Third Trimester

Question 1

When does the third trimester take place?

Answer 1

28 - 40 WEEKS GESTATION

Question 2

Are there hormonal changes associated with the 3rd trimester?

Answer 2

NO

Question 3

Name the physical changes seen in the 3rd trimester? (10)

Answer 3

FATIGUE
NAUSEATED (STOMACH PRESSURE - NOT HORMONAL)
WEIGHT GAIN EFFECTS ON JJ, LIGS, POSTURE
DIASTASIS RECTI
INCREASED PRESSURE ON BLADDER
INCREASED GAIT CHANGES
INCREASED BRAXTON HICKS CONTRACTIONS
LIGHTENING: BABY "DROPS"
SOB
POSSIBLE PUBIC SYMPHESIS DYSFUNCTION

Question 4

All pregnancies involve a degree of abdominal ______________.

Answer 4

SEPARATION

Question 5

Name the emotional changes seen in the 3rd trimester?

Answer 5

EAGERNESS and ANXIOUSNESS

Question 6

Assessing posture in the 3rd trimester, which potential pelvic changes would you want to look for? (4)

Answer 6

ANTERIOR PELVIC TILT 
\+
SIJ DYSFUNCTION
\+
INNOMINATE DYSFUNCTION
\+
PUBIC SYMPHESIS DYSFUNCTION

Question 7

Name the general posture considerations, which are considered throughout the 2nd and 3rd trimesters? (4)

Answer 7

PELVIC CHANGES
\+
THORACIC SPINE/RIBCAGE CHANGES
\+
GAIT CHANGES
\+
NERVE COMPRESSION

Question 8

Which 2 muscles in the H/N/S will be most affected due to spine changes, apical breathing, and increased edema?

Answer 8

PEC MINOR
+
SCALENES
(TOS)

Question 9

Abdominal pregnancy massage is always performed in the direction of ___________ to __________.

Answer 9

LATERAL to MEDIAL

Question 10

Breast massage is indicated in 3rd trimester due to congestion and ______________.

Answer 10

DRAINAGE

Question 11

What can a pregnant patient with greater trochanter pain be experiencing? (4)

Answer 11

EXCESS (but needed) SIDE SLEEPING
\+
ISCHEMIA
\+
FASCIAL and IT BAND RESTRICTIONS
\+
GT BURSITIS

Question 12

Is blood pressure higher or lower in the third trimester?

Answer 12

HIGHER

Question 13

Calf cramps and pain could be due to what imbalance or dangerous scenario?

Answer 13

CALCIUM/ MAGNESIUM IMBALANCE
+
DVT POSSIBILITY

Question 14

Name the special test for a DVT, and how would you perform it in the third trimester?

Answer 14

HOMAN’S SIGN in SIDELYING

Question 15

Name the 4 “Refer-out” considerations which apply to trimesters across the entire pregnancy?

Answer 15

1. MOOD DISORDER - SOCIAL/PSYCH
2. CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION CLASSES
3. PRENATAL YOGA/ PILATES
4. CHIROPRACTIC/ PELVIC FLOOR PHYSIO