Third trimester: symptoms and expert tips for pregnancy

The third trimester is the home stretch, and for many women the end of pregnancy can’t come soon enough. You’re feeling excited to meet your baby and might be buying tiny baby clothes and decorating the nursery. But you’re also feeling heavier, slower and can’t find a comfortable position to sleep in (pregnancy pillows can really help here!). 

Here, we look at the third trimester – how to cope with aches and discomfort, what to expect when it comes to weight gain, and tips for preparing for labour and birth.  

How to deal with BIG emotions 

The third trimester can feel like an emotional rollercoaster. One moment you're excited about meeting your baby, the next you're worried about labor or wondering if you'll be a good parent. These feelings are completely normal. 

Common emotions include: 

• Excitement mixed with anxiety about birth

• Worry about your parenting abilities

• Fear about labour pain or complications

• Impatience to meet your baby

• Feeling overwhelmed by preparations

Ways to cope: 

• Seek professional help if they don’t feel manageable 

• Talk to your partner, friends, or family about your feelings

• Keep a journal to process your thoughts

• Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing

• Attend prenatal classes to feel more prepared

• Remember that feeling nervous about such a big life change is natural

If persistent anxiety, sadness, or overwhelming thoughts are affecting your daily life, speak with your doctor or midwife. They can provide support or refer you to appropriate resources. 

What is the third trimester?  

The third trimester spans from week 27 until your baby is born. A baby born in weeks 37 to 42 is considered full term; before 37 weeks is considered premature. 

Compared to the first trimester and second trimester, the third trimester comes with more physical discomfort and noticeable changes as your body prepares for the birth. Your baby grows rapidly in the third trimester, which puts extra pressure on your body.  

How is my body changing in the third trimester?  

As your baby grows and your skin and ligaments continue to stretch, aches and pains become more common. Here are some of the common physical changes you might experience: 

• back ache and pain. This can be caused by the extra weight of your growing uterus and pregnancy hormones that relax the ligaments in your body to prepare you for labour 

• shortness of breath

• heart palpitations and heartburn 

• swelling in your feet, ankles and hands 

• increased fatigue

• frequent urination

• difficulty sleeping

• Braxton Hicks contractions, which are irregular, practice contractions that help your body prepare for labour.

It's typical to gain around 5kg during the third trimester – due to your growing baby as well as the weight of amniotic fluid, the placenta, your breasts, uterus and increased blood volume. 

How is my baby changing in the third trimester?  

Your baby grows to about 47cm and 2.6kg by week 36, and about 50cm and 3.4kg by week 40. At this time, your baby may start to sit lower in your pelvis as your body prepares for labour.  

During the last few weeks of pregnancy, your baby’s movements may feel different as there’s less space in your uterus, but you should continue to feel movements up to and during labour. 

Tips on getting through the third trimester 

The last months can be physically and mentally demanding as your bump continues to grow and you’re busy getting ready to welcome a new life into your home. It can also be a stressful time – worries about giving birth or becoming a parent are common.  

Find some time to relax  

Play music, do some gentle exercise like pregnancy yoga or spend time with the people you love. Making decisions can also help ease stress and help you feel more in control. Think about whether you plan to breastfeed or bottle feed, who will accompany you to the birth, and where your baby will sleep when you bring them home.  

Check in on your mental wellbeing 

As many as one in five women experience anxiety or depression during pregnancy or after birth, reports mental health organisation PANDA. So it’s important to talk to your doctor or midwife if you’re concerned about your mental wellbeing.  

“At the start of pregnancy and at the end of pregnancy, when you're having rapid changes in hormone levels, you're much more likely to get a mood disturbance,” says obstetrician and gynaecologist Associate Professor Gino Pecoraro. 

Plan for your work wrap-up 

If you’re taking parental leave during the third trimester you're probably really looking forward to it, as the last few weeks of work can be especially tiring. Taking regular, short breaks, eating a healthy diet, regular gentle exercise and prioritising an early bedtime can help you feel more rested.  

Buy some baby basics and pack your hospital bag  

When it comes to baby gear, it’s helpful to organise the basics in advance like a car seat, somewhere for them to sleep and some newborn clothes. Pack a bag for the hospital earlier than you think you’ll need it so you’re not caught out! 

When should I see my doctor? 

In the third trimester, you’ll have more frequent check-ups – about every four weeks until week 36, then every two weeks or so. You’ll also be offered a test for group B strep and vaccinations for whooping cough and flu.  

This is the time to talk to your doctor or midwife about the birth and make a birth plan. “Everybody focuses on pain relief, but there are other things to think about too,” Assoc Prof Pecoraro says. “Do you have a particular preference with what position you want to be in? Do you want to labour in the shower? How do you feel about using gas? Some people love it, but others don’t.” All things to think about.  

If you think your labour has started, contact your hospital, midwife or doctor – they’ll advise your next steps. It’s important to seek medical help if you experience bleeding, severe nausea or vomiting, fever or a change in your baby’s movements at any time.  

The third trimester can be physically and mentally demanding, but it leads to great joy – meeting your baby. Knowing what to expect and developing strategies for rest and relaxation can help you navigate the final stage of pregnancy.  

The Final Word 

The third trimester is your final stretch before meeting your little one. While it can be physically uncomfortable and emotionally intense, all these preparations are leading to the amazing moment when you finally hold your baby.