What to Expect in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy

You made it to the home stretch, mama — and what a journey it's been. The third trimester runs from week 28 through delivery, and while it can be the most physically demanding stretch of pregnancy, it's also the most exciting. You are so close to meeting your baby. 

This trimester is less about brand new symptoms and more about familiar ones that may intensify, a body that's working harder than ever, and a mind that's probably running a mile a minute. Here's what to expect — and how to nurture yourself through the final stretch. 

 What Is the Third Trimester? 

The third trimester begins at week 28 and typically runs through week 40 — though some babies have their own timeline and arrive a little earlier or later. By this point, your baby bump is unmistakable, your baby's movements are regular and strong, and your body is getting ready for labor and delivery. 

 How Is the Third Trimester Different from the First and Second?

If the first trimester was about surviving the symptoms and the second trimester was about finding your stride, the third trimester is about preparing — physically, practically, and emotionally. Many of the symptoms you'll experience now are familiar ones that simply intensify as baby grows and takes up more and more space. Your body is also beginning to actively prepare for labor, which means new sensations, new challenges, and a few surprises you might not have seen coming. 

Third Trimester Symptoms: What's New and What's Intensifying 

Why Am I So Tired Again? 

The increased energy you felt in your second trimester may now feel like a distant memory, with third-trimester fatigue setting in. Growing a baby in the final stretch is hard work. Your body is supporting more weight, your sleep may be disrupted, and your mind rarely gets a break. Rest when you can, eat well, and give yourself full permission to slow down. The chores can wait. 

What Is Lightning Crotch — and Is It Normal? 

"Lightning crotch” is a term that describes the sudden, sharp, electric jolts of pain in your pelvic area as baby drops lower into your pelvis in preparation for delivery. It sounds alarming but it's completely normal — it's thought to be caused by baby putting pressure on the nerve leading to your cervix. It only lasts a few seconds. Breathe through it and it will pass. 

 What Are Braxton Hicks Like in the Third Trimester? 

If you experienced Braxton Hicks contractions in the second trimester, expect them to become more frequent now. They may also feel stronger. The key difference between Braxton Hicks and real labor contractions is that Braxton Hicks don't follow a pattern and typically ease up when you change positions or drink water. If your contractions start coming regularly, intensify significantly, or you can't breathe through them — call your OB-GYN. 

Why Does Everything Feel So Uncomfortable? 

By the third trimester, baby has significantly less room to move around — and your organs, lungs, bladder, and digestive system are all feeling all of it. Here's what that can look like day to day: 

Shortness of breath — baby is taking up prime real estate near your diaphragm. Practice good posture to help open up your lungs and take things at your own pace. 

Backaches — your back is carrying a lot of extra weight on top of already-looser joints and ligaments. A supportive chair, a pillow between your knees at night, and saying goodbye to heels can all help. Warm baths and gentle massage are your friends. 

Round ligament pain — sharp, sudden pain in your lower abdomen as the ligaments supporting your uterus stretch to their limit. Breathe through it, and it should pass quickly. Ongoing upper abdominal pain is worth checking with your OB-GYN. 

Heartburn and constipation — these typically peak in the third trimester as baby pushes further into your digestive space. Keep eating high-fiber foods, stay hydrated, avoid known heartburn triggers, and try to move a little every day — even a short walk helps. 

Nausea — yes, it can come back. Third-trimester nausea is usually less about hormones and more about abdominal crowding. Small, frequent meals are your best defense. 

Itchy Skin — Itchy skin during pregnancy is very common and usually nothing to worry about. It's often caused by stretching skin and hormonal changes. An Itch Relief Serum designed specifically for pregnant mamas can really come to the rescue here. 

What's Happening with My Bladder? 

Frequent bathroom trips are back in full force, and as baby drops lower into your pelvis, expect things to get even more urgent. Bladder kicks are real. Stress incontinence (leaking a little when you sneeze, laugh, or cough) is also very common in the third trimester and postpartum. A panty liner can help, and things typically improve by around six weeks postpartum. 

 What Are Spider Veins and Varicose Veins? 

Increased blood circulation in the third trimester can cause spider veins, small reddish-purple patches that appear on your legs or face, and varicose veins, swollen veins near the surface of your skin, to develop in your legs. Both are common and should fade after delivery. In the meantime, avoid standing for long periods, elevate your legs when you can, and consider maternity compression stockings if varicose veins are uncomfortable. 

What About Hemorrhoids? 

Nobody loves talking about this one, but it's worth knowing: hemorrhoids are actually a type of varicose vein that appears in the rectal area, and they're incredibly common in the third trimester. They can be uncomfortable, itchy, and occasionally bleed.  

Witch hazel and sitz baths can bring real relief, and your OB-GYN can recommend a pregnancy-safe stool softener. They may temporarily worsen after delivery but typically improve from there. Our Hot & Cold Postpartum Therapy Packs are a great option to help calm the perineal area postpartum. 

 What's Going on with My Breasts? 

Your breasts have changed a lot throughout pregnancy — and in the third trimester, you may notice colostrum, a thick yellowish liquid, beginning to leak from your nipples. Colostrum is rich and concentrated, and it will be your baby's primary nutrition for the first few days after birth if you choose to breastfeed. A supportive maternity or nursing bra will be one of your best investments right now. 

What About Sleep? 

Between the bathroom trips, the body aches, the vivid dreams (yes, those are normal, too — it’s hormones again), and the general mental load of late pregnancy, sleep in the third trimester can feel hit or miss. A pillow between your knees, sleeping on your side, and winding down your fluid intake in the evening can all help. If sleeplessness persists for more than a few nights, talk to your OB-GYN about safe ways to get more rest. 

 Are Stress and Anxiety Normal Right Now? 

Yes, stress and anxiety are completely normal right now, especially if this is your first baby. The third trimester brings a particular kind of emotional intensity — excitement, nervousness, impatience, and occasional overwhelm, sometimes all in the same afternoon. It's totally normal to have a lot of questions and feelings about labor, delivery, and what comes next. 

A few things that can help: read up on labor and delivery so you feel informed and prepared, connect with other moms who've been through it, and lean on your support network. If anxiety feels persistent or overwhelming, talk to your OB-GYN — you deserve support for your mental health just as much as your physical health. 

Getting Ready for Baby 

The third trimester is also prime nesting time — and there's lots to do. Here's a quick checklist of things worth tackling before baby arrives: 

 The third trimester is one of the most exciting and meaningful times of your pregnancy journey. You are weeks away from meeting the tiny person who has been growing in your belly all these months.  

Pay attention to how you feel, trust your instincts, and never hesitate to reach out to your OB-GYN with any concerns — you never have to wait until your next appointment to get the support you need. 

You've got this, mama!