Week 28 until your baby’s birth, around 40 weeks, is the final stretch before you meet your baby. In this episode, learn everything you need to know to navigate the last months of pregnancy confidently. Your baby is undergoing critical developmental changes to prepare for life outside the womb. Meanwhile, your growing belly and added weight can bring new symptoms and physical challenges. You may feel a mix of excitement and impatience as you get closer to your due date. We will cover what to expect at your third-trimester prenatal appointments, the key to-do items to focus on, and how your partner can support you as you prepare for labor, birth, and parenthood.

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Weeks 28 to 42

Your pregnancy’s third and final trimester starts at week 28 and goes until your baby is born. While your due date is week 40, you may go to 41 or 42 weeks. The third trimester can bring challenges as everything gets bigger, heavier, and more squished. Many first-trimester pregnancy symptoms you thought you were done with may be returning, like frequent urination, tender breasts, and fatigue. Hang in there and know this is all temporary.

Your Growing Baby

Your baby continues to grow significantly in the last three months. They will be packing on the pounds and getting less wrinkly. You may notice more movement in your belly as they get bigger and stronger. Their bones are fully developed, and their central nervous system has matured to the stage where it can control body temperature. You pass antibodies to your baby as they develop their fetal immune system. Your baby will open their eyes, they can detect light, and their eyelashes have formed. They have a firm grasp, perfect for holding onto your fingers once they are born.

Your Baby’s Position Before Birth

As you get closer to your due date, your doctor or midwife will monitor your baby’s position. Ideally, towards the end of your pregnancy, your baby is in a cephalic presentation, positioned head-down, facing your back, with their chin tucked to their chest and the back of their head ready to enter your pelvis. Some babies will be breech, meaning they are bottom first rather than head first. Unfortunately, most doctors are not trained or skilled in vaginal breech birth and will recommend a cesarean to reduce risks of a vaginal breech birth.

Research shows 94% of babies are head down at 36 weeks. Up to 24% of babies in a breech presentation will move into a cephalic presentation after 36-37 weeks. There are several methods to encourage your baby to move head down, including acupuncture, optimal fetal positioning, spinning babies techniques, or an external cephalic version. 

Common Third Trimester Symptoms

Many of the symptoms in the third trimester are an extension of things you may have already experienced. Some of these symptoms can become more challenging as you approach your due date. Additionally, new symptoms may emerge.

Physical Changes in the Third Trimester

By the end of the third trimester, you will likely gain 25 to 35 pounds. This is assuming you were a healthy weight before pregnancy. Some of the weight you gain is your baby, but most is your placenta, amniotic fluid, larger breasts, uterus, extra fat stores, and increased blood and fluid volume.

Breast Changes

Your breasts go through many changes during pregnancy. By the end of the third trimester, you will have around two extra pounds of breast tissue. As you get closer to your due date, your nipples may leak colostrum. This yellowish fluid nourishes your baby in the first few days until your milk comes in.

Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are probably one of the most disliked side effects of pregnancy. These off-color lines may appear this trimester on your breasts, belly, butt, and thighs. These lines can be pink or reddish and fade to a lighter color than your skin tone. The good news is that stretch marks fade over time. Stretch marks happen when the underlying supporting tissue stretches and tears during rapid stretching of your skin. Affected skin may feel tight and itchy. Genetics plays the most significant part in your susceptibility to stretch marks, which, unfortunately, you cannot control.

This study evaluated many topical treatments, and there was no clear evidence that any of them effectively prevented stretch marks. There is some interesting research on Centella asiatica. The best centella asiatica product I’ve found for stretch marks is the True Belly Serum by 8 Sheep Organics. Save 10% with the code PREGNANCYPODCAST. All 8 Sheep’s products come with a 100% Happiness Guarantee; you can try them completely risk-free for 3 months.

Back Pain

Several changes during pregnancy can contribute to back pain. Pregnancy hormones relax the joints between the bones in your pelvic area, which can be tough on your back and hips. Carrying around extra weight can also put additional strain on your back. If you experience any back issues, please sit in chairs with good support, especially if you spend your day at a desk. You can use pillows for support when sitting or lying down. Opt for shoes with good arch support, or use insoles to help protect your feet from potential issues. You can try a heating pad or an ice pack for some comfort. A prenatal massage may be beneficial, or consider asking your partner for a massage. If you are suffering from back pain that you cannot alleviate, please bring it up with your care provider.

Your Growing Uterus

As your baby grows and your uterus expands, it can put additional pressure on your lungs and other organs. Your growing uterus presses against your diaphragm, the muscle located below your lungs. You may find yourself short of breath and getting winded quickly. Maintaining good posture, whether sitting or standing, can give your lungs more room to expand. Slow down and take it easy if you are out of breath during walks or exercise.

Swelling and Edema

Several physical changes can contribute to swelling during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. You have more blood and fluids, accounting for 25% of your weight gain. As your uterus grows, it puts pressure on the blood vessels in your pelvis and legs. This pressure can slow down circulation and cause blood to pool in your legs, ankles, and feet. Additionally, elevated hormones can cause the walls of your veins to become softer, which reduces their effectiveness.

The medical term for swelling during pregnancy is edema. The easiest way to reduce swelling in your feet, ankles, and legs is to elevate your feet as often as possible, preferably above your heart level. If you stand for long periods at work, ask for a seat. If you spend your day sitting, avoid crossing your legs, as this can restrict blood flow. It may not be ideal to prop your feet up on your desk at the office. Even propping your feet up on a small stool or a box under your desk to elevate them slightly can be helpful. Although it may seem counterintuitive, staying hydrated will actually help your body retain less fluid. Check out this episode to learn more about edema, how to prevent and treat it, and when to call your doctor or midwife.

Spider Veins and Varicose Veins

During pregnancy, your veins work extra hard to circulate up to 50% additional blood volume. Many of the changes that cause swelling can also contribute to the development of spider and varicose veins. Spider veins are tiny red or bluish veins that most often appear on your legs but can also appear on other body parts. Other than changing the appearance of your skin, they are painless. Varicose veins are more prominent, protruding veins. Varicose veins can be uncomfortable. These are hereditary, but the good news is that you can take some steps to manage them if they do appear. See this episode for more information on treatment. The good news is that spider and varicose veins should go away in the months after you have your baby.

Hemorrhoids

The worst place you can get varicose veins is in the form of hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are estimated to affect around 40% of pregnant women, and that number climbs even higher after birth. Hemorrhoids can cause bleeding during a bowel movement, pain, swelling, itching, and general discomfort. The only cure for hemorrhoids is giving them time. You can do a lot to prevent them and find relief in the event you end up with them during your pregnancy or after you have your baby. This episode breaks down how you get hemorrhoids, prevention, and what you can do to treat them during pregnancy and postpartum safely.

More Frequent Urination

Hormonal changes can slow down the urine flow; as your uterus grows, it can put more pressure on your bladder. This increases the frequency of urination and increases your risk of a urinary tract infection (UTI). According to the CDC, UTIs occur in about 8% of pregnant women. Other research shows a higher estimate at around 11-26%. Because UTIs during pregnancy can lead to complications if untreated, routine urine screening is often recommended to catch infections early.

Common symptoms of a UTI include a burning sensation when urinating, frequent urination, or feeling the urge to urinate but only passing a small amount. Other signs of infection include dark, cloudy, blood-tinged urine or urine with a strong odor. More severe symptoms, such as chills, nausea, vomiting, fever, and pain in the kidneys, which is typically felt in the upper part of the abdomen or back, may indicate a kidney infection. If you suspect you may have an infection, please contact your doctor or midwife.

Heartburn

Heartburn is a burning sensation in the upper part of your digestive tract. This is caused by acid going from your stomach into your esophagus. Heartburn is also sometimes referred to as acid indigestion or acid reflux. Heartburn is common during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. It is estimated that heartburn affects over half of all expectant mothers. Thankfully, there are a lot of diet and lifestyle changes, as well as over-the-counter medications, that can treat heartburn and improve symptoms. This episode explains why you may experience heartburn during your pregnancy and dives into the evidence behind all of the treatments for heartburn so you can safely relieve your heartburn during pregnancy.

Increased Vaginal Discharge

Your vaginal discharge may get heavier than it was in the second trimester. If the discharge is bothersome, using a thin panty liner can help you stay comfortable. Be sure to check in with your care provider if the discharge is green or yellow, has a strong odor, or if you experience pain, soreness, or itching; these could be signs of a vaginal infection.

Fatigue

Many factors contribute to fatigue during pregnancy. Fatigue in the first trimester is primarily due to hormonal changes and the body’s adjustment to pregnancy. By the third trimester, additional challenges arise, including increased physical demands and disruptions to sleep. Fatigue alone is usually not a concern unless it is sudden and extreme, feels overwhelming, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath, headaches, heart palpitations, or significant swelling. Some medical conditions can cause fatigue. If that is the case, it is essential to identify and treat the underlying issue.

Listening to your body and respecting the need to slow down is important. While it may be easier said than done, now is the time to prioritize rest. Once your baby arrives, there will be many things you simply cannot say no to, such as feeding your baby in the middle of the night. It is essential to rest while you can. Listen to this episode for interventions and tools to combat fatigue. 

Sleep Issues

Many issues in the third trimester can negatively impact your sleep. Getting into a comfortable position becomes more challenging as your belly grows. Nasal congestion and snoring are common and can disrupt sleep. About 24% of expecting mothers experience restless leg syndrome. This neurological disorder causes uncomfortable sensations in the legs, which are more common at night and most frequent in the third trimester. You may also experience leg cramps, which are often painful and tend to occur in the middle of the night. Plus, frequent trips to the bathroom, vivid or strange dreams, and anxiety about labor can all contribute to disrupted sleep.

On the bright side, you can use many evidence-based and straightforward strategies to improve your sleep quantity and quality. For more in-depth information, see the episodes on evidence-based tips to improve your sleep and troubleshooting sleep issues during pregnancy.

Braxton Hicks Contractions

Braxton Hicks contractions feel like tightening in the abdomen that comes and goes. These can not only be uncomfortable, but they may trick you into thinking you are going into labor.

The first way to tell Braxton hicks contractions apart from actual labor is to examine the frequency. Braxton Hicks are irregular and do not get closer together. Real labor contractions occur at regular intervals and get closer together over time. Another sign is whether the contractions change with movement. Braxton Hicks often stops or lessens when you change positions, walk, or rest. Real labor contractions will continue regardless of movement or position. In addition, Braxton Hicks are usually mild or uncomfortable and don’t increase in strength. Real labor contractions grow stronger and more intense over time. Lastly, notice the location of discomfort. You usually feel Braxton Hicks in the front of the abdomen or pelvis. Contractions often start in the lower back and move to the front if you are in labor.

Although there is no specific test for Braxton Hicks, your doctor or midwife may run tests to rule out preterm labor. Your care provider may utilize fetal monitoring to measure contractions and your baby’s heartbeat. They may also recommend a vaginal exam to look for changes in your cervix.

Third Trimester Prenatal Appointments

Beginning in the third trimester, you will see your doctor or midwife every other week. Around week 36, your appointments will be weekly. Please do not hesitate to ask them any and every question you have. Check out these five tips to make the most of every prenatal appointment.

Prenatal Tests

Your doctor or midwife will offer or suggest several prenatal tests during your pregnancy, some of which occur in the third trimester. Most tests are routine, and the highest probability is that your baby is healthy.

Fetal Non-stress Test

The fetal non-stress test is named “non-stress” because no stress is placed on the baby during the test. This involves attaching one belt to the mother’s abdomen to measure fetal heart rate and another to measure contractions. Your care provider monitors movement, heart rate, and heart rate reactivity to movement for 20-30 minutes. A non-stress test may be performed after 28 weeks if you feel like your baby is not moving as frequently as usual, if you are past your due date, if there is any reason to suspect the placenta is not functioning adequately, or if you are high risk.

A non-stress test can help identify fetal distress or determine whether the baby is receiving enough oxygen, which may be affected by issues with the placenta or umbilical cord. The test is based on the principle that a well-oxygenated baby will show normal movement and heart rate patterns. When oxygen levels are low, a baby may not respond as expected. A reactive result indicates that the baby is receiving adequate oxygen and has healthy blood flow. A non-reactive result does not automatically indicate a problem, but does warrant further evaluation. Lack of reactivity could be due to factors such as the baby’s sleep cycle or the effects of particular prescription or over-the-counter medications.

Biophysical Profile

A biophysical profile can help determine fetal health during the third trimester, after 32 weeks. This test combines an ultrasound evaluation with a non-stress test. This is helpful if questions about fetal health and well-being result from an examination or symptoms, or if the pregnancy is considered high risk. A qualified ultrasound technician conducts the ultrasound portion of the test, and a perinatologist oversees the test. The ultrasound may take up to an hour, and the technician will watch for various signs that are important in measuring your baby’s health. The five attributes scored during this test are breathing, movement, muscle tone, heart rate, and amniotic fluid.

Group B Strep

Group B strep (GBS), short for group B streptococcus, is a type of bacterium that naturally resides in the gastrointestinal tract, vagina, and rectum of many pregnant women. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the prevalence in pregnant women is between 10% and 30%. It is reported to be higher in black women and may vary by geographic location. GBS is typically harmless and causes no symptoms. During pregnancy, it can pose serious risks if passed to a newborn during birth, potentially leading to life-threatening infections.

Due to the risks associated with GBS, testing during pregnancy is routine in the United States. Colonization during labor onset is the most important risk factor for neonatal GBS, and as a result, the test for GBS takes place in week 36 or 37. This is considered a non-invasive test that requires a swab of your vagina and rectum that is sent to a laboratory.

A negative group B strep test requires no action or changes to your prenatal care. A positive test indicates that you are colonized with GBS, and your care provider will recommend antibiotics during labor to reduce the risk of your baby developing a GBS infection.

Vaccines

Vaccines are a very controversial and complex topic. The choice to get vaccinated is a decision you should make with your doctor or midwife. If you have questions or concerns about any vaccine, please bring them up with your care provider. Vaccines should be given with informed consent, which means you are aware of all the risks and benefits, and you can opt in or opt out. 

There are multiple vaccines that the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends during pregnancy. Vaccines during pregnancy protect you and allow you to pass antibodies to your baby before they are born. Two vaccines (COVID-19 and influenza) may be available as early as the first trimester. Two additional vaccines are recommended in the third trimester.

Tdap Vaccine

Tdap is an inactivated vaccine that protects you against three different illnesses: tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. Although tetanus and diphtheria are not common, Tdap is recommended mainly for pertussis (whooping cough) and for the passive immunity your baby receives. Pertussis, a highly contagious respiratory tract infection, can be a severe health concern for babies. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that all pregnant women receive the Tdap vaccine between 27 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, as early in that window as possible. See this episode for an in-depth review of the safety, efficacy, and your options for the Tdap vaccine.

RSV Vaccine

RSV stands for respiratory syncytial virus, a common respiratory virus that usually causes upper respiratory illness with mild, cold-like symptoms. For some groups, like infants, RSV can be a serious concern. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the CDC recommend a single dose of the RSV vaccine for pregnant mothers between 32 0/7 and 36 6/7 weeks from September through January. Like all vaccines during pregnancy, the main goal of the RSV vaccine for pregnant mothers is for the mother to pass antibodies to her baby before birth. The maternal vaccine aims to prevent RSV disease in infants under six months of age. The vaccine is unnecessary if you are not between 32 and 37 weeks between September and January. The timing of administration may vary slightly in areas such as Alaska and tropical climates.

An alternative to the RSV vaccine is administering monoclonal antibodies to infants born during the respiratory season (September to March). Vaccines prompt the immune system to produce antibodies, and monoclonal antibodies are essentially pre-made antibodies that target and neutralize specific pathogens. This episode examines the available research to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these options to prevent RSV so you can make an informed decision for yourself and your baby.

Combining Vaccines

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, receiving Tdap, flu, RSV, and COVID-19 vaccinations in the same visit is considered safe. Some trials have shown that administering two vaccines together may result in a lower antibody response. Every vaccine has possible side effects, such as pain and swelling at the injection site. It would seem logical that these side effects could be more substantial if you get multiple vaccinations in one visit. I was unable to locate research on combining multiple vaccines, specifically during pregnancy. You can always choose to space them out. Remember, you have choices regarding which interventions you opt into and when those interventions occur. Vaccines are no different. Consult with your doctor or midwife if you have questions about administering multiple vaccines during a single visit.

Requesting Family or Caregivers to Get Vaccinated

Newborns are born with underdeveloped immune systems, making them more susceptible to illnesses, and few vaccines are given immediately after birth. This creates a window of vulnerability, during which your baby may be susceptible to illnesses before they can develop the ability to fight off infections. As a result, the medical community recommends that caregivers and family members around your baby also get some vaccines.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that adolescent family members or caregivers get the Tdap vaccine at age 11 to 12. According to the CDC, anyone around babies should be up to date on all routine vaccines, including the whooping cough vaccine and the flu vaccine during flu season. The CDC and ACOG are very clear in their recommendation that everyone older than six months should stay up to date on the COVID-19 vaccine. There is currently no specific recommendation for family members who will be around a newborn to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or RSV.

It is one thing to decide if you want a vaccine and another to recommend that your family or anyone spending time around your new baby get a vaccine. This is a nuanced topic, and there are several factors to consider. Check out this episode for factors to consider and guidance on approaching this conversation.

Third Trimester Interventions

You may have several interventions or procedures available in the third trimester. Like any procedure, these should only occur with informed consent, which means that your care provider takes the time to explain the risks and benefits, and you have the option to opt in or out. An excellent tool for evaluating any intervention is the BRAIN acronym, which breaks down to five questions you can ask your doctor or midwife.

• Benefits: What are the benefits?
• Risks: What are the risks?
• Alternatives: What are the alternatives?
• Intuition: What does your intuition tell you?
• Nothing: What happens if you do nothing?

3-D and 4-D Ultrasounds

Your care provider may recommend a 3D or 4D ultrasound to examine suspected fetal anomalies, such as cleft lip and spinal cord issues. You may also want a 3D or 4D ultrasound for keepsake baby photos and videos.

The consensus among medical professionals is against performing elective ultrasounds. The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine states that the use of ultrasound without a medical indication to view the fetus, obtain images of the fetus, or identify the fetal external genitalia is inappropriate and contrary to responsible medical practice. The FDA warns that ultrasound waves can heat tissues slightly. In some cases, it can also produce small gas pockets in body fluids or tissues, a phenomenon known as cavitation. The long-term consequences of these effects are still unknown.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states there is no evidence that ultrasound is harmful to a developing fetus. However, it is possible that effects could be identified in the future. For this reason, it is recommended that ultrasound exams be performed only by qualified healthcare professionals for medical reasons. For more information on the safety of 3-D ultrasounds, please refer to this episode.

Vaginal Exams

As your due date gets closer, your care provider may offer or suggest a vaginal exam. This is precisely what it sounds like. Your care provider will insert a gloved finger or two into your cervix to determine whether your cervix has begun to dilate or efface. Cervical dilation is measured in centimeters from 0 to 10. Effacement is measured in percentages, ranging from 0% to 100%. In labor, when you are ready to push your baby out, your cervix will be 10 centimeters dilated and 100% effaced.

Exams and measurements to predict labor are attractive to medical professionals, and the medical community likes metrics. Results of a vaginal exam may be useful, but they cannot accurately predict when labor will start. Despite being routine, there are questions about what the results show, the risks involved, and the psychological effects. See this article for a deep dive into the evidence on vaginal exams.

Induction

In a perfect world, your body is ready, your baby is fully mature, and you spontaneously go into labor on your due date. In reality, nearly one in four expecting mothers undergo a procedure to induce labor. The key is knowing when induction may be medically necessary and when it may be better to wait it out. There are many ways you can induce labor. This article evaluates the evidence for all methods believed to induce labor naturally. See this article for a breakdown of each method your doctor or midwife offers. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for everyone, and deciding whether to induce labor or which methods to use is not an easy decision. Please discuss your options, including the risks and benefits, with your healthcare provider.

To-Do Items for the Third Trimester

The last few months are your opportunity to tackle everything you need to be prepared for childbirth and parenthood. Remember, your due date is only an estimate. To be safe, shoot to complete all the big items by week 37. If you have tasks like planning maternity leave or building your baby registry (Amazon is my go-to for this), now is the time to tackle them.

Celebrate with a Baby Shower

The third trimester is when most expectant mothers have a baby shower. This is a celebration of your baby on the way and your transition to motherhood. Typically, a friend plans your shower. If no one has volunteered to throw you a baby shower and you would like one, please ask someone to host it or consider planning it yourself. See this episode for everything you need to know about a baby shower, including etiquette, planning tips, and ideas to make your baby shower the perfect celebration.

Take a Birth Class

As you get closer to the birth of your baby, you may find yourself anxious and nervous about birth. I strongly recommend that you and your birth partner take a childbirth class. A class will be a great way to prepare you for what to expect and the best way to manage labor. Aim to complete the course by at least week 37 before you could potentially go into labor.

Plan for Birth

In some sense, you spend your whole pregnancy preparing for birth. Once you hit the last trimester, you are in the final stretch of planning and want to nail down the details of your preferences. If you need to learn about the pros, cons, and evidence on a specific topic, there are many episodes on your birth options. Take advantage of the Pregnancy Podcast website’s search.

Create Your Birth Plan

Creating a birth plan is the best way to get clear on the birth you want. This outlines how you envision your birth and what happens directly following the birth of your baby. A birth plan is much more than a piece of paper you hand to your care provider. It is the process you go through to prepare for your desired birth experience. This process will lay the foundation for preparing for the scenario in which everything goes exactly as planned, as well as for what should happen if things do not go as planned. Here are resources to get started:

• Guide to Creating Your Birth Plan
• Get a copy of Vanessa’s birth plan
• Your Birth Plan book
• Become a Premium Member for a FREE copy of the Your Birth Plan book and access to the entire back catalog of episodes ad-free

Prepare for Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding doesn’t always come easily or naturally. While you cannot practice breastfeeding before your baby arrives, there is a lot you can do to prepare. You can see all of the episodes on breastfeeding here. I highly recommend The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding. This book is thick and very detailed. It will prepare you for all the challenges of nursing and serve as a troubleshooting guide throughout your breastfeeding journey.

The Practical Guide to Nursing Your Baby Course, created by Abby Egan, a registered labor and delivery nurse, Certified Lactation Educator, and experienced mother, walks you through everything you need to know to get breastfeeding off to a great start. Save 20% by using the promo code PREGNANCYPODCAST at checkout at nursingyourbaby.com.

Prepare for Your Newborn

Preparing for a new baby makes it easy to get caught up in the consumerism of thinking you need everything. Marketing draws on your emotions to be a good parent and to keep your baby safe. It can be overwhelming to think about choosing the right products, how much everything will cost, and where you will put everything. This article will explain exactly what you need for your new baby, whether purchasing items or adding them to a baby registry. Plus, you can download the Ultimate List of the must-haves, optional items, and what is unnecessary.

Now is an ideal time to begin learning about caring for your baby. If you have not selected a pediatrician for your baby, that is another to-do item this trimester. See this episode for tips and considerations when selecting a pediatrician. To get a start on caring for your newborn, check out these episodes:

• What to Expect in the First Weeks with Your Newborn
• Troubleshooting the Early Weeks with Your Baby

Perineal Massage

Perineal massage is an exercise performed in the weeks leading up to birth to help prevent tearing. The theory behind perineal massage is that stretching this area leading up to your birth will allow it to stretch more easily and without tearing when your baby is crowning. Typically, expecting mothers who choose to do this start in week 34 or 35. The evidence on the efficacy of perineal massage in preventing tearing is mixed. As long as your care provider gives you the okay and you are comfortable doing so, there is no downside. This episode examines the research and has step-by-step instructions.

Eat Dates

The research is promising regarding the benefits of eating dates towards the end of pregnancy, particularly in relation to the duration of labor and the reduced use of synthetic oxytocin during labor. Based on existing studies, expecting moms in the intervention groups ate about 6-7 dates per day (60-80 grams) beginning in week 36 or 37. For an in-depth analysis on whether eating dates can naturally induce labor and shorten the duration, see this episode.

Pack Your Hospital or Birth Center Bag

As your due date approaches, it’s essential to pack your hospital or birth center bag. Some key items can make your hospital or birth center stay more comfortable. You can download a checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything. I recommend having your bag packed and ready to go by week 37.

Make Postpartum Healing Pads (Padsicles)

As you prepare for labor and postpartum recovery, you may consider making padsicles. These postpartum healing pads are fantastic tools for soothing sore areas and are quick and easy to make. Adding a few ingredients to feminine pads and freezing them before birth can help make you more comfortable once you are home with your baby. This episode provides simple step-by-step instructions.

Watch Out for Signs of Labor

When you have made it through most of your pregnancy and are in the final stretch, you enter the waiting game of waiting to go into labor. This can be nerve-racking for two reasons. First, you do not know when you will go into labor. Second, you may not know how to distinguish between genuine labor and a false alarm. There is a typical path that all labor follows, but the signs of labor, when they happen, and how you experience them will be unique. This episode covers labor signs to look out for as you get closer to your due date, what to do in early labor, and when to contact your doctor or midwife.

Your Partner’s Role in the Third Trimester

Take advantage of more frequent appointments in the third trimester to ask questions and get all the answers you need to make informed decisions for your baby. Encourage your partner to go to appointments with you. They are half of the equation, and it is a perfect opportunity for them to hear everything firsthand and ask any questions they may have about labor and birth.

Leading up to birth is an excellent time to set expectations and get your partner on board with breastfeeding. There are countless reasons why breastfeeding is amazing for both mom and baby. Breastfed babies are at a lower risk for ear infections, intestinal upsets, respiratory problems, allergies, and dental problems, and their immune system will be stronger. Breastfeeding also produces some hormones that foster a chemical connection between mom and baby and help mom recover from birth better. Your partner’s support of breastfeeding goes a long way.

Whether decorating a room in your home or just carving out a corner for your baby, the nursery is often one of the biggest to-dos for parents-to-be. If this involves painting or lifting heavy objects, enlist your partner’s help. Don’t panic if the nursery isn’t 100% done when you enter labor. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants sleep in the parents’ room, close to the parents’ bed, but on a separate surface designed for infants, ideally for at least the first six months. It will be at least six months until your baby spends nights in their room.

Make the Most of Your Third Trimester

This last trimester can be physically and emotionally challenging. Thinking about everything you need to learn or complete before entering labor can be overwhelming. Plus, you don’t know precisely when your labor will start or how everything will unfold. Everything will come together and work out. Keep making great choices and moving forward with your to-do list; you will be as ready as possible when your baby arrives. You can also do a lot to bond with your baby during pregnancy before you hold them in your arms.

The last few months are also an opportunity to take advantage of additional time before you become a parent or add another child to your family. Have a date night, finish the book you are reading, and prioritize self-care. Try to set aside some time for yourself and your family before focusing all your attention on the new baby.

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