Although you are only a few weeks into your final trimester, you may be starting to feel some of the aches and pains of late pregnancy. As your tummy gets heavier, it’s common to have more discomfort. If you still feel good and don’t have any complications, you can probably continue your normal routine including work and exercise. But if you have any concerns, always talk with your healthcare provider. Also, it’s important to listen to your body. If you need to cut back on some activities, do so.

What’s happening with your body?

Week 29 of pregnancy may bring a worsening of a few symptoms. For example, you might start feeling a little gassy. As if heartburn and an increased need to pee were not enough, now you’re farting day and night. Plus, the muscles that help you hold gas in may become relaxed during pregnancy, so don’t be surprised if a little gas slips out unintentionally. But it’s not really your fault.

In addition to the increase in progesterone, which slows digestion, your baby is crowding your intestines. It’s no wonder you might be burping and passing gas a bit more. Luckily, it’s only a temporary problem, which will resolve after you deliver.

You may also have increased round ligament pain. If you have not experienced it yet, round ligament pain is discomfort in your hips, lower abdomen and groin area. It occurs due to stretching of the ligaments that support your uterus. Coughing, sneezing or changing positions quickly may contract the ligament and lead to sharp pain. Round ligament pain may just be one of those annoying pregnancy symptoms that you have to ride out until you deliver.

Although every doctor or midwife is different, beginning in your third trimester, you may start going to your healthcare provider more frequently. Your doctor or midwife may recommend you are monitored every two weeks. Eventually, as you get closer to your due date, a weekly appointment will likely be scheduled.

Keep in mind, all women have different experiences during pregnancy. You might have heard horror stories about the third trimester of pregnancy, but you may continue to feel great right up until delivery. If you do feel a few more aches and pains, the good news is you don’t have that much longer to go.

What’s happening with your baby?

Your baby is just fine-tuning her body systems and putting on weight. Her lungs are in their final stages of development in order for her to take her first breath.

At week 29, your baby may have moved into the proper position for birth. If she did, her head is facing down, so she is ready to move out when the time is right.

Keep in mind, some babies don’t settle into this position and may be in the breech position. Breech means instead of head down, your baby is bottom first or feet first.

If your baby is headed in the wrong direction, don’t panic yet. She still has plenty of time to shift and move into the head down position. Many babies change positions for several more weeks before staying put. Your doctor will continue to check your baby’s positions at your prenatal appointments. By the time you are full-term, if your little one is still hanging out feet or bottom down, your doctor will talk to you about your options.

Things to keep in mind

Even women who had an easy first and second trimester may start to feel a few uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms in their last trimester.  Although you may be busy getting things wrapped up at work and preparing for your baby’s arrival, now is a good time to pamper yourself a little.

Pretty soon most of your attention will be on your baby. Although your little one is sure to be a cutie pie, he will also be pretty needy. Take the time while you have it to do something relaxing.

Try to take a break from pregnancy books, nursery decorating and shopping for baby gear for a day or two. Just enjoy yourself. For example, indulge in a little pampering by getting a pedicure or prenatal massage. Take a day off and do something relaxing, such as going to the movies or spending the afternoon browsing bookstores.