How much can you do in 3rd trimester

[ZiggyandBC]

Hi guys,

basically I’m almost 32 weeks pregnant and my placenta is very close to my cervix so until or if it moves I have to avoid strenuous activity but that’s a very broad range!!

I’ve been doing some cleaning and walking around shopping centres but it’s so exhausting! Is that normal? This morning we spent an hour walking around the shops with lots of stops to sit down and I feel like I’ve pushed myself a bit too far as my lower back is aching and I’ve got a headache. How had everyone been in their 3rd trimester and how much activity did you do?

[CJohns]

everyone’s experiences are so different when it comes to this. I was walking my dog for hour long walks, painting the whole kitchen etc up until I gave birth at 40 weeks, but I never had stopped - I’ve always done those things and continued the whole way through pregnancy, as I never suffered from sickness or other bad symptoms. I remember one or two walks I had pains in my abdominal area, but they went again the next day, so perhaps I’d pushed myself a little too far those days!

Whereas if you’re not used to certain activities or you have stopped those activities for periods then it might be a struggle. You’ve only got several weeks left, so just take it easy x

[haylady]

Hi Ziggy. I’m in the same boat as you with a low lying placenta although I’m only 26 weeks just now. I’m very conscious of it and being careful not to push things too far. I’m still exercising (walking our dogs and doing a couple of pregnancy classes per week) but I’m being even more strict with myself about not straining or stretching too much. The girl who takes the exercise classes said I should avoid lateral movements (so for example I can do lunges but not jumping jacks as they invoke stretching out to the side). My midwife also said I should avoid intercourse until I get a follow up scan at 30 weeks! My hips and back have been sore which I was surprised about given I’m still in the second trimester, but then I’m usually quite slim so this is defo a big change for my body! I think just be very gentle with yourself. Do what feels right but do take regular breaks as well and any concerns call your midwife for advice. You’re getting there now Good luck xx

[Zeebee14]

I’m currently 37 weeks and would say the 3rd trimester is the hardest. I’ve been very luck to have an easy pregnancy with no sickness or fatigue at all, but since hitting around 33 weeks some fatigue is kicking in. This means standing for long periods, walking short distances without stopping for a rest, even walking up the stairs is exhausting. I mentioned it to my midwife and it turns out my iron is slightly low, so I’m on iron tablets now. They’ve helped slightly but I still get a lot more tired more easily than in the rest of the pregnancy.

In terms of what activity I do, it’s really what I feel able to do. I walk the dog for at least 30 mins most days, but need a good sit down afterwards. If I have to go out and walk for longer, ie shopping, I’ll make sure to walk very slowly and take regular breaks. I’m basically just listening to my body and resting when I feel I need to. X