Third Trimester of Pregnancy: Preparing for Birth

The third trimester is the final stretch of your pregnancy journey. It starts in week 28 until you finally hold your baby in your arms. As this perios is the last leg of the journey, you may feel both excited and anxious as the due date approaches. 

You may also feel heavier, move more slowly, and experience restless nights. But, these changes are all part of the incredible process of welcoming your little angel into the family.

What to expect in your third trimester of pregnancy

The third trimester of pregnancy, from week 28 until birth (usually between weeks 37 and 42), is the most transformative stage of your journey. During these weeks, your little one will be growing rapidly! They'll be gaining weight and strength, while your body gets ready for labour and delivery. 

It's also a time when you might start to feel some of the common symptoms of the third trimester, like backache, swelling, trouble sleeping, or shortness of breath. These are all normal signs that your body is working hard to help your baby grow.

You'll also have more regular check-ups during pregnancy to make sure you and your baby are both doing okay. As your due date gets closer, the third trimester is all about finding the right balance between getting enough rest and getting ready for the big day. 

This might mean creating a birth plan, packing your hospital bag, and setting up your baby's nursery at home. If you focus on your health, comfort and emotional wellbeing during this stage, you'll feel more confident and ready to welcome your little one.

Overview of week 28 to 40 and beyond

From stronger kicks to the first signs of practice contractions, these last trimester bring both challenges and beautiful milestones as you get ready to meet your little one. 

Weeks 28-32

At this stage, your baby's brain is quickly developing and their bones are getting sturdier. Movements become stronger and more frequent, often keeping you company throughout the day (and sometimes at night!). You might start to feel more tired, get backaches and your posture might change as your bump gets bigger.

Weeks 33-36

As you get closer to the end of the pregnancy, your baby's position becomes really important. It's pretty normal for babies to turn their heads down during this time, as they're getting ready for birth. You might feel Braxton Hicks contractions more often – these gentle practice contractions help your body get ready for labour.

Weeks 37-40

From week 37, your baby is considered fully developed. Their organs are all developed and ready to live outside the womb. You might feel heavier, more tired, and experience stronger signs of labour such as increased contractions, more frequent trips to the bathroom, or your waters breaking. It's really important to take care of yourself and get some rest these last few weeks.

After Week 40

It's actually pretty normal for some pregnancies to go all the way up to 41 or even 42 weeks. If you don't start labour naturally, your doctor might suggest induction to make sure you have a safe delivery. Even if these last days feel a bit long, just remember that you're close to meeting your baby.

Want to feel more prepared for labour and postpartum recovery? Request an appointment with Thomson Medical to discuss your care needs in the third trimester.

Common third trimester symptoms

The third trimester is when you'll feel much closer to meeting your baby, but it can also bring on new physical and emotional changes. Every pregnancy is different, but here are some of the most common symptoms women experience during weeks 28 to 40:

• Backache and pelvic discomfort:

  • As your baby grows and your body prepares for labour, extra pressure is placed on the lower back and pelvic area. 

  • Hormonal changes can also loosen your ligaments, which can make everyday movements a bit more uncomfortable.

• Swelling in feet, ankles, and hands:

  • It's pretty normal for swelling (oedema) to happen towards the end of pregnancy because of increased fluid retention and changes in circulation. But if you get really swollen all of a sudden, you should always check in with your doctor, as it could be a sign of problems like pre-eclampsia.

• Shortness of breath:

  • When your baby presses up against the diaphragm, you might feel a bit out of breath, especially when lying down. Good posture and sleeping propped up on pillows can help make breathing easier.

• Heartburn and indigestion

  • Hormonal changes relax the muscles between your stomach and oesophagus, while your growing baby pushes against your digestive system. This can cause heartburn and indigestion, particularly after larger meals. 

• Braxton Hicks contractions:

  • These are often described as “practice contractions.” They are irregular, usually painless tightenings of the uterus that help prepare your body for labour. 

  • But if your contractions get regular, painful, or if you have vaginal bleeding or leaking amniotic fluid, you should get in touch with your healthcare provider straight away.

• Frequent urination:

  • The pressure of your baby on the bladder means you may find yourself going to the toilet more often. Staying hydrated is still important, but try cutting down fluids right before bedtime to reduce night-time trips.

• Trouble sleeping:

  • Feeling uncomfortable, frequent urination all the time and a baby who's always on the move can make it tough to get some sleep in the last few months of pregnancy.

• Mood swings and anxiety about labour:

  • Fluctuating hormones, physical discomfort, and the anticipation of giving birth can make emotions run high.

• Leaking colostrum: 

  • Some women notice a little bit of colostrum – the thick, yellowish early breast milk – leaking from their breasts. This is just your body getting ready for breastfeeding.

• Weight gain: 

  • It's normal and to be expected for you to put on weight in the last three months of pregnancy as your baby grows and your body stores up energy for labour and breastfeeding.

Every pregnancy is different, so while these symptoms are common during the third trimester, the way you experience them may be unique to you.

What should I do in my third trimester of pregnancy?

The third trimester is when things get more intense. You'll be monitored more closely, and there'll be some important final steps to take before your baby arrives. From regular check-ups to creating your birth plan and packing your hospital bag, these weeks are all about making sure you and your baby are safe, healthy, and ready for delivery.

Routine check-ups and late pregnancy screenings

From week 28 until delivery, you'll probably be going to the hospital more often for check-ups. So, between weeks 28 and 36, appointments are usually every two weeks, and from week 36 onwards, they often become weekly until your baby is born. These check-ups let your healthcare provider do the following:

• Monitor your blood pressure to check for signs of pre-eclampsia.

• Measure your baby’s growth, movements, and heartbeat to ensure healthy development.

• Assess your baby’s position in the womb, especially as labour approaches.

• Perform the Group B Strep (GBS) test, usually between weeks 36 and 37, to check for bacteria that could affect your baby during birth.

• Look out for any signs of complications, such as vaginal bleeding, abnormal amniotic fluid levels, or slowed growth in the pelvic area.

These visits are also a good opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, and feel reassured about the final stage of your pregnancy.

Preparing your birth plan and hospital bag

The closer you get to your due date, the more important it is to get your head around what you're going to do. A birth plan is a simple way to record your preferences for labour and delivery, such as your preferred birth method, pain relief options (like epidural or spinal block), and who you'd like to be present in the room for support.

It's also a good idea to pack your hospital bag in advance, so you're all set for when labour starts. Here are some common items to include:

• Maternity notes and important documents

• Comfortable clothes and nightwear

• Toiletries and personal care items

• Snacks and drinks to keep your energy up

• Baby essentials like clothes, nappies, and blankets

• A phone charger, plus any personal comfort items that will help you feel at ease

Having these preparations in place means you can focus on the big moment – welcoming your little one into the world.

Lifestyle habits

To help yourself feel your best as you prepare for birth, it’s recommended that mothers maintain healthy habits during the third trimester. Here are some areas you can focus on:

• Eat a balanced diet: 

  • Your baby is growing really quickly at the moment, so it's important to make sure you're eating healthy foods and enough protein, iron, calcium and fibre. And don't forget to keep taking your prenatal vitamins as your doctor advised.

• Stay hydrated and keep moving:

  • Drinking enough water helps stop you from getting dehydrated and swollen, while gentle exercise like walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga (if approved by your doctor) can reduce back pain, improve your circulation, and make you feel happier.

• Prioritise rest and relaxation:

  • It's pretty normal to feel more tired as your due date gets closer. Tune into your body, make sure you get enough rest, and try some relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation. You'll feel much calmer and more ready for labour.

• Attend antenatal classes:

  • These antenatal and childbirth education classes are a great way to learn about labour, delivery, breastfeeding, and newborn care. They can also help you and your partner feel more confident and supported.

• Get practical preparations in place:

  • Now's the time to sort out your maternity leave, organise childcare if you need it, and get your home ready for your baby. And you can put your mind at ease by getting your hospital bag ready and going through your birth plan once again.

• Follow medical advice:

  • Keep up with regular prenatal check-ups, screenings, and any prescribed supplements. 

Remember, every pregnancy journey is unique, don’t hesitate to request an appointment with Thomson Women’s Clinic to create a birth plan that's right for you and your growing baby.

Preparing for labour and postbirth recovery

The third trimester is the perfect time to get ready not only for labour but also for your recovery after birth. Getting your mind and body ready can help you feel calmer and more confident as the big day gets closer.

• Learn breathing and pain management techniques:

  • There are some great ways to relax and deal with the pain, like deep breathing exercises, visualising, or just simply moving around a bit.

• Understand the stages of labour: 

  • It's good to know about the stages of labour and what to expect during early labour, active labour, and delivery so you can keep you less overwhelmed. It also helps you to know when contractions are regular and strong enough to signal that you should go to the hospital.

• Be aware of preterm (premature) labour: 

  • If you're having regular contractions, back pain, vaginal bleeding, or leaking amniotic fluid before 37 weeks, it might be a sign of preterm labour. You should contact your healthcare provider immediately if you notice these symptoms.

• Arrange postbirth help:

  • It's just as important to have support after birth as it is to prepare for it. Whether it's family, friends or a nanny you've hired for the birth, having extra hands can make things easier for you after the birth and give you more time to bond with your baby.

• Stock up on postbirth essentials:

  • Things like maternity, heating pads, comfy underwear, nursing bras and ready-to-eat meals can make those early days at home so much easier. It's also a good idea to prepare a little basket of supplies near your bed, as this can save you time and energy.

• Discuss newborn care with your partner: 

  • Talking about feeding, nappy changes and night-time routines before your baby arrives helps make sure you're both on the same page. Sharing responsibilities can make parenthood more balanced and less stressful.

When to seek medical advice

Knowing when to call your doctor is an important part of staying safe during pregnancy. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Heavy vaginal bleeding at any stage of pregnancy

• Severe abdominal pain or cramping that does not go away

• Severe headache, blurred vision, or sudden swelling in the face, hands, or feet (these may be signs of pre-eclampsia)

• Reduced or no baby movements, especially in the third trimester

• Signs of preterm labour before 37 weeks, such as regular contractions, constant back pain, or your water breaking

• Fever, chills, or other symptoms of infection

If you experience any of the mentioned symptoms above, it’s best to get checked by your healthcare provider immediately. Request an appointment with Thomson Medical to ensure your health and your baby's wellbeing are properly monitored.

FAQ

What should I avoid in the third trimester of pregnancy?

Try to avoid heavy lifting, contact sports, alcohol, smoking, excessive caffeine consumption and lying flat on your back for long periods. These activities could be risky for you and your baby.

Why might I feel sick during the third trimester?

Nausea can return due to hormonal changes, slower digestion, or pressure from your growing uterus pressing on your stomach.

What are the signs that labour might be starting?

How long can a baby go overdue?

Most healthcare providers allow pregnancy to continue up to 41-42 weeks. During this time, you’ll likely have extra monitoring to ensure your baby’s safety.

When should I go to the hospital for labour?

What positions should you avoid in the third trimester?

During the third trimester, you should avoid lying flat on your back or on your stomach, standing for long periods of time, and exercising in positions that involve lying on your back or performing deep twists. It is best to sleep on your side (especially your left side).

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice based on your unique situations, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Request an appointment with Thomson Medical today.