The homestretch of your pregnancy has officially started with the setting in of the third trimester. You will soon be welcoming a tiny new member into your family! The third trimester of pregnancy can be bittersweet, marking both the beginning of a new chapter in life and the end of an existing one.
The third trimester of pregnancy lasts about 12 weeks and ends with the baby's birth. The final months of pregnancy come with their share of challenges. It could become harder to find a comfortable sleeping position or to manage daily tasks. It is also common to feel exhausted and eager for reach the next stage. But at the end of this journey, you get to meet a brand new human being that you created, and that makes it all worth it!
Equally important is choosing care that you’re comfortable with and preparing for a successful delivery. Circle City Midwifery provides a safe and serene environment for the birth of your baby, along with the most compassionate midwifery services. Speak to our experts today.
What Is the Third Trimester of Pregnancy?
Each trimester of pregnancy lasts about 12-14 weeks. From week 28 to about week 40, or until the baby is born, it is considered the third trimester of pregnancy. It is in this trimester that it finally develops from a ‘fetus’ to a ‘baby’.
Baby Development During the Third Trimester of Pregnancy
- Week 28 to 32
The fetus grows about 15 inches long and weighs about 4 pounds. The bones are formed but have still not hardened. The lungs are also not fully formed, but some rhythmic breathing movement is happening.
- Week 33 to 36
It has now grown to about 20 inches and weighs 5 to 6 pounds. At this point, the baby also moves its head downwards, preparing for birth.
- Week 37 to 40
By the end of week 40, the baby is fully developed. The lungs continue to develop until delivery. The baby could weigh between 7 and 10 pounds and be about 20 inches tall.
Common Third Trimester Pregnancy Symptoms
You may experience some of these
symptoms
in the third trimester. These are absolutely normal, and you should not worry about them.
- Heartburn (Acid Reflux): Feeling a burning sensation in your chest/throat. Worse after eating or lying down
- Tender breasts: Breasts may feel heavy or sore
- Difficulty sleeping: Baby’s movements, anxiety, or other factors may cause troubled sleep patterns
- Swelling of fingers, ankles, and face: Edema due to fluid retention
- Back or hip ache: As the baby grows, you may experience pain in the spine and pelvis
- Frequent Urination: The pressure on the bladder increases in the third trimester, leading to frequent urination
Tips for Staying Healthy During the Third Trimester
Some remedies can help relieve third-trimester symptoms.
- Smaller, more frequent meals
- Use pillows for a comfortable sleep
- Do not completely cut down on physical activity
- Hydrate well
- Skip heels; choose comfortable footwear
- Choose comfortable underwear
- Do not skip your doctor’s appointments
Prenatal Visits During the Third Trimester of Pregnancy
Up until now,
bi-weekly visits
were just fine. But during the last four weeks, schedule appointments to see your doctor more often, almost weekly. Circle City Midwifery emphasizes a process that is comfortable for you and fits your needs.
At each visit, you can expect the basic tests like
- Blood pressure
- Weight
- Urine tests
- Checks of your baby's growth.
A few things that are specific to this stretch of pregnancy:
- Group B Strep (GBS) screening, usually around 36 weeks, checks for a common bacterium that's harmless to you but needs treatment during labor if present to protect your baby.
- Focus on the birth plan.
- Position checks to see whether your baby is head-down or in another position, since this affects your birth plan and delivery options.
This is also a good time to bring your questions to your doctor. At Circle City Midwifery, we believe there's no such thing as a question that's too minor when you're about to have a baby.
Talk to us today to ease your pregnancy worries.
Signs of Labor You Should Know
- Rhythmic contractions
Labor contractions get closer together, last longer, and get stronger over time, unlike Braxton Hicks contractions, which often ease up when you change position or rest.
- Water breaking
Your water breaking could be a dramatic gush or a trickle. Either way, it means it's time to call your doctor, even if the contractions haven't started yet.
- Lower back pain or pressure that comes and goes
Some people feel labor start in their back rather than their belly, especially if the baby is in a certain position.
- Nesting
This urge to deep-clean the house or organize the nursery closet can show up a day or two before labor starts.
Every labor looks a little different, and that's normal. Your care team can help you understand what's happening and when the signs of labor will become actual labor.
Warning Signs That Require Immediate Medical Attention
Most of the third trimester is uneventful in a good way. But a
handful of symptoms shouldn't wait until your next scheduled appointment. If you experience any of the following, call Circle City Midwifery right away:
- Severe or persistent headaches, especially paired with vision changes like blurriness or seeing spots
- Sudden swelling in your face, hands, or around your eyes
- Decreased fetal movement
- Vaginal bleeding
- Severe abdominal pain that doesn't ease up
- A fever over 100.4°F
- Signs of preeclampsia, including upper abdominal pain, nausea, or sudden weight gain
- Contractions before 37 weeks, which could indicate preterm labor
Trust yourself; it is the best advice here. If something feels off, tell your doctor.
Preparing for Birth During the Third Trimester
There's a lot to do before the baby arrives. Refer to this list for your convenience.
- Pack your hospital bag
By 36 weeks, it is recommended to have a bag ready with comfortable clothes, toiletries, chargers, snacks, going-home outfits for you and the baby, and any comfort items that help you relax.
- Finalize your birth plan
Think through your preferences around pain management, who you want present, and how you'd like to handle unexpected changes
- Install and check your car seat
Many fire stations and hospitals offer free car seat checks, and it's advisable to do it before your due date.
- Set up support for after the birth
Arrange help with meals, household tasks, or other children. The postpartum period asks a lot of you. Having support in place ahead of time eases postpartum worries.
- Talk through your birth and postpartum plan with Circle City Midwifery
The discussion includes topics such as your preferred
type of birth, recovery, feeding, and emotional health before the baby arrives.
How Circle City Midwifery Care Supports You in the Third Trimester
You shouldn't have to navigate the final weeks of pregnancy without
proper professional support
or feel rushed through your appointments.
Our approach in the third trimester of pregnancy includes:
- Longer, unhurried appointments so you have time to ask every question on your mind.
- You're building a relationship with a provider who knows your history, your preferences, and your pregnancy.
- Personalized birth planning
- Whole-person support that addresses your emotional and mental health alongside the physical load of these final weeks.
We aim to help you feel confident, in control, and supported as you enter labor, rather than anxious or unsure.
To Sum It Up
The third trimester of pregnancy is the final stretch of a journey you've been on for months. Every appointment is bringing you closer to meeting your baby. This is the time to lean on your care team and finally go full throttle into the labor room to welcome your newest gift to the world with happy, healthy hands at Circle City Midwifery.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the third trimester start?
Most associations agree that the third trimester begins at week 28 of pregnancy. It lasts till week 40 or until delivery.
How will I know if I am going into labor?
The most telling signs are your water breaking and having rhythmic contractions. Rely on these for any indication of labor.
When should I call my midwife or doctor?
You can call Circle City Midwifery for any questions you may have or when you think you are going into labor.
