What to expect in your third trimester
By Sabrina Rogers-Anderson
Whether you’ve felt like your pregnancy has gone by in the blink of an eye or it’s stretched out forever, you’ve finally reached the last trimester, and your bub will be here soon!
The third trimester usually starts smoothly and gets progressively more challenging as fatigue sets in, and your belly becomes so big that you can’t tie your shoes. But it’s the final push (literally!), so hang in there.
Here’s everything you need to know about what will happen from the beginning of week 28 to the end of week 40 of your pregnancy.
Third trimester symptoms
Pregnancy is different for everyone, but here are some of the symptoms you might experience during your third trimester:
- Round ligament pain (in the lower abdomen)
- Braxton Hicks contractions (irregular “practice” contractions)
- Lower back pain
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Heartburn
- Constipation
- Haemorrhoids
- Increased urination
- Bladder leakage
- Leukorrhea (vaginal discharge)
- Weight gain
- Mild swelling of the hands, face, feet and ankles
- Enlarged and leaky breasts
- Varicose veins
- Stretch marks
- Lack of balance
- Vivid dreams
Contact your doctor right away if you experience heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain or dizziness, severe puffiness in the hands or face, visual disturbances, fever over 38.5C, or pain or burning during urination. You should also keep an eye out for signs of preterm labour, including regular contractions, bloody discharge, leaking fluid, lower back pain and increased pelvic pressure.
Third trimester to-do list
Keep up the good work when it comes to resting, eating well and exercising regularly (although you’ll probably have to slow down as you approach your due date!).
Here are the other tasks on your to-do list this trimester.
Attend your antenatal appointments
If your pregnancy is low-risk, you should have antenatal visits at 28 weeks, 32 weeks, 34-36 weeks, 38-39 weeks and 40-41 weeks. You may require additional check-ups if you have any complications. Your healthcare provider will check your blood pressure, your general health and your baby’s heartbeat and movements at every visit. They’ll also measure your belly to verify your baby’s growth.
Discuss your birth plan
At around 28 weeks, you’ll discuss your birth plan with your midwife or doctor, so write down all your preferences for your labour and delivery. At the 34-36 week check-up, your healthcare provider will assess your baby’s position and engagement to determine whether you can have a natural birth (if you wish). You’ll also receive some additional tests and immunisations at some of these visits (see below).
Get immunised
At 28 weeks, you’ll receive a pertussis (whooping cough) vaccination. Your doctor may also suggest that you get the flu vaccine, especially if you’re pregnant during cold and flu season. If you have any concerns about being immunised, talk to your doctor or midwife.
Do all your tests
At 28 weeks, you’ll undergo a blood test to check for anaemia, measure your blood platelet levels and determine your blood type. If your blood type is Rh negative, you’ll be offered an anti-D immunoglobulin injection to prevent your baby from getting Rhesus disease during the birth if your blood types are incompatible. You may also need to do a urine test if you have signs of a urinary infection or high blood pressure.
Vaginal swab for Group B strep
At 34-36 weeks, you’ll receive a vaginal swab for Group B strep (GBS). If you have it, you’ll receive antibiotics during labour to prevent your baby from getting a GBS infection. You’ll also receive a second anti-D injection at this visit if your blood type is Rh negative.
Track foetal movement
As soon as you start the third trimester, you should count your baby’s kicks once a day when they’re usually most active. If you haven’t felt ten movements within two hours (although it should usually only take half an hour), call your healthcare provider to be on the safe side. You should also alert them if there’s a sudden decrease in your baby’s movements.
Buy baby essentials
Now for the fun part – stocking up on baby gear! But with all your friends flooding you with recommendations for must-have items, it’s easy to lose sight of what you really need and which brands are the best. Our product comparison pages tell you what Aussie parents consider to be the best prams, cots, capsules, car seats, carriers, nappy bags, breast pumps, baby bottles, nappies, baby food and so much more.
Attend antenatal classes and tours
If you followed our second trimester to-do-list, you booked your antenatal class and hospital/birthing centre tour several weeks ago. It’s a good idea to have them done and dusted by 36 weeks in case your baby comes early.
Pack your hospital bag
Try to have your hospital bag packed at the beginning of your third trimester, so you’re ready to go when your baby is.
It’s the final stretch, mama! You’ll soon be holding your beautiful bub in your arms.
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