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 Foetus at 32 Weeks
Approx 40 cms in length
 Foetus at 40 weeks
Average length 50 - 55 cms.
Average weight 3.3 kgs.
The 3 trimesters and their characteristics are based on the standard medical appreciation of maternal and foetal development. Like any event which has a “finish line”, some people start slowly and finish fast, others start fast and finish more slowly! Every woman’s pregnancy develops differently within these approximate divisions, since along with the maternal and foetal physical changes, our own spiritual, mental and emotional changes mature at different rates. As a result of this, the third trimester contains some of the most unusual and the most varying types of transformations an expecting mother goes through. It also tends to make the most demands for strength and stamina on the body. | |
All the usual developments of the third trimester, can best be seen as manifesting in two parts: one which is an acceleration and continuation of the growth from the second trimester, and another, distinctly different phase, which is preparation for the immanent birth in the last few weeks. However, I feel it is best if you try to classify the whole of the third trimester as preparation for the birth, to give yourself as much time as possible to get ready in mind and body, home and life. Before dealing with the physicalities of this trimester, I think it is most appropriate to firstly discuss some of the attitudinal challenges you will encounter during this period. Resistance and Surrender
More and more during the last months, one’s thoughts turn to the practical realities of birth and beyond. While this can be intoxicating and exciting, it is all very externalised from what is actually happening within you. Time also needs to be taken to assess where you are at, and to the realities which need attention at that level.
Earlier in a pregnancy, a woman often feels a level of surrender to that new state of being. For example, acceptance of an unplanned pregnancy is one kind, as is just letting go of old ways and preparing for the 9 months ahead. Along the way there are opportunities for lots of little surrenders. Sometimes she thinks she has done all her surrendering by these acts. But no. There are many more levels to come – particularly in this later phase. And the big one of labour is now just around the corner!
During birth, as you have heard before, there will be times when you must let go of trying, and just surrender to nature’s inevitable force, but what many women don’t appreciate is that much of this letting go can in fact be done well before the birth. This last trimester provides that opportunity. All these opportunities for surrender are there for a reason. They are to prepare us for our big day, but also for the long nights and years ahead. They are all part of a process called motherhood, as opposed to the event or period known as motherhood. To accommodate them is to act in accordance with the unfoldment of motherhood – to resist them is to block it.
As birth approaches, such psychological preparations for birthing can actually be practised, by responding to your pregnancy whenever called for. Not to do so may end up causing long labours, painful labours, intervened labours and rather rude shocks post-
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