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Fatigue

Since you are carrying around more weight than before, you may be having trouble sleeping at night, and you may have responsibilities other than carrying and nurturing for you new baby, fatigue is an issue during the third trimester.

The fatigue you are experiencing is a signal from your body that you should slow down. Make sure that you get enough rest and try to cut back on nonessential activities. By relaxing and resting you will ensure that you have all your strength for labor and delivery.

Shortness of breath

You may also find that you experience periods of shortness of breath. This is because your body is trying to take in more oxygen to use with the development of your child. This will be particularly evident in the last trimester when the expanding uterus presses against the diaphragm and crowds the lungs.

You might that you can obtain relief by sitting up straighter rather than slumping, avoiding overexertion, and sleeping in a semi-propped-up position with two or three pillows.

If your fatigue is extreme and doesn't ease up with extended rest, make sure to report it to your doctor. This may be a sign of anemia which can sometime strike at the beginning of the third trimester. Anemia is an iron deficiency in your body.

Unless your anemia persists without treatment, you need not worry too much about your baby - he or she will ensure that they get enough iron from you. You will in fact run short of iron long before your baby does.

Sex Drive

A woman's libido (sexual drive) may decrease, or sex may simply become uncomfortable due to the increasing belly size. Of course, this does not mean that all sex during pregnancy is unsafe or comfortable. It means you have to listen to your body - and your doctor's advice.

Braxton Hicks Contractions (False Labor)

Braxton Hicks contractions may begin to occur at irregular intervals in preparation for childbirth. These uterine contractions begin sometime after the 20th week of pregnancy and usually feel like a painless tightening of your uterus. They last about fifteen or thirty seconds.

As you near your delivery, the Braxton Hicks contractions become more frequent and intense and are even confused for the beginning of labor by some women.

To relieve any discomfort during these contractions, try changing your position and moving around. Many women find that they can use this time to practice their breathing exercises in preparation for the delivery.

If you find that the contractions are very frequent or are accompanied by pain or vaginal discharge, report them immediately.