The third trimester is a time of great anticipation. In a few short weeks, your little one will finally be here. Some of the symptoms during the third trimester can include insomnia and pain. It’s important to know what’s normal and what’s not, particularly when it comes to the discomfort you may feel over the course of the third trimester.Though insomnia and pain certainly aren’t pleasant, there’s an end in sight. Soon, you’ll be welcoming your new baby to the world.

Why Does Pain Occur During the third trimester?

Pain can occur in seemingly every part of your body during the third trimester. From your back to your hips to your stomach, there are many places that may be sore and uncomfortable.

Abdominal Pain

Stomach pain in the third trimester can include gas, constipation, and Braxton-Hicks contractions, or false labor. While these can cause some abdominal discomfort, they shouldn’t cause excessive amounts of pain.Abdominal pain that more severe and concerning can be due to a urinary tract infection, preeclampsia, which is a condition that causes high blood pressure during pregnancy, or a placental abruption, which is a condition that occurs when your placenta separates from your uterus too early.

Lower Back and Hip Pain

As your body goes through further changes in preparation for childbirth, hormone levels increase so your connective tissue loosens. This enhances flexibility in your pelvis so your baby can pass through the birth canal more easily.However, women frequently experience hip pain as the connective tissue loosens and stretches. Lower back pain can also occur along with hip pain, as posture changes may cause you to lean more toward one side or another. Sleeping on your side with a pillow between your legs may help to relieve this pain because it opens the hips slightly.

Key Points

1. Hormone levels increase, so your connective tissue loosens. This can lead to lower back or hip pain.

2. Your enlarged uterus can press down on the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back to your feet.

3. Your baby’s growing size can place additional pressure on the diaphragm, making it more difficult to breathe or sleep.

Call your doctor if the pain becomes severe or if you feel pressure radiating toward your thighs.These could be signs of preterm labor. 

You should also contact your doctor if your pain is accompanied by stomach cramping, contractions that occur roughly 10 minutes apart, or vaginal discharge that’s clear, pink, or brown.

Sciatica

Your sciatic nerve is a long nerve that runs from your lower back all the way down to your feet. When pain occurs along this nerve, the condition is known as sciatica. Many women experience sciatica during pregnancy because the enlarged uterus presses down on the sciatic nerve. This increased pressure causes pain, tingling, or numbness in the lower back, buttocks, and thighs. It may affect one side or both sides of the body. While the pain of sciatica is uncomfortable, it shouldn’t hurt your growing baby.You may be able to ease the pain by stretching, taking a warm bath, or using pillows to position yourself as comfortable as possible.

Vaginal Pain

Vaginal pain during your third trimester can make you feel anxious and stressed. You may wonder if your baby is coming or if the pain is a sign that something's wrong. The answer depends on the severity of the pain. Some women experience sharp, piercing pain in the vagina. This could potentially indicate that the cervix is dilating in preparation for delivery.You should call your doctor immediately if you’re experiencing any of the following:·      

  • severe vaginal pain   
  • intense pain in the vagina
  • intense pain in the lower abdomen
  • vaginal bleeding 

even if these symptoms turn out not to be cause for concern, it’s best to get a confirmation from your doctor.