WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Changes to Expect for the Third Trimester

Pregnancy
Pregnancy symptoms
Changes to Expect for the Third Trimester
The third trimester of pregnancy is an exciting and transformative time as you approach the final stages of your pregnancy journey.
During this period, your body undergoes significant changes in preparation for childbirth and welcoming your little one into the world.
Increased Baby Growth and Movement
  • As your baby continues to grow, you will likely experience more prominent movements and kicks. You may notice your baby's patterns of activity, with some moments of calm and others of more lively movements.
  • The space inside your womb becomes more limited, which may result in a change in the character and intensity of your baby's movements.
Weight Gain and Physical Discomfort
  • Weight gain typically continues during the third trimester as your baby grows and puts on more fat. It's important to remember that weight gain is a natural and necessary part of pregnancy.
  • With the increased weight and pressure on your body, you may experience physical discomfort, such as backaches, pelvic pain, and swollen feet and ankles. Practice good posture, wear comfortable shoes, and consider prenatal massages or exercises designed to alleviate discomfort.
Braxton Hicks Contractions
  • Braxton Hicks contractions, also known as practice contractions, become more frequent during the third trimester. These contractions are usually irregular, relatively painless, and serve as a way for your body to prepare for labor.
  • You can differentiate Braxton Hicks contractions from true labor contractions by their irregularity, lack of increasing intensity, and the fact that they typically subside with rest, hydration, or a change in position.
Increased Bathroom Trips
  • As your baby grows and presses against your bladder, you may find yourself making more frequent trips to the bathroom. This increased need to urinate can disrupt your sleep and daily routines.
  • It's essential to stay well-hydrated despite the increased trips to the bathroom. Drink plenty of water to support your overall health and the amniotic fluid levels.
Shortness of Breath and Heartburn
  • As your uterus expands and pushes against your diaphragm, you may experience shortness of breath. This is normal as your body adapts to accommodate your growing baby. Practice slow, deep breathing techniques to alleviate discomfort.
  • Heartburn and indigestion may become more common due to the pressure from your uterus on your stomach. Avoiding spicy and fatty foods, eating smaller, more frequent meals, and maintaining an upright posture after eating can help manage these symptoms.
Nesting Instinct and Emotional Changes
  • Many expectant mothers experience a nesting instinct during the third trimester. This instinct drives you to prepare your home for the baby's arrival by organizing, cleaning, and creating a cozy environment.
  • Hormonal changes may contribute to mood swings and emotional fluctuations. It's important to practice self-care, seek support from your loved ones, and communicate openly about your feelings.
Preparing for Labor and Baby's Arrival
  • The third trimester is an ideal time to attend childbirth education classes and prepare for labor. Educate yourself about the different stages of labor, pain management options, and relaxation techniques.
  • Consider creating a birth plan, discussing it with your healthcare provider, and making arrangements for the hospital or birthing center.
  • Use this time to also gather essential items for your baby, set up the nursery, and complete any necessary paperwork or documentation.
Related content
Handling 3rd Trimester Vaginal Discharge
2 min read
Only 3 Months Left To Go!
3 min read
K
Katelyn
7 Dec 2023

Almost in my third trimester in two more weeks thank you Jesus for allowing me to have this experience. I can’t wait to meet my princess 🥹🫶🏻

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
3 comments
A
Aurora judith
Awe im 5 months im 19 weeks
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
K
Katelyn
Aww congratulations!
27 Mar 2024

Answer

K
Key
6 Aug 2023

When I hit the third trimester (next week) do I need to feel movements every hour ?

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
3 comments
C
Coty
I'm not sure. I personally just noticed movement over 24 hours. Whether I noticed it once or 10 times in a day, I knew I was okay
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
jaebae jayyyy
Babies sleep a ton. As long as there's 10 kicks in a 2 hour period Not every two hours though. They need tons of sleep with all the growing they do
27 Mar 2024

Answer

N
Nichole
24 Dec 2022

31 weeks and 5 days. I feel like I’m to small for the third trimester. Any advice?

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
3 comments
C
Charlotte
There’s no perfect size! I’m at 31 weeks as well & also have a smaller baby bump 😅 As long as your midwife or OB says you’re measuring good, than you’re both doing just fine!
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
💛
💛🧡Trish💙💚
My doctor said that because this is my first baby that I wasn't going to show as soon as people with multiple children. I'm almost 32 weeks and my belly button isn't pushes out I feel like my belly is pretty small. But everything is measuring okay. 😊look at the bright said. No stretch marks😊😂
27 Mar 2024

Answer

A
Aujane
2 Nov 2022

28 weeks today! Hello third trimester 💙 I’m so ready to be done.. Only 9 weeks left 🤞🏽

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
1 comments
B
BabyJ’sMommy💙
2 Nov 2022

Third trimester we are so happy to see you! Only 12 more weeks to go! So blessed! 💙💙💙

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
4 comments
M
Misty
I love the Mama/baby bump selfie!!! 😍
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
B
BabyJ’sMommy💙
Thanks so much! Happy mama over here!
27 Mar 2024

Answer

B
Brittany
8 Oct 2022

28 Weeks Today Finally In My Third Trimester! 12 Weeks To Go ! can’t wait to meet you baby boy 💙❤️💙

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
1 comments
K
Kai’s.mommy
Sameee 💙❗️🥰
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
T
Tristyn
22 Jul 2022

Is it normal for nausea to come back in the third trimester? Woke up today and just feel 🤢🤮

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
10 comments
D
Dezmian
I've heard of it. no fun 😕
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
T
Tristyn
Well at least it’s normal then. But definitely sucks
27 Mar 2024

Answer

K
Kris
11 Jul 2022

Shoutout to all my ladies with energy to get dressed & made up through the third trimester bc a sister is struggling 😩😩

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
2 comments
s
suun
im only 3 days shy of 7 weeks and i’ve looked like a bum since i found out 🙂
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
K
Kris
Congratulations! Honey I’ve been struggling all the way through 😩
27 Mar 2024

Answer

T
Talissa
6 Jul 2022

I haven’t wanted to sleep so much this whole pregnancy now here comes the second week of third trimester and I’m sleepy as ever and annoyed 😫 I just been wanting to sleep since Monday😩 Anyone else experiencing being tired around the clock since you hit third trimester? Happy 29weeks to me🥰

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
6 comments
K
Kayla
I have!!! My friend told me to try yogi energizing tea. I haven’t tried it yet, but thought I should spread the word in case it works.
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
Y
Yndira
Me since it hit i been so tired without energy and a lot more ugh smh
27 Mar 2024

Answer

j
jill
17 May 2022

Anybody else in the third trimester feel like they have little to no energy? 

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
4 comments
L
Lavine
I feel full of energy 😩
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
j
jill
I wish! My energy is at like a 2! I have so much stuff I need to do but I’m too tired.
27 Mar 2024

Answer

Related articles

Hot topics

More questions from Moms