3rd Trimester Pregnancy - Healthnile.com

Physical Changes and Common Symptoms

In the final months of pregnancy, the body goes through fast and noticeable changes. Many people start to feel the baby’s movements much more clearly. These changes often bring new and more intense symptoms.

Common Physical Symptoms

Symptom	What It Feels Like / Why It Happens	Tips for Relief
Braxton-Hicks contractions	Irregular, mild tightening in the belly, can come and go.	Stay hydrated, rest, and change positions. Contact a care provider if contractions become regular or painful.
Back pain & pelvic aches	Backaches become more common as ligaments loosen and weight increases.	Use supportive chairs, wear shoes with good arches, apply a heating pad, practice gentle exercise, and avoid heavy lifting.
Shortness of breath	The uterus pushes on the diaphragm, making breathing feel harder.	Practice good posture and try lying on your side.
Heart palpitations	Fluttering or pounding in the chest, often harmless.	Report palpitations with chest pain or if breathing is hard to a care provider.
Heartburn & indigestion	More acid, slower digestion, and pressure on the stomach cause burning and discomfort.	Eat small meals, avoid spicy and greasy foods, sit up after eating, and drink water between meals.
Constipation	Slow digestion and bowel pressure from the uterus.	Eat high-fiber foods, stay active with walks, drink water, and avoid using laxatives unless approved.
Increased urination	Extra pressure on the bladder means more frequent trips to the bathroom.	Take regular breaks and practice Kegel exercises. Use liners if needed for small leaks.
Swelling and edema	Ankles, feet, and hands may swell due to increased blood and fluid.	Elevate legs, wear compression socks, avoid standing too long, and drink plenty of water.
Varicose and spider veins	Purple or red veins can appear on legs or face; swollen veins may itch or ache.	Exercise, wear support hosiery, elevate legs, avoid crossing legs for long periods.
Hemorrhoids	Swollen, often painful veins around the rectum caused by extra pressure.	Eat fiber-rich foods, use witch hazel pads, soak in warm water, and talk to a care provider if severe.
Stretch marks	Skin over the belly, breasts, hips, or thighs may show reddish or purple lines.	Keep skin moisturized and allow for gradual weight gain to reduce marks.
Fatigue and insomnia	Trouble sleeping may increase due to discomfort, anxiety, or frequent urination.	Sleep with extra pillows, try relaxing bedtime routines, nap as needed.
Leg cramps and restless legs	Legs may ache, twitch, or cramp at night.	Stretch often, keep active, drink water, and consider magnesium if approved.
Leaky breasts or colostrum	Breasts might leak a yellowish pre-milk fluid called colostrum.	Use breast pads in bras and talk to a provider if fluids look abnormal.
Dizziness and clumsiness	Shifts in balance and blood pressure can lead to feeling dizzy or off-balance.	Stand up slowly, eat regular meals, and avoid quick movements.
“Lightning crotch”	Sharp, shooting sensations in the pelvis or groin due to the baby’s movement.	Rest, change positions, and notify a healthcare provider if pain is severe or persistent.
Increased vaginal discharge	Clear or milky discharge is common; watch for bleeding or fluid with a strong odor.	Wear liners if needed, and report unusual events to a healthcare professional.

Other Notable Experiences

Nesting Urge: Some may feel a strong urge to organize or clean.
Abdominal Pressure: As the baby moves lower, pressure in the pelvis increases. This is called “lightening.”
Abdominal Achiness: Extra weight and stretching lead to mild soreness.
Skin changes: Itching and color changes may appear due to stretching skin.

Warning Signs to Watch

Severe headaches, sudden swelling, visual changes (possible signs of preeclampsia)
Vaginal bleeding
Constant abdominal pain or strong, regular contractions
Sudden gush or steady leaking of fluid (“water breaking”)
Decreased baby movement

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact a healthcare professional right away.

Emotional Experiences and Coping Strategies

The final trimester can affect emotions as much as the body. It is common to feel mixed emotions, including excitement, nervousness, fatigue, and stress.

Potential Feelings

Worry about labor and delivery, such as fear of pain or how long it will last.
Anxiety about parenthood and the baby’s health.
Restlessness or impatience, especially as the due date gets closer.
Joy and anticipation about meeting the baby.
Surprise or disappointment if the baby doesn’t arrive on the expected date.

Ways to Cope and Prepare

Write in a journal to process thoughts and feelings.
Bonding activities like playing music or talking softly to the baby can create positive connections.
Pregnancy photography can help capture memories to share later.
Deciding on things like feeding plans (breastfeeding or formula), choosing a healthcare provider for the baby, or circumcision for boys, may help parents feel more in control.

Childbirth and Parenting Classes

Attending childbirth classes helps you:

Understand what happens during labor (stages of childbirth, what contractions feel like, how to time them).
Explore pain relief options, such as breathing techniques, epidurals, or other medications.
Meet other parents who are in the same stage, which helps share concerns and excitement.
Make a birth plan to consider choices for labor, delivery, and postpartum care.

Support and Communication

Talk to healthcare providers about fears, worries, or emotional ups and downs.
Support from friends, partners, and family plays a big role in managing stress.
Seek help for persistent anxiety, sadness, or troubling thoughts.

Self-Care Tips

Take breaks and rest as needed.
Find enjoyable activities to keep mood balanced.
Practice gentle relaxation methods, such as breathing exercises, stretching, or calming music.
Maintain realistic expectations and accept help from others whenever possible.

Prenatal Visits and Health Monitoring

Medical care becomes even more important during late pregnancy. Appointments usually happen more often to keep both parent and baby healthy.

Checkup Schedule in the Final Trimester

Most people see their healthcare team every 2 weeks from week 28 to 36, and then every week until the baby arrives.
Some checkups might be in person, while others may be done online (telehealth).
Those with higher-risk pregnancies may have more regular monitoring.

What Happens at Appointments

Appointment Focus	What is Checked or Discussed
Weight and blood pressure	To track healthy weight gain and spot any signs of high blood pressure.
Baby’s growth and position	To monitor how the baby is growing and where they are in the womb.
Baby’s heartbeat	The heartbeat is checked at most appointments with a Doppler device.
Swelling and other symptoms	Questions about headaches, vision, swelling, pain, or contractions.
Urine tests	To check for infections, protein, or sugar.
Blood tests	To check for anemia or screen for infections like group B strep.
Discussion of symptoms	Any new issues, such as contractions or changes in baby movement.
Birth planning	Talk about birth plans, hospital packing, and signs of true labor.

Group B Strep Screening

Healthcare providers usually test for group B strep between weeks 35 to 37. This helps protect the baby during birth if treatment is needed.

Signs That Labor May Be Soon

Bloody Show: A small amount of blood or mucus when wiping, due to changes in the cervix.
Loss of Mucus Plug: This thick plug protects the womb during pregnancy. When it releases, labor could be near.
Regular Contractions: True labor contractions come at regular intervals and get stronger or closer over time.
Water Breaking: A sudden gush or slow leak of amniotic fluid may signal labor has started.

Preterm Labor and Warnings

If contractions become regular before week 37, or if there is leaking fluid, persistent pain, or vaginal bleeding, get medical help right away.

Checklist for the Third Trimester

Finalize a birth plan and share it with your care team.
Pack a hospital bag with essentials (ID, clothes, chargers, snacks, baby clothing).
Prepare for feeding (breastfeeding aids, bottles if formula feeding).
Arrange for help at home after birth.
Set up the baby’s sleep space and car seat.
Review signs of labor and when to contact the hospital.

Healthy Habits

Eat a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Avoid foods and drinks that provoke heartburn or indigestion.
Take only vitamins and medicines recommended by a healthcare provider.
Get regular light activity, like walking, as approved.
Practice Kegel exercises to help strengthen the pelvic floor.

Pain Relief and Comfort Measures

Try warm baths, gentle stretching, and massage for aches.
Use pregnancy pillows for sleep support.
Rest often, especially if feeling dizzy or tired.
Wear loose, supportive clothing for comfort.

When to Call for Help

Sudden, severe headaches or vision changes.
Strong, regular contractions before week 37.
Heavy vaginal bleeding or painful cramps.
Persistent vomiting, fever, or shortness of breath.
Signs of preeclampsia (swelling, headache, upper belly pain, visual changes).