You'll continue to gain weight, but it should slow down as you get closer to your due date.
Your belly button may pop out.
Your breasts will continue to grow. (Be sure to invest in more supportive bras.)
You might still experience the occasional nasal congestion, nosebleed, and/or clogged ears due to the increase in blood flow to your mucous membranes.
It's possible to have some backaches.
You might have difficulty sleeping. (If you don't already have a body/maternity pillow, it could be a helpful investment.)
That pleasant vaginal discharge (leucorrhea) may get heavier; if it changes in color or smell, call your health practitioner.
You might feel short of breath since your uterus is taking up much more space and is pushing up against the lungs. Plus, you are still sharing oxygen with your baby and the placenta.
You might feel the need to urinate more frequently since the baby is putting extra pressure on your bladder. (This will be especially noticeable after the baby drops.)
Towards the end of your pregnancy, you might have painless Braxton Hicks contractions as your uterus flexes to practice for labor.
The "pre-milk" colostrum might start leaking from your nipples.
You might still be experiencing all the joys of a relaxed digestive system (and growing uterus putting pressure on these organs): indigestion, heartburn, bloating, gassiness, and/or constipation.
You might experience an increase in leg cramps – especially at night – as your uterus puts pressure on the veins running blood to your legs.
Your stomach might itch as your skin stretches and becomes taut.
Stretch marks could develop. (Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do to prevent stretch marks if they are in your cards – their appearance is mostly dependent on genetics.)
You might develop – or continue to suffer from - hemorrhoids and/or varicose veins due to the increase in blood circulation (coupled with the growing weight of your midsection putting pressure on these areas of the body).
You might have swelling in your hands, ankles, feet or face due to fluid retention. Note: While swelling is common, excessive swelling (especially in the hands or face) mixed with high blood pressure could be a sign of preeclampsia. Contact your practitioner if you are concerned.
You might still be feeling “pregnancy brain,” which will quickly switch to “milk brain” or “mommy brain” after the baby is born. Same symptoms of cluelessness; different names.
Your center of gravity keeps shifting, so don’t overestimate your coordination!
You might have some anxiety over labor and parenthood. Of course, this can also be accompanied by feelings of excitement!
You might notice a change in fetal movement: more rolling around and less kicking. (If you’re concerned about a decrease in fetal movements, talk to your practitioner.)
Close to your due date, you cervix may begin to efface and dilate, preparing for labor.
ou're almost there... just a few more months before you meet your baby!
