Congratulations, mama! You’ve reached the third trimester of your pregnancy, and this is such an exciting time! Your belly is growing even more, and the anticipation is real as you start to prepare for your baby’s arrival.
Drawing insights from Naître et Grandir, Johns Hopkins Medicine, and Cleveland Clinic, this guide will help you navigate the final months of your pregnancy.
While slight variations depend on the source of the information, week 28 is widely recognized as the beginning of the third trimester. From week 28 to week 40 (or until delivery), you and your baby will experience significant growth and changes. It’s also normal to face physical and emotional challenges during this time as your body prepares for labor and you prepare for motherhood. Many moms-to-be attend childbirth or lactation classes and finalize preparations like setting up the nursery and gathering essential baby items.
Common symptoms you may notice as your body adapts to support your growing baby
Along with many of the symptoms you experienced in your second trimester, it’s completely normal if :
- You need to pee more often as your baby moves lower and press on your bladder. You may even leak when you sneeze, cough, or laugh. If you suspect you’re leaking amniotic fluid, contact your healthcare provider.
- You have leg cramps at night.
- You feel Braxton Hicks contractions. These are irregular, usually painless contractions as your body prepares for labor. They feel like mild menstrual cramps and often ease with movement or hydration.
- Your breasts start leaking colostrum, your baby’s first form of milk.
- You have a nesting instinct, which is a strong urge to prepare your home for your baby by cleaning and organizing. It’s perfectly okay if you don’t experience this—every pregnancy is unique.
Essential self-care tips for managing the last stretch of your pregnancy
Keep implementing all of your good habits from the first and second trimester, like taking your prenatal vitamins, maintaining a balanced diet, staying active as much as possible and prioritizing rest.
Additionally, the third trimester is also a time to:
- Bond with your baby: By talking or singing to your baby, playing soft music, or gently massaging your belly, you are strengthening your connection.
- Prepare emotionally for labor: Create a birth plan outlining your preferences and discuss pain management options with your healthcare provider.
The importance of prenatal care
Regular check-ups are essential to monitor your health and your baby’s development. During these visits, your healthcare provider will:
- Monitor growth by measuring your belly and performing ultrasounds.
- Check vital signs, by keeping track of your blood pressure, weight, and overall health.
- Assess your baby’s position, which can influence delivery.
- Screen for preeclampsia by looking for signs of high blood pressure and other symptoms.
- Group B Strep test: Around 36 weeks, you’ll be tested for GBS bacteria.
- Cervical checks: Towards the end, your provider may check if your cervix is dilating or effacing.
These check-ups are a good time to discuss your birth plan and any necessary preparations. If your pregnancy is high-risk or you pass your due date, additional tests like a nonstress test may be recommended.
How to prepare for the next steps as you near the end of your pregnancy
- Ensure that your sleeping space at home is prepared for both you and your baby, and remember to pack your hospital bag.
- Learn about childbirth, breastfeeding, and newborn care by attending prenatal classes.
- Plan ahead for your postpartum care by arranging for help after your baby arrives so you have support during your recovery.
Tip: When people ask how they can help, don’t hesitate to suggest they prepare meals that can be frozen for later. Depending on your comfort level, you might also ask them to watch your baby while you take some time for yourself or help with household tasks like washing dishes and bottles. If you don’t have a close support network or feel you’d benefit from professional support, consider reaching out to a doula. And if you plan to breastfeed, our breastfeeding guide can help you prepare.
When to go to your birthing place
As you approach the end of your pregnancy, it’s important to know the signs that indicate it’s time to head to your chosen place for delivery. Recognizing these signs will help ensure both your safety and your baby’s well-being.
Key signs it’s time to go:
- Regular and intense contractions:
- Consistency: Contractions become regular, occurring at consistent intervals.
- Frequency:
- For a first pregnancy, go when contractions are every 5 minutes for at least one hour.
- For subsequent pregnancies, go when contractions are every 10 minutes.
- Intensity: Contractions get progressively stronger and more painful.
- Duration: Each contraction lasts about 30 to 70 seconds.
- Rupture of membranes (Water breaking):
- Amniotic Fluid Release: A sudden gush or a steady trickle of fluid from your vagina.
- Note the Details: Pay attention to the color and odor of the fluid and the time it occurred.
- Action: Even if contractions haven’t started, contact your healthcare provider and prepare to go to the birthing place.
Important signs to watch for and when to seek medical attention
- Bleeding is similar to a menstrual period.
- If you notice your baby is moving less than usual.
- If you experience:
- headaches or vision problems.
- Sudden swelling, especially in the face, hands, or feet.
- Fever or chills
- Intense abdominal pain not related to contractions.
Additional Recommendations:
Always trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider or go to the birthing place. Remember to call ahead before leaving and bring your hospital bag with you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When will I feel my baby move more strongly?
Between 28 to 32 weeks, you may notice stronger kicks and movements, described as flutters, rolls, or jabs.
2. How can I ease back pain?
Maintain good posture, wear supportive footwear, practice gentle exercises, and consider a maternity support belt. Warm baths or heating pads can also help.
3. Are Braxton Hicks contractions normal?
Yes, Braxton Hicks are normal during pregnancy and don't increase in intensity or frequency. If they become regular or painful, contact your provider.
4. What if I have severe contractions?
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience regular, painful contractions before 37 weeks, as it may indicate preterm labor.
5. How can I prepare for breastfeeding?
Attend classes, read materials, and discuss with a lactation consultant or your provider. Practicing positions and understanding latching can be helpful. Read our Breastfeeding Guide for more information.
6. What essential items should I pack in my hospital bag?
For you:
- Birth plan.
- Health insurance card or hospital card (if applicable).
- Comfortable clothing, like a nursing gown, warm socks, pjs, slippers.
- Maternity or nursing bra and nursing pads.
- Clothes for the trip home.
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, hair brush, deodorant, lip balm etc.)
- Large sanitary pads.
- Phone charger.
- Necessary medications.
- A going-home outfit.
Getting a postpartum recovery kit that includes essential items like ice maxi pads and a peri bottle can make your recovery more comfortable.
For baby:
- Diapers and wet wipes.
- Pjs and undershirts.
- A going-home outfit.
- Blankets, swaddles.
- Baby bonnet.
- Infant car seat (mandatory for leaving the hospital).
- Any other items your provider recommends.
For your partner:
- Pjs and comfortable clothing.
- Pillow and blanket.
- Toileteries.
- Phone charger.
- Snacks.
And remember, every pregnancy is unique. It's okay to feel a mix of emotions as you near the end of this journey. Stay connected with your healthcare team, take care of yourself, and cherish these final weeks before meeting your little one.
Sources
- Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Third trimester. Retrieved October 1, 2024, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/third-trimester
- Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). The third trimester. Retrieved October 1, 2024, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-third-trimester
- Naître et Grandir. (n.d.). Third Trimester. Retrieved October 1, 2024, from https://naitreetgrandir.com/en/pregnancy/third-trimester/