Third Trimester Pregnancy: What to Expect
The third trimester of pregnancy can be physically and emotionally challenging. Your baby's size and position might make it hard for you to get comfortable. You might be tired of pregnancy and eager to move on to the next stage. If you've been gearing up for your due date, you might be disappointed if it comes and goes uneventfully.
Try to remain positive as you look forward to the end of your pregnancy. Soon you'll hold your baby in your arms! Here's what to expect in the meantime.
Your body
As your baby grows, his or her movements will become more obvious. These exciting sensations are often accompanied by increasing discomfort and other signs and symptoms, including:
Braxton Hicks contractions. You might feel these mild contractions as a slight tightness in your abdomen. They're more likely to occur in the afternoon or evening, after physical activity or after sex. These contractions also tend to occur more often and become stronger as you approach your due date. Contact your health care provider if the contractions become painful or regular.
Backaches. Pregnancy hormones relax the connective tissue that holds your bones in place, especially in the pelvic area. These changes can be tough on your back, and often result in discomfort during the third trimester. When you sit, choose chairs with good back support. Apply a heating pad or ice pack to the painful area. Get regular exercise and stretch afterward. Wear low-heeled—but not flat—shoes with good arch support. If your back pain doesn't go away or is accompanied by other signs and symptoms, contact your health care provider.
Shortness of breath. You might get winded easily. Practice good posture to give your lungs more room to expand.
Heartburn. Pregnancy hormones relaxing the valve between your stomach and esophagus can allow stomach acid to reflux into your esophagus, causing heartburn. To prevent heartburn, eat small, frequent meals and avoid fried foods, citrus fruits, chocolate, and spicy or fried foods.
Spider veins, varicose veins, and hemorrhoids. Increased blood circulation might cause tiny red veins, known as spider veins, to appear on your face, neck, and arms. You might also notice gnarled, enlarged veins (varicose veins) on your legs. Painful, itchy varicose veins in your rectal area (hemorrhoids) are another possibility. If you have painful varicose veins, exercise and elevate your legs frequently. To prevent hemorrhoids, include plenty of fiber in your diet and drink lots of fluids. To ease the pain of hemorrhoids, soak in warm water or apply witch hazel pads to the area.
Frequent urination. As your baby moves deeper into your pelvis, you'll feel more pressure on your bladder. You might find yourself urinating more often. This extra pressure might also cause you to leak urine—especially when you laugh, cough, sneeze, bend, or lift. If this is a problem, consider using panty liners. If you think you might be leaking amniotic fluid, contact your health care provider.
Your emotions
As anticipation grows, fears about childbirth might become more persistent. How much will it hurt? How long will it last? How will I cope? If you haven't done so already, consider taking childbirth classes. You'll learn what to expect—and meet others who share your excitement and concerns. Talk with others who've had positive birth experiences, and ask your health care provider about options for pain relief.
The reality of parenthood might begin to sink in as well. You might feel anxious, especially if this is your first baby. To stay calm, write your thoughts in a journal. It's also helpful to plan ahead. If you'll be breastfeeding, you might get a nursing bra or a breast pump. If you're expecting a boy—or you don't know your baby's sex—think about what's right for your family regarding circumcision.
Prenatal care
During the third trimester, your health care provider might ask you to come in for more frequent checkups—perhaps every two weeks beginning at week 28 and every week beginning at week 36.
Like previous visits, your health care provider will check your weight and blood pressure and ask about any signs or symptoms you're experiencing. Regardless of your vaccination status, one dose of Tdap vaccine is recommended during each pregnancy—ideally during the third trimester, between weeks 27 and 36 of pregnancy. This can help protect your baby from whooping cough before he or she can be vaccinated. You will also need screening tests for various conditions, including:
Gestational diabetes. This is a type of diabetes that sometimes develops during pregnancy. Prompt treatment and healthy lifestyle choices can help you manage your blood sugar level and deliver a healthy baby.
Iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency anemia occurs when you don't have enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your body's tissues. Anemia might cause you to feel very tired. To treat anemia, you might need to take iron supplements.
Group B strep. Group B strep is a type of bacteria that can live in your vagina or rectum. It can cause a serious infection for your baby if there is exposure during birth. If you test positive for group B strep, your health care provider will recommend antibiotics while you're in labor.
Your health care provider will also check your baby's size and heart rate. Near the end of your pregnancy, your health care provider will also check your baby's position and ask about your baby's movements. He or she might also ask about your preferences regarding labor and pain management as you get ready for delivery. If you have specific preferences for labor and birth—such as laboring in water or avoiding medication—define your wishes in a birth plan. Review the plan with your health care provider.
As your due date approaches, keep asking questions. Knowing what to expect can help you have the most positive birth experience.
Updated: 2017-04-14
Publication Date: 1994-12-01
