Having reached 3 months pregnant can seem surreal. In some ways, you've made it out of the woods: the first trimester has ended, you've gained confidence, and you've even begun telling people your exciting news.
You still have a long way to go. In pregnancy, you are running a marathon, not a sprint - and at 3 months pregnant, you are a third of the way there.
We're here to help! Here's what you can expect at 3 months pregnant, as well as what you should be doing right now in preparation for the second leg of the marathon.
3 Months Pregnancy Symptoms
Pregnant women might notice the below-mentioned changes as part of 3rd month pregnancy symptoms:
1) Morning Sickness:
When one becomes pregnant, they experience nausea. This increases with the start of the 3rd month, and its frequency is highest in the morning.
2) Fatigue:
Due to the changes in hormones, pregnant individuals may feel tired and drowsy. Blood sugar level also gets affected as the body needs extra blood to supply essential nutrients to the foetus.
3) Loss of Bladder Control:
During pregnancy, extra pressure is exerted on the bladder due to the growing uterus. This results in an increased urge to urinate and decreases the capacity to control urine.
4) Vaginal Discharge:
An off-white or translucent mucus is discharged from the vagina during pregnancy. This happens because of the high oestrogen levels and the dilation of the cervix and vaginal walls. It prevents any infection from passing into the uterus.
5) Constipation and Heartburn:
Due to the increase in progesterone levels in pregnant women, the digestion process slows down, leading to problems like constipation. Indigestion may also cause heartburn.
6) Back Pain and Abdominal Pain:
The growing uterus stretches the ligaments and tendons, resulting in lower abdomen and back pain.
7) Leg Cramps and Varicose Veins:
Due to the expansion of the uterus during pregnancy, the blood vessels compress, slowing down the circulation of blood. This leads to swelling in the leg veins, causing leg cramps.
8) Mood Swings and Food Cravings:
Hormonal changes affect emotions, and that’s why pregnant women experience an array of emotions and frequent cravings for specific foods.
9) Nasal Congestion:
Because of the increased blood volume, your nasal passages may get swollen and inflamed. This may lead to a blocked nose.
10) Sleep Disturbance:
Due to changes in hormonal levels and other pregnancy symptoms, your regular sleep pattern may get disturbed.
11) Lack of Libido:
During the first trimester, women experience a high sense of excitement, but with the start of the 3rd month, they commonly lose interest in sex. This happens due to fluctuating hormones and self-consciousness that a woman experiences due to the changes in physical appearance.
Three Months Pregnant: Changes Inside and Out
With the start of the 3rd month, pregnant women experience certain bodily changes as the child continues to develop in the womb.
1) Foetal Development: During the 3rd month of pregnancy:
- The child’s genitals start to form.
- Swallowing and sucking reflexes kick in.
- The child will also start to hear muffled sounds from the outside world.
2) Changes in the Mother’s Body:
- A small baby bump will be visible.
- Breasts will also swell up.
- You might notice pregnancy glow or skin pigment changes, such as a dark line on the abdomen or dark patches on the face.
- You may notice light stretch marks on the stomach area and breasts due to the skin stretching during pregnancy.
- Dark lines on the abdomen might also be visible. These lines appear due to the melanocyte-stimulating hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy. This also darkens the nipples.
Baby Bump at 3 Months Pregnant
Generally, the pregnancy belly will slowly start to show by the 3rd month. This happens because your uterus is lifted into the abdomen area and covers the pelvic. However, women with strong core muscles may not develop a baby bump until the 4th or 5th month.
Every woman's body is different, and these changes depend upon the individual's height, weight, and core strength. So, the belly size of pregnant women with the same gestation period will differ.
Fetal Development at 3 Months Pregnant
At 3 months, your baby is 2 or 3 inches long and still growing. Inside the womb, your child’s:
- Kidneys are starting to function.
- Fingers and toes are starting to form.
- Reflexes are developing.
- Digestive, skeletal and muscular systems are also developing.
- Bone marrow is producing white blood cells (WBCs).
- Genitals are developing.
Twins at 3 Months Pregnant
The growth of twins is not different from the growth of a single fetus. However, with twins, each fetus may be a little smaller than a single baby. A slight difference between the twins’ growth is normal.
Dos and Don'ts During First 3 Months of Pregnancy
Dos
1) Prepare for morning sickness
Morning sickness is common during the first trimester of pregnancy. Even though not all women are affected by it, it's best to prepare ahead of time.
If you suffer from morning sickness, you can prepare yourself a cup of tea every morning. These teas are specially formulated to counter nausea and vomiting. Furthermore, you can eat morning sickness hard candies in addition to or in place of your cup of tea.
2) Limit stress
Easier said than done, no? Well, there are a few steps you can take in order to make this process easier for yourself:
- Take everything day by day - Instead of rushing into everything at once, take it slowly and prepare one thing every day until the new baby arrives.
- Practice deep breathing - Whenever you feel stressed, don't get too worked up. It's normal! Take a few deep, calm breaths and realign your intentions.
- Use a pregnancy planner - To reduce stress, staying organised and aware of what you need to do will help you stay on top of things.
3) Get lots of sleep
Pregnancy is very taxing on your body, and being a new mother is even more so. Ensure that you are getting enough rest to help you adjust.
4) Eat healthily
To ensure that you and your baby get all the nutrients you need, you should eat a healthy, balanced diet.
5) Exercise
With nausea and little energy, exercise may seem the last thing on your mind. But getting up and moving can help improve your pregnancy and reduce complications.
Don’ts
1) Smoke or breathe in secondhand smoke
Several health complications are associated with cigarette smoke, including cancers, premature births, low birth weights, miscarriages, sudden infant deaths syndrome, and learning and behavioural difficulties as the baby grows. Recreational drugs can be harmful and toxic to you and the baby, so you should avoid them.
2) Drink alcohol
Alcohol may pass through the placenta and umbilical cord during pregnancy and affect the baby's developing brain and organs. If consumed regularly, it can also cause premature birth, brain damage, miscarriage, stillbirth, and life-long debilitation.
3) Stay in the same position for an extended period of time
Standing or sitting for long periods of time may hurt your ankles and veins. If you have been standing for a long time, make sure to move around frequently and elevate your legs.
Sleeping Position During Pregnancy First 3 Months
The first trimester is safe for women to sleep in whatever position they feel comfortable in, whether lying on their backs, sides, or stomachs. All of these positions are acceptable during the first trimester.
The uterus hasn't grown large enough to restrict sleep during the first trimester. However, hormonal changes, nausea, and other pregnancy symptoms may make sleeping more challenging.
Pregnant women experiencing hip or back pain may find relief by placing a pillow or two between their knees or bending their knees while sleeping.
Women who prefer to sleep on their right side can adopt this position instead. There is no evidence showing this to be unsafe.
Here are some other positions that may help resolve common issues:
- Pillows can be used to elevate the upper body and reduce heartburn
- elevating the legs with pillows to help with leg pain and swelling
- Using a pregnancy pillow or body pillow to cradle the body and provide back support
Sitting Position During Pregnancy First 3 Month
Here are a few tips in finding a comfortable sitting position when using back support:
- Make sure your back is straight, and your shoulders are back. Your hips should be touching the back of the chair.
- As you sit, use a small, rolled-up towel or a lumbar roll to support your back. Pregnancy pillows are widely available at department and speciality stores.
If you're not using support, here's how to find a good sitting position:
- You can sit at the end of the chair and slouch completely.
- Draw yourself up as far as possible and emphasise the curve of your back. Stay there for a few secoGently relax your position (about 10 degrees). This is a good sitting posture.
- Distribute your body weight on both hips.
- You should keep your hips and knees at a right angle (use a footrest or stool if necessary). You should not cross your legs or put your feet on the floor with your legs crossed.
- Avoid sitting in one position for more than 30 minutes at a time.
- If you work at a desk, make sure your chair and workstation are positioned so that you can sit up close to your desk. Keep your shoulders relaxed by resting your elbows and arms on your chair or desk.
- When you're sitting in a chair that pivots and rolls, don't twist at the waist. Instead, turn your body completely.
- As soon as you stand up from a seated position, move toward the front of your chair. Straighten your legs and avoid bending forward at the waist. Once you've risen, do a few pregnancy-safe back stretches.
Summing Up on 3 Months Pregnancy Symptoms
Three months isn't exactly the most exciting pregnancy milestone - getting through the day might still feel like a struggle - but if you haven't already, you're probably just about to leave the whole "this is rough" stage behind.
Stay positive: Soon, you'll feel less nauseous, more energetic, and able to enjoy sweet little baby kicks.
FAQs
1) How Many Weeks Make 3 Months in Pregnancy?
While there is no standard definition, three months pregnant is typically defined as week nine through week 12 or week 9 through week 13. At the end of this month, you can begin your second trimester.
2) Can You Feel a Baby at 3 Months?
The fetus is still relatively small at three months: it's about four inches long and weighs just over an ounce. It's bigger and more active by the fourth month, but occasionally movement is felt as early as 12 weeks.
3) Is Stomach Pain Normal at 3 Months Pregnant?
Usually, there is nothing to worry about when you experience stomach pains or cramps during pregnancy. A mild stomachache can sometimes occur in early pregnancy (during the first 12 weeks), which is usually caused by your womb expanding, your ligaments stretching as your bump grows, hormone constipation or trapped wind.
