WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Preparing for the Third Trimester: What to Expect

Preparing for the Third Trimester: What to Expect
As you enter the final stretch of your pregnancy journey, the third trimester brings with it new developments and preparations for the arrival of your little one.
This phase is filled with excitement, anticipation, and some unique experiences as your body continues to adapt to accommodate your growing baby.
1. Physical Changes and Discomforts
  • Increased Baby Movements: You will likely feel more pronounced movements as your baby grows. Enjoy these special moments of bonding with your little one.
  • Growing Belly: Your belly will continue to expand, putting pressure on your organs and causing discomfort. Embrace supportive maternity wear for added comfort.
  • Braxton Hicks Contractions: You may experience practice contractions, also known as Braxton Hicks contractions. These irregular contractions help prepare your body for labor.
  • Shortness of Breath: As your baby grows, it may compress your diaphragm, making you feel short of breath. Practice deep breathing exercises to manage this discomfort.
  • Frequent Urination: Your growing uterus puts pressure on your bladder, leading to more frequent trips to the bathroom. Stay hydrated and empty your bladder completely each time.
2. Preparing for Labor and Delivery
  • Childbirth Classes: Consider enrolling in childbirth classes to learn about the labor process, pain management techniques, and breathing exercises. These classes help you feel more confident and prepared.
  • Birth Plan: Discuss your birth preferences with your healthcare provider and create a birth plan outlining your preferences for pain relief, birthing positions, and any special requests you may have.
  • Hospital Bag: Pack a hospital bag with essentials for you and your baby, including comfortable clothes, toiletries, nursing bras, diapers, and other items recommended by your healthcare provider.
3. Nesting and Baby Preparation
  • Nursery Setup: Start preparing your baby's nursery by arranging furniture, washing baby clothes, and organizing essentials like diapers, blankets, and feeding supplies.
  • Baby Shower: If you haven't had one yet, consider having a baby shower to celebrate this joyous occasion with your loved ones. It's an opportunity to gather essential items and receive support from friends and family.
  • Newborn Care Education: Take advantage of newborn care classes or workshops to learn about bathing, feeding, and soothing techniques for your baby's early days.
4. Self-Care and Well-being
  • Healthy Lifestyle: Continue to prioritize a well-balanced diet, staying hydrated, and getting regular exercise appropriate for your stage of pregnancy. Consult your healthcare provider for guidance.
  • Rest and Sleep: As your body undergoes significant changes, ensure you get plenty of rest and establish a comfortable sleeping routine. Consider using pregnancy pillows for support.
  • Pelvic Floor Exercises: Engage in pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegels, to strengthen the muscles that support your pelvic region and prepare for labor and postpartum recovery.
  • Emotional Support: Connect with friends, family, or support groups to share your feelings and experiences. Pregnancy hormones can affect your emotions, so nurturing your mental well-being is vital.
Learn more
L
Liz
31 Dec 2023

According to the app, I have finally reached the third trimester!!!! I’m really starting to feel it as well 😅 my body is so sore! The kicks are now so big that I actually witnessed a breast move today 😳🤣🤣 I’m just buckling up and preparing for the next 3 months bc as we all know, this is the wild part lol. I hope you are all feeling lovely today!

2 comments
L
Laurel
It’s the pelvic pain for me. 😭
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
L
Liz
Yesss omg! I started getting it a little earlier bc this is my third but goodness it just gets worse & worse! I had a BAD case of lightning crotch last night. Oh my goodness. So bad!
27 Mar 2024

Answer


J
Jordan
23 Dec 2023

I’m just at the start of my 3rd trimester for my first baby. I am stressing everything. The nursery nesting the pregnancy signs to watch for and what to expect when March arrives and she is due. Any advice on how to cope with these things? I want to be the best mom I can possibly be but I honestly have to idea what to expect

1 comments
P
Priscilla
Don’t stress yourself remember everything your feeling is very normal nesting is completely normal feeling overwhelmed for your first baby is completely normal this is my third but I was so scared with my first remember all that baby needs is love from it’s mother your warmth smell and touch YOUVE GOT THIS❤️❤️
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments

T
Tiffany
11 Aug 2023

So I'm going to be in my third trimester Saturday, and I plan on breastfeeding for the first time with my second baby, I want some advice and tips for preparing and things that are needed.

1 comments
T
Tori
Join breastfeeding, the struggles we overcome so u don't get false information :) https://www.facebook.com/groups/287824178087090/?ref=share
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments

S
Shannon
17 Jul 2023

Sooooo I did a thing to day for my coming in to my third trimester me in the girls had fun

4 comments
M
MiszCita🦋💙
Gorgeous 😍
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
T
Teri
So pretty 😍
27 Mar 2024

Answer


A
Alyssa
6 Mar 2023

28 weeks today so thankful to have been able to make it to my third trimester 💙

3 comments
M
Mommato1
Girl you’re so gorgeous 😍😍
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
A
Alyssa
ily 🤍🤍🤍
27 Mar 2024

Answer


J
Jailyn💜🌙
23 Jan 2023

does anyone else’s job expect too much out of them while being pregnant? i have to lift things and they expect me to work 5 days a week when i asked for four and they make me do almost everything there even though they know i’m almost into my third trimester and on my feet all day. i’m so exhausted by the time i’m off i just wanna pass out as soon as i’m home. 😢

13 comments
P
Phoenix
Girl yes that’s my first job I unload vans everyday 5 days a week. I asked them to go down to 2 days a week because it’s too much on my body (plus I got a 2nd job that’s a lot easier for me) they told me bring in documentation stating I can only work 2 days a week cause technically were supposed to work 3 days a week minimum so I talked to my OB at my appointment and explained my situation to her and she typed me out a note clearing me for only 2 days a week.
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
J
Jailyn💜🌙
the way employers treat pregnant women is crazy to me, it’s even worse when you work with females who have been through pregnancy before as well and they still don’t want to help or try to show any sympathy to try to make things easier… i also think that is ridiculous that they needed proof from you in order to fulfill your needs (most people know what their body can handle) you would think a simple request like that they would understand. it’s not like we aren’t growing whole humans or anything 😂 and don’t even get me started on maternity leave
27 Mar 2024

Answer


G
Glorimar
21 Dec 2022

28 week today first day of my third trimester so happy can’t wait for March to be here 💖🥰

5 comments
G
Glorimar
Thank u hun 💖
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
C
Chelsea
You look great Mama😍 congrats
27 Mar 2024

Answer


K
Kayla rose
23 Sep 2022

I’m about to hit third trimester, what should I start doing in this trimester to get ready for the baby to arrive and when? I’ve seen so many checklists but I’m scared to start some too early or too late and invade y’all know about something that isn’t on the checklist.

3 comments
B
Brittany
Get a car seat and a bassinet or crib that's the first thing ....then work on diapers shampoo clothes ect ❤️🙏
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments

B
Britney
15 May 2022

Soooo I been spotting and cramping everyday for like the past week (the baby still extremely active and moving around) and my doctor told me “it’s normal to spot in third trimester” and that’s all the information I got and he walked out. Like ok but is it normal to spot for this long?? What’s the cause?? What does it mean?? Lol like u gave me barely any information and expect that to be good enough??

11 comments
C
Courtney
I am in the same boat and I went to the ER they told me he was getting ready for labor they sent me home , I’m cramping he’s been moving extremely I’m in pain and all I’m just waiting. On him to come
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
T
Tasha
You have increased blood flow to your cervix and can spot from everything from sex to a cervical exam. My OB told me not to worry unless I saw a ton of blood.
27 Mar 2024

Answer


b
britney
10 May 2022

Into the third trimester yayyy only 3 months to go 🥰💕💯27 weeks and 1 day

1 comments
D
Destini Leann👣👣
28 weeks is third
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments

Related articles

Hot topics