If you're reading this with bags under your eyes, odds are good that you're currently sharing a body with a squirmy, rapidly developing baby who may actively be undergoing a growth spurt. There might even be a foot pressing directly into your bladder. If that's the case, welcome to the third trimester of pregnancy!
This is the exhausting, anxiety-producing, and extremely exciting finish line of the marathon you've been running for nine long months, and we think you will like the prize.
We know it can be challenging to keep going when you feel like a swollen, oversized, tottering mess, but don't give up. The third trimester is full of ups and downs. You know what's at the end of the tunnel, and all you have to do is hang on until the contractions start.
We've created this guide to help you understand what to do in your third trimester of pregnancy to ensure that you make it to the end with joy. When you know what's ahead, it's much easier to continue waddling onward.
Read on to learn all about the third trimester, one of the most fraught and thrilling pregnancy stages.
When Is the Third Trimester of Pregnancy?
The average pregnancy lasts forty weeks in duration, and doctors divide these weeks into three equal trimesters. The third trimester is the final third of your pregnancy, lasting approximately thirteen weeks.
The third trimester begins when you are 28 weeks pregnant and ends when you give birth. Not all moms-to-be last for the whole thirteen weeks. Some women remain pregnant beyond thirteen weeks, entering a "fourth trimester."
Remember, a due date is an estimate, not a rule. Labor often begins long before you meet your baby or may not kick in until your due date has come and gone. Every pregnancy is unique, so keep up with your prenatal appointments so your doctor can ensure everything is okay.
In other words, the third trimester is the finish line of your pregnancy. You'll know you've made it through the tumultuous final weeks when you are holding a sweet, snuggly baby in your arms.
Body Changes During the Third Trimester
When you see photos of pregnant women with massive baby bumps, know they were probably taken during the third trimester. At 28 weeks gestation, a baby weighs about two and a half pounds and may be about fifteen inches long. Over just thirteen weeks, most babies gain about six or seven pounds and six or more inches, so they need the room!
Your baby is also working on developing muscle tone. They might squirm, wiggle, and kick in the womb. As they grow, this movement will become more prominent (and more uncomfortable), which might lead to urinary urgency, backaches, and shortness of breath.
Sleep can be hard to come by between your bump and the tiny gymnast in your belly. If you haven't already, you might want to invest in at least one quality pregnancy pillow to help support your growing, changing body.
Your body will also increase blood circulation to meet the demands of your growing little one. You might notice new or more prominent veins throughout your body, especially on your legs or rectal area. Speak to your doctor if you are seeking relief from hemorrhoids.
One of the most alarming physical symptoms is the onset of Braxton-Hicks contractions. These "practice contractions" are your body's way of preparing for labor. Your baby will begin shifting into position as your muscles prepare for the big push.
Dealing With Fear
While you'll face many physical changes during the third trimester, most of the most significant changes will be emotional in nature. Your life is about to change forever, and that can be nerve-wracking. Some moms-to-be feel stressed about preparing the house or their labor and delivery.
Here are a few ways to emotionally prepare for giving birth as your due date creeps closer and closer.
Take a Birthing Class
If you haven't already, the third trimester is the perfect time to attend a birthing class. If possible, ask your partner to participate with you, especially if they'll be present at the birth. Instructors tend to be experienced and forthright and will provide calming techniques, answer burning or awkward questions, and tell it like it is.
A birthing class is also a great place to meet other expecting mothers. New motherhood can be isolating, and it can help to have a few friends on speed dial who know what you're going through.
Don't be afraid to introduce yourself. You may meet a new friend and confidant.
Connect With a Doula
Even if you don't plan to have a doula present at the birth, many doulas can provide helpful prenatal services. These professionals are experts at self-advocacy and natural pain relief. If you're worried about labor, a doula is an excellent resource that can help you learn tips and tricks to calm your body and your mind.
Lean Into the Nesting Instinct
In the final few weeks of pregnancy, you might experience the nesting instinct. This is a sudden burst of energy and an obsession with cleaning and preparation. When you're aware of this instinct, you can use it in more productive ways.
For example, you might use your burst of energy to learn how to use your new breast pump or Pixsee smart baby monitor. Focusing on tasks can distract you from nerves or anxiety, and your future self will thank you.
Welcome to the Finish Line
If you're about to enter your third trimester of pregnancy, it's normal to feel a range of emotions, from excitement to fear. Try to remember that these emotions feel the same in the body. Check the days off on your pregnancy calendar and focus on the light at the end of the tunnel: your beautiful baby!
Once your little one arrives, you won't want to miss a single moment of their first days at home. The Pixsee smart baby monitor captures memories and provides peace of mind with industry-leading privacy protection.
Visit our Amazon online store and Pixsee Shop to discover how Pixsee can add a spark of joy to your newborn's daily routine.
