Pregnancy, Pregnancy Journey

Everything To Know About The Third Trimester

everything to know about third trimester

Welcome to the third trimester! You are going to hold your baby soon, and you will be entering a new journey, motherhood! Here is everything to know about the third trimester.

When are you in your third trimester?

The first trimester is from week 28 to week 40. That is month 7, 8, and 9. 

What happens during the third trimester?

Everything will begin hurting during this trimester but remember you are almost done. Your baby’s bones are fully formed. He can open and close his eyes, hear your voice, and is sensitive to light. Your baby will be full term at 37 weeks.

everything to know about third trimester

What are some symptoms you might have during the second trimester?

  • Ligament Aches and Pains
  • Increase in Urination
  • Mood Swings
  • Varicose Veins
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Heartburn  
  • Change in Skin Pigmentation
  • Leg Cramps and Itchy Belly
  • Mild Swelling
  • Sensitive Teeth
  • Backache
  • Mood Swings
  • Braxton Hicks Contraction
  • Shortness of Breath
  • Insomnia

What are some concerning symptoms? You should see a doctor if you have the following.

  • Vaginal Bleeding: If you are spotting or have a heavy flow, all your doctor right away.
  • Severe Abdominal Pain: If you feel pain in your abdominal area, call your doctor or go to the nearest ER.
  • Excessive Swelling: Could be a sign of preeclampsia, call your doctor.
  • Excessive Thirst and Fatigue: Could be a sign of gestational diabetes, call your doctor.

How much weight should you gain during the third trimester?

You should gain 0.5 to 1 pound a week during your third trimester. You should have put on a total of about 25 to 35 pounds from the beginning to the end of your pregnancy. If you are overweight, you should gain less. If you are underweight, you should gain more.

Things To Do During The Third Trimester

  • Continue taking a prenatal vitamin with at least 400 mcg of folic acid.
  • Finish your baby registry, and begin preparing for the baby.
  • Light Exercise
  • Eating healthy food. 
  • Continue moisturizing.
  • Visit a dentist.
  • Prepare a hospital bag. Click to see what to pack in your hospital bag.
  • Don’t forget to get the TDAP vaccine. 

 

Things To Avoid During The Third Trimester

  • Alcohol
  • Drugs
  • Strenuous Exercise
  • Uncooked Meat including Shellfish and Sushi
  • Heat including Hot Tubs and Saunas 
  • Cat Litter
  • Smoking
  • Too Much Caffeine

 What to expect at your third trimester prenatal visits?

You will be evaluated many times during this trimester. You will see your doctor once every 2 weeks until week 36 if there is nothing wrong. After week 36, you will be seen weekly.

  • Your blood Pressure and Urine: They will be checked every time to ensure you have no symptoms of preeclampsia.
  • Blood Test for Anemia
  • Your doctor will examine your belly, baby’s heartbeat, and your weight. 
  • Group B Strep: You will be tested for this bacteria. If you test positive, you will be given antibiotics during labor.
  • Cervix for Dilation: After week 36, your doctor may start checking your cervix for dilation.
  • Position of Baby: Around week 36, your doctor will perform an ultrasound to make sure your baby’s head is positioned downward.


This is everything to know about the third trimester. If you have more questions, leave a comment.

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Jehad Bisoomi
Jehad Bisoomi
2 years ago

3rd trimester is the worst! šŸ˜€

Gervin Khan
Gervin Khan
2 years ago

Such great and helpful information. I am sure all soon-to-be mothers will really enjoy and learn reading this.

Sarah
Sarah
2 years ago

During my third pregnancy and during the third trimester the hip pain was bad.

Puja Kumari
2 years ago

This is going to help a lot who are on their third trimester. Thanks dor sharing.

Shayla Marie
2 years ago

The third trimester is rough! I think this post is helpful to first time mama’s because it makes things easier when you know what to expect and have some solutions to work with.

Monica Simpson
Monica Simpson
2 years ago

I wish I would’ve done more exercising in my third trimester.

J Cherry
2 years ago

Oh gosh. The third trimester for me was the hardest. This was a wonderful read, thank you!

Sandra Hudson
Sandra Hudson
2 years ago

This is so detailed and informative. Thanks for sharing.

Chasity Cedeno
2 years ago

The third trimester insomnia was the worst for me! My legs, feet, and ankles also swole quite a bit. Good information and a realistic look at the third trimester!

Diana
2 years ago

Overall these are great tips. But I just wanted to point out that the cat litter is actually a myth, while cats can carry it, most indoor cats do not have it as they only get it from outside. You are more likely to get toxoplasmosis from dirt, so if anything, you should avoid gardening.

Terri
2 years ago

Wonderful information for all the pregnant mamas!