Understanding the changes, challenges, and preparations needed during this exciting phase can help you build confidence and get ready for labour and delivery.
In this article:
What Is the Third Trimester of Pregnancy?
A pregnancy usually lasts around 40 weeks. These weeks are divided into three trimesters. The third trimester of pregnancy covers weeks 28 to 40. This stage can feel both exciting and challenging as your body changes and prepares for birth. By week 37, your baby is considered full-term and is ready to arrive at any time.Baby Development in the Third Trimester
From opening their eyes to gaining weight and moving into position, each week of the third trimester brings new milestones that mark the final steps of your pregnancy journey.- Week 28: Baby’s eyes start to open, and they practice breathing movements. Baby is about 10 inches long and weighs around 2 ¼ pounds.
- Week 29: Baby can kick, stretch, and even grasp.
- Week 30: Eyes open wide, hair begins to grow, and red blood cells form in the bone marrow. Baby weighs nearly 3 pounds.
- Week 31: Major development is done, and the baby now starts gaining weight quickly.
- Week 32: Baby’s toenails are visible, and the soft hair (lanugo) begins to shed. Baby weighs about 3¾ pounds.
- Week 33: Pupils react to light, bones harden, but the skull remains soft and flexible.
- Week 34: Fingernails reach the fingertips. Baby weighs about 4½ pounds.
- Week 35: Baby now takes up most of the space in the womb, with less room to move but still lots of wiggles.
- Week 36: Baby’s skin looks smoother, fat builds up, and most babies turn head-down.
- Week 37: Baby can grasp firmly, and the head often moves into the pelvis. The baby is considered early term.
- Week 38: Toenails reach the tips, and most of the fine body hair (lanugo) is gone. Baby may weigh around 6½ pounds.
- Week 39: Baby is full term, with extra fat added to stay warm after birth.
- Week 40: Due date! Baby is usually about 14 inches long (crown-to-rump) and weighs around 7½ pounds, though healthy babies can be bigger or smaller.
Third Trimester Symptoms to Expect
The various changes and symptoms you can expect in the third trimester of your pregnancy include:- Feeling hot due to increased body heat
- Frequent urination
- Low blood pressure
- Swelling of ankles, hands, and face (edema)
- Braxton-Hicks contractions (false labour)
- Excess hair growth on arms, legs, and face
- Leg cramps
- Stretch marks
- Sore breasts
- Leaking colostrum from breasts
- Dry, itchy skin
- Reduced libido
- Dark patches of skin (pigmentation)
- Constipation, heartburn, and indigestion
- Increased vaginal discharge (leukorrhea)
- Backaches
- Hemorrhoids
- Varicose veins
- Sleeping problems
- Swollen and bleeding gums
- Round ligament pain
- Piles
- Headaches
- Nosebleeds
- Bloating and constipation
- Dizziness
- Urine infections
- Vaginal infections
- Chloasma (mask of pregnancy)
- Greasier or spottier skin
- Thicker, shinier hair
- Mood swings
- Morning sickness (may persist)
- Food cravings
- Heightened sense of smell
Pregnancy Health and Nutrition Tips
It is essential to be mindful of your health and nutrition throughout your pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. Being aware of what to do and avoid will help you take better care of your baby and yourself. Some essential health and nutrition tips you should continue to follow in the third trimester include:- Taking your prenatal vitamins.
- Staying active with light exercise like walking (unless you have pain or swelling).
- Doing Kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor.
- Eating healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, protein, and fibre.
- Drinking lots of water every day.
- Eating enough, about 300 extra calories daily.
- Taking care of your teeth and gums.
- Getting plenty of rest and good sleep.
Preparing for Labour and Birth Plan Preparation
To prepare for birth, it is essential to identify early signs of labour such as contractions, water breaking, and lower abdominal pressure. Prepare your hospital bag ahead of time with essentials. Discuss your birth plan with your healthcare provider, including preferences for pain relief, labour support, and delivery options.Emotional Well-being in the Third Trimester
Welcoming your little one is a huge milestone in your life. While the excitement of becoming parents has no measure, it is also normal to feel anxious about labour. To ease anxiety about labour and parenthood, it is important to communicate with your partner and family. You can also join a support group, practice breathing exercises, and meditate to maintain mental wellness.Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.
FAQs About the Third Trimester
- When does the third trimester start and end?
The third trimester begins at week 28 and lasts until birth, typically around week 40. This stage marks the final phase of pregnancy, focused on growth and preparation for delivery. - When should I call my doctor during the third trimester?
Contact your doctor if you experience constant abdominal pain, vision changes, sudden swelling, severe headache, or regular, painful contractions.