Congratulations Mom you have done it, you have made it to the final trimester of your pregnancy! The third trimester is the home stretch of your pregnancy, lasting from week 28 to the day you meet your baby. During this time, your baby is rapidly growing and preparing for birth, while your body is undergoing important changes to get ready for labor and delivery.
Physical Changes and Symptoms
The third trimester brings noticeable changes to your body as your baby grows rapidly. While the joy of meeting your baby soon is exciting, you may also experience some discomfort as your body adapts to these changes.
Growing Belly and Weight Gain
By now, your baby is growing quickly, and so is your belly. Expect to gain about 1 pound per week until delivery. Your growing baby will take up more space, which can lead to increased discomfort in your back, pelvis, and abdomen as your body adjusts to the extra weight and shifting center of gravity. To ease discomfort, practice good posture, wear supportive shoes, and incorporate gentle stretching or prenatal yoga into your routine.
Shortness of Breath
As your uterus expands, it pushes against your diaphragm, which may cause shortness of breath. This is completely normal, but remember to rest when needed and avoid overexerting yourself.
Swelling
It’s common to experience swelling in your hands, feet, and ankles during the third trimester due to increased fluid retention. To manage swelling, elevate your legs when possible, stay hydrated, and wear comfortable shoes.
Braxton Hicks Contractions
These “practice” contractions often begin in the third trimester as your body prepares for labor. They can feel like a tightening in your abdomen but are usually irregular and mild. If you experience regular or painful contractions, contact your healthcare provider.
Heartburn and Indigestion
As your growing baby presses against your stomach, you may experience heartburn or indigestion. Eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding spicy or fatty foods can help alleviate symptoms. If symptoms are still not well controlled, your doctor may recommend trying a medication to help.
Emotional Changes
The third trimester can be an emotional time as the reality of childbirth and parenthood approaches. It’s normal to feel a mix of excitement, anxiety, and even impatience as you count down the days to meeting your baby. Open communication with your partner, family, and healthcare provider is important during this time to help manage your emotions.
Nesting Instincts
Many women experience a surge of energy during the third trimester and feel a strong urge to “nest” or prepare their home for the baby’s arrival. While this is a natural part of the process, make sure to balance your need to prepare with plenty of rest.
Week-by-Week What to Expect
Week 28: Starting the Third Trimester
Baby's Development:
Your baby is now about 15 inches long and weighs around 2.5 pounds, roughly the size of a large eggplant. At this stage, their eyes can open and close, and they can blink in response to light. The brain is developing rapidly, and the baby’s lungs are maturing.
What You May Experience:
You may start to feel more tired as your body works hard to support your growing baby. You may also notice some swelling in your ankles and feet. Be sure to stay hydrated and elevate your legs when possible.
Week 29: Growing Stronger
Baby's Development:
Your baby now weighs around 2.7 pounds and measures about 15.2 inches. Fat is accumulating under the skin, which will help regulate body temperature after birth. Muscles and lungs continue to develop, and your baby’s movements might feel more pronounced as they grow stronger.
What You May Experience:
As your baby grows, you might experience more back pain or discomfort due to the added weight. Braxton Hicks contractions may start to become more noticeable. These “practice contractions” are usually mild and irregular but can be a sign that your body is preparing for labor.
Week 30: Baby’s Movements
Baby's Development:
Your baby is now about 16 inches long and weighs around 3 pounds, the size of a cabbage. They are becoming more active, and you may notice stronger kicks and rolls. The baby’s bone marrow is now producing red blood cells, an important step in their development.
What You May Experience:
Sleep might become more challenging as your belly grows, and heartburn may worsen due to your baby pressing on your stomach. Try sleeping on your side (often your left side feels more comfortable) with a pregnancy pillow for extra support, and eat smaller, more frequent meals to reduce heartburn.
Week 31: Weight Gain
Baby's Development:
Your baby now weighs about 3.5 pounds and is around 16.2 inches long. Their brain is continuing to develop at a rapid pace, and they are gaining weight steadily, adding fat to protect their body after birth.
What You May Experience:
Swelling in your feet and hands might increase. Be sure to take breaks to rest and elevate your feet, and continue to drink plenty of water. You may also feel more short of breath as your growing baby puts pressure on your diaphragm.
Week 32: Preparing for Birth
Baby's Development:
Your baby is about 16.7 inches long and weighs around 4 pounds, the size of a squash. Their skin is becoming less translucent as fat continues to build, and their movements might feel more rhythmic as they practice breathing, swallowing, and kicking.
What You May Experience:
Fatigue and difficulty sleeping are common during this stage, as is increased discomfort due to your baby’s size. You might also notice your baby’s movements slowing down slightly due to limited space, but they should still be active. Contact your doctor if you notice a significant decrease in movement.
Week 33: Brain and Lungs Maturing
Baby's Development:
Your baby now weighs about 4.4 pounds and is around 17 inches long. Their brain and lungs are continuing to mature, and they are starting to practice sucking and swallowing to prepare for feeding after birth.
What You May Experience:
You may experience more frequent Braxton Hicks contractions as your body continues to prepare for labor. These contractions should not be painful, but if they become regular or intense, contact your doctor.
Week 34: Lung Development
Baby's Development:
Your baby is about 17.2 inches long and weighs around 4.7 pounds, about the size of a pineapple. The baby’s lungs are maturing, and they are producing surfactant, a substance that helps the lungs inflate after birth.
What You May Experience:
At this stage, you might feel more pelvic pressure as your baby moves lower in preparation for birth. Walking may become more uncomfortable, and you might experience more frequent trips to the bathroom as the baby presses on your bladder.
Week 35: Gaining Fat
Baby's Development:
Your baby is now around 18 inches long and weighs about 5.5 pounds. Their skin is getting smoother, and fat is continuing to accumulate. Most babies will be in a head-down position by this time, preparing for delivery.
What You May Experience:
Breathing may become easier as your baby drops lower into your pelvis, but you might experience more pressure in your lower abdomen and pelvis. Be sure to rest and take care of your body as you prepare for labor.
Week 36: Full-Term Approaching
Baby's Development:
Your baby is about 18.5 inches long and weighs around 6 pounds, the size of a honeydew melon. Their organs are fully developed, and they are now considered "early term." The baby will continue to gain weight over the next few weeks.
What You May Experience:
You may feel more frequent Braxton Hicks contractions, and your body may start showing signs of labor. At this point, it’s important to know the signs of true labor, such as regular, painful contractions and your water breaking. Make sure your hospital bag is packed!
Week 37: Ready for Birth
Baby's Development:
Your baby is now considered full-term and weighs around 6.5 pounds. They are fully developed, and their lungs are mature enough for life outside the womb. Your baby may be less active as they prepare for birth, but you should still feel some movement each day.
What You May Experience:
This is the time to rest as much as possible. You might feel pressure in your lower back and pelvis as your baby moves into position for delivery. If you experience any signs of labor, contact your healthcare provider right away.
Week 38: Final Preparations
Baby's Development:
Your baby is now about 19.5 inches long and weighs around 7 pounds. They are gaining about half an ounce of weight each day, and their brain and lungs are continuing to mature. Your baby is ready to meet you!
What You May Experience:
You might experience signs of early labor, such as your water breaking or regular contractions. It’s important to monitor the frequency and intensity of contractions and head to the hospital when they become regular and strong.
Week 39: Almost There
Baby's Development:
Your baby is now around 20 inches long and weighs about 7.5 pounds. Their body is fully developed, and they are ready to be born. You might notice a decrease in fetal movement as your baby runs out of room to move.
What You May Experience:
Be prepared for labor to start at any time. Rest as much as you can, and stay hydrated. Continue to monitor your baby’s movements and contractions, and call your doctor if you have any concerns.
Week 40: Your Baby is Here
Baby's Development:
If your baby hasn’t arrived yet, they likely will soon! Most babies are born between 38 and 42 weeks, so if you reach 40 weeks, know that your baby is likely to make an appearance any day now.
What You May Experience:
Labor signs such as contractions, water breaking, or a bloody show means labor has started. Contact your doctor and it may be time to head to the hospital. Get ready to meet your little one!
The Final Countdown
The third trimester is an exciting and sometimes challenging time as you prepare to welcome your baby. By staying informed about what to expect week-by-week and working closely with your doctor, you can feel confident and prepared for the big day.
If you have any concerns or questions, never hesitate to reach out to your doctor. We’re here to support you through every step of your pregnancy journey!
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