If you are three months pregnant, it means you are completing your first trimester and about to reach the second trimester. This phase is critical in your pregnancy journey. While symptoms like morning sickness, fatigue and mood swings will continue, you will also start noticing the size of your belly increasing. Your baby will be growing too, with features like fingers and toes becoming more defined. Regular prenatal care is crucial so that the health and development of your baby gets monitored. Let us tell you the list of changes you can expect during the third month of pregnancy.

Why is the third month of pregnancy critical?

The third month of pregnancy is considered critical because it marks the end of first trimester. It involves forming of all major organs, making it sensitive to teratogens (substances that cause birth defects), explains obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Asha Hiremath. The placenta, responsible for nutrient and oxygen exchange, establishes a strong connection with the uterine wall. Also, the risk of miscarriage decreases significantly after the first trimester, so reaching the end of the third month is a milestone for many expectant parents. According to a 2017 study published in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, among 53,479 women who were admitted to a labour and delivery ward, 43 percent of them said they had one or more first trimester miscarriages.

What are the symptoms if you are three months pregnant?

With the onset of third month, a woman may also experience symptoms such as:

• Morning sickness: Despite it being called morning sickness, nausea and vomiting can occur anytime.
• Breast changes: The breast continues to grow, and the area around the nipple (areole) grow larger and darker in shade. Breasts become tender and swollen.
• Acne: If you have acne prone skin, you may experience outbreaks.
• Fatigue: Hormonal fluctuations and increased blood production can leave you feeling tired.
• Increased urination: Growing uterus puts pressure on your bladder, leading to frequent bathroom trips.
• Mood swings: Hormonal changes can also cause emotional fluctuations, including heightened sensitivity and occasional irritability.
• Increase in vaginal discharge: A noticeable increase in clear or white, odourless vaginal discharge is normal due to increased estrogen levels. This discharge helps to keep the vagina clean and moist.

You may also experience constipation, heartburn, headaches and dizziness.

How does the belly change in the third month of pregnancy?

During the third month of pregnancy, the mother will notice a slight rounding in their lower abdomen due to uterus growth. However, the size of the belly can vary among different women.

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How much does the baby develop by the third month of pregnancy?

By the third month of pregnancy, the baby makes significant development. The foetus is typically around two to three inches long and weighs about one ounce. Major organs like the heart, lungs, brain, and digestive systems get formed, and the baby’s features like fingers and toes become more defined. The heartbeat is audible through ultrasound, and the baby’s limbs can move spontaneously with bone marrow producing white blood cells. Facial features become more defined, eyelids are fused shut and external genitalia start to develop, says the expert.

What to expect during three month-pregnancy if you are having twins?

If you are expecting twins, there may be some differences in the third month of pregnancy. The uterus may grow more rapidly to accommodate two foetuses, leading to a larger and more noticeable belly.

Also, symptoms such as nausea and fatigue may be more pronounced due to the increased hormonal levels associated with carrying multiples.

What are the tips to follow in the third month of pregnancy?

You should not smoke, drink or do drugs at anytime during pregnancy, as these substances can harm your baby. But here are some pregnancy tips you can follow:

• Continue taking a daily prenatal vitamin with folic acid.
• Consume different types of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein for optimal nutrition.
• Drink plenty of water or healthy juices throughout the day.
• Moderate physical activity like walking or swimming is beneficial.
• Try to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep every night.
• Practice yoga or do meditation to manage stress.

Make sure to not skip prenatal appointments for your and your baby’s health.