Welcome to your third trimester!

The third trimester of pregnancy can be physically and emotionally challenging. Your baby’s size and position might make it hard for you to get comfortable. Try to remain positive as you look forward to the end of your pregnancy.

OB/GYN Department: 928.522.9414

To Dos

Pre-register at Flagstaff Medical Center
At 30 weeks of pregnancy, please call FMC’s Birth & Wellness Center at 928.773.2121 to schedule your pre-admission phone profile appointment and Birth & Wellness Center tour.

• Learn more about pre-registering at Flagstaff Medical Center
• What to bring to the hospital during COVID-19

Choose a Pediatric Provider
If you have not chosen a pediatric provider prior to your baby’s birth, the hospital will assign one for you. You may choose another pediatric provider to care for your baby after hospital discharge such as your family’s primary care provider or a provider closer to your home.

There are several pediatric practices in Flagstaff that are privileged to care for newborns, including North Country HealthCare and Flagstaff Pediatric Care. North Country HealthCare’s Winslow location also has a board-certified pediatrician.

• Learn more about healthy children or en español

Explore the Benefits of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is special for so many reasons: the joyful closeness and bonding with your baby, the cost savings, and the health benefits for both mother and baby.

North Country HealthCare has a team of health care providers with experience providing lactation support, including an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). In-person assistance is available at our Flagstaff – 4th Street, Lake Havasu and Winslow locations. Telehealth appointments are available at all locations we serve.

Please call the North Country HealthCare location nearest you to set an appointment with a lactation specialist at your convenience. To learn more, visit our Lactation & Breastfeeding Support Services page.

• Learn more about the benefits of breastfeeding, or en español

Research Birth Control Methods

Women can choose from many different types of birth control. Some work better than others at preventing pregnancy. The type of birth control you use depends on your health, your desire to have children now or in the future, and your need to prevent sexually transmitted infections.

• Learn more about birth control methods, or en español

Watch For

Preterm Labor
Preterm labor is labor that starts too early, before 37 weeks of pregnancy. If you have even one sign or symptom, contacting your healthcare provider quickly is the best thing to do. Learn the signs and symptoms of preterm labor, or en español

Call us if you are experiencing:  

• Contractions that occur 4 times every 20 mins OR 8 times per hour that last for more than an hour
• Vaginal bleeding
• Leaking of fluid
• Burning with urination or unable to urinate
• Foul smelling discharge
• Decreased fetal movement

High Blood Pressure
For some women pregnancy can cause an increase in blood pressure which can be dangerous and place the woman and baby at risk for serious problems.
Learn more about high blood pressure and pregnancy, or en español.

Call us if you are experiencing:  

• Headache (that does not go away with Tylenol® (acetaminophen), rest and hydration)
• Visual problems (dizziness, blurry vision, seeing spots)
• Rapid weight gain
• Swelling of the hands and face
• Pain under ribs (right upper quadrant)

Kick Counts (Fetal Movement Counts)
You should feel your baby move in your belly. Your baby can turn from side to side and sometimes head over heels.

Your provider may ask you to do kick counts to see when and how often your baby moves. Here are two ways to do kick counts:

1. Every day, time how long it takes for your baby to move ten times. If it takes longer than 2 hours, tell your provider.
2. See how many movements you feel in 1 hour. Do this three times each week. If the number changes, tell your provider.

Call us if:

• You’re worried that your baby isn’t moving.
• You notice a change in how often your baby moves, especially if they move less often.

Other Resources

• Spinning Babies®
• Office of Women’s Health