Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsThird Trimester ChangesUnusual SymptomsPrenatal AppointmentsThe Birth PlanThe Wait
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Third Trimester Changes
Unusual Symptoms
Prenatal Appointments
The Birth Plan
The Wait
The third trimester ofpregnancyis defined as beginning at 28 weeks and lasting until 40 weeks and six days of pregnancy.During this last trimester, yourbody will changeas your fetus continues to develop and grow.
You may also experience different emotions, such as excitement, anxiousness, or feeling overwhelmed. Though most physical and emotional experiences are normal, some should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
This article covers what you can expect during the third trimester of pregnancy, including symptoms, prenatal appointments, and the importance of a birth plan.
Taras Grebinets/ Getty Images
Last Trimester of Pregnancy: Third Trimester Changes
During the last trimester, the fetus grows and increases in weight, and its organs continue todevelop so they are ready to function after birth.
Pregnancy: Week 28
By the third trimester, the fetus can hear loud sounds, see changes in light, stretch, kick, and may turn so the head is positioned downward in preparation for birth.The fetus is considered full-term and fully developed at 39 weeks of pregnancy.
Since the fetus is increasing in size and taking up moreroom in the abdomen, you might feel uncomfortable, hot, have trouble taking deep breaths, and need to urinate more due to pressure on the bladder.You might also experienceBraxton-Hicks contractions, in which the uterus tightens for 30 to 60 seconds as the body prepares for labor.
Other changes you may experience during late pregnancy include:
Fetal Development: 3rd Trimester
What Third Trimester Symptoms Are Unusual?
While there are many normal physical changes you might experience during the third trimester, you should contact a healthcare provider if you have any of the following:
Prenatal Appointments in the Third Trimester
At the start of this last trimester, you will likely start seeing your healthcare provider every two weeks, then once a week in the last month of pregnancy. During your visits, your healthcare provider might do the following:
Vaccines During Pregnancy
Can You Dye Your Hair While Pregnant? Here’s What You Need to Know
Third Trimester Birth Plan
Many expectant parents also find it helpful to create a birth plan. The plan can lay out important details such as who you’d like to be present at the birth, items that will help you stay comfortable during labor (such as clothing or music), and your wishes for pain relief. You should also discuss your plan with your healthcare provider and learn the policies and procedures of the site or setting where you’ll give birth to ask questions and ensure it aligns with your needs.
Although making a birth plan allows you some control over the experience, it’s important to remember that things don’t always go as planned when giving birth. Consider adding a section to your birth plan on your wishes if complications cause you to deviate from your original plan. Preparing in advance can help you remain calm if anything unexpected occurs.
In the United States, most babies are born between the 39th and 40th weeks of pregnancy. In 2021 (the most recent year statistics are available), percentages of babies born at the following weeks of pregnancy were:55.9% at 39 to 40 weeks28.76% at 37 to 38 weeks7.67% at 34 to 36 weeks4.61 % at 41 weeks2.81% at less than 34 weeks
In the United States, most babies are born between the 39th and 40th weeks of pregnancy. In 2021 (the most recent year statistics are available), percentages of babies born at the following weeks of pregnancy were:
Waiting Out Third Trimester Until Delivery
As your delivery date approaches, you may be on an emotional roller coaster, with feelings that might include being eager, anxious, overwhelmed, or stressed. These feelings are normal; you shouldn’t feel guilty or sad about having them. Taking care of yourself,eating well,getting enough sleep, and reaching out to family and friends when you need support are important.
If you are an expectant parent andanxietyordepressionaffects your daily life, or if you are experiencingpanic attacks,mood swings, or overwhelming thoughts, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
It can also be helpful to talk with other parents and to keep yourself busy. Consider making checklists to ensure you have everything you’ll need for the hospital (if that’s where you’re delivering), such as pajamas, slippers, and maxi pads.
Summary
12 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.How your fetus grows during pregnancy.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.The third trimester.
March of Dimes.Contractions and signs of labor.
Unicef.Your third trimester guide.
Stanford Medicine.The third trimester.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Vaccines and pregnancy: 8 things you need to know.
American Pregnancy Association.Creating your birth plan.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center of Health Statistics.Birth data.
American Pregnancy Association.Pregnancy emotions.
Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.Feelings, relationships, and pregnancy.
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