The final 12 weeks of a full-term pregnancy is known as the third trimester and it is a wonderful time of anticipation and preparation. This stage is filled with excitement as you get ready to welcome your little one, but it can also bring changes that challenge both your body and mind. Many parents experience a natural instinct to nest, to create a warm and loving space for their baby. It is a time to listen to your body, cherish the moments, and embrace the journey with care and gentleness.
During this stage the size and position of the unborn baby in the uterus can make it hard for you to get comfortable. You may be tired of pregnancy and eager to move on to the next stage. You might also feel let down if you don’t give birth by your due date.
Some women breeze through the third trimester with ease, but for others (myself included), this phase can be quite challenging. I experienced intense backache and could barely waddle to the bathroom in time – sometimes, I didn’t make it! The occasional “leak” when laughing or even sneezing was more than a little embarrassing. My ankles swelled, and my forgetfulness was next level – I could never find my phone or keys!
Before I continue, I want to reassure you that all of this is temporary. And without sounding too sentimental, bringing a baby into the world and guiding this little human through life is an experience beyond words. The love and connection grow over time, and with it comes a newfound clarity – one that helps you understand your purpose in a way you never could before. Parenthood has a way of revealing the deeper meaning of your existence, and that journey is something truly special.
These are my top tips for managing this stage:
Physical Tips:
- Sit with good posture and choose chairs with back support. When standing, rest one foot on a box to ease back strain.
- Use a heating pad or cold pack for back pain.
- Keep up light exercise, like walking, swimming, or attending a special stretch class or yoga for pregnant women.
- Wear shoes with good arch support—avoid flats or high heels.
- Rest on your side to ease discomfort (place a cushion between your knees for comfort)
- If your ankles swell, prop them up to reduce the swelling.
- To ease heartburn, eat smaller meals, avoid spicy and fried foods, and drink water between meals.
- To ease constipation, stay hydrated, walk regularly, and eat fiber-rich foods like fruits, veggies, and whole grains.
- For frequent urination, do Kegel exercises to strengthen your muscles.
Emotional Tips:
The third trimester can be stressful with fears about childbirth and parenthood. To reduce stress try these top tips.
- Make time for activities that relax you, going for a gentle walk, listening to music, or taking a bath.
- Keep a planner or use a note-taking app to stay organised. It is also helpful to set alarms and reminders for important tasks.
- Take pictures of key items (like your parked car or misplaced keys) for quick reference.
- Engage in brain-boosting activities, like puzzles or crosswords.
Remember this “pregnancy brain” or “momnesia” is temporary and it will lift!
Environmental Tips:
Preparing your home can help calm anxiety:
- Decide where you will feed your baby – ensure that it is a quiet and comfortable place. Spend time and effort on selecting the correcting feeding chair for you and your newborn.
- Decide where your baby will sleep, and make sure the area is calm and quiet. Use soft colours and block-out curtains to create a peaceful environment. Remember, your baby is moving from the womb to the outside world, so try to make the transition as gentle as possible by creating a soothing, womb-like space at home.
- Get a car seat ready to bring your baby home.
- Stock up on baby essentials like clothes, nappies, receiving blankets and a baby bag.
As your due date approaches, keep asking questions to feel more prepared. Knowing what to expect will help you feel more confident during this exciting time!
All the best 🩷