birthing process. Your doctor will check your progress with a vaginal exam as you near your due date. Take a deep breath and relax —— the final countdown has begun.