Back to Articles

3rd trimester pregnancy: What to expect

The final 12 weeks of a full-term pregnancy are known as the third trimester of pregnancy. The third trimester can be full of excitement. It also may challenge your body and mind.

The size and position of the unborn baby, also called a fetus, in the uterus might make it hard for you to get comfortable. You may be tired of pregnancy and eager to move on to the next stage. And you might feel let down if you don’t give birth by your due date.

Try to stay upbeat as you look forward to the end of your pregnancy and the birth of your baby. Here’s what to expect as you wait.

As your pregnancy progresses, the baby’s movements likely will become easier to feel. These movements often happen along with more discomfort and other symptoms, including:

The third trimester can be stressful. You may have fears about giving birth or becoming a parent. And there’s lots to do to get ready for your baby. To ease stress, try to find some time to relax. Ideas that may help include:

You also can ease stress and gain a sense of control by making some key choices, such as:

Fears about childbirth may become more frequent during the third trimester of pregnancy. How much will it hurt? How long will it last? How will I cope? If you haven’t done so already, think about taking childbirth classes. You learn what to expect in these classes. You also meet others who share your excitement and concerns. Talk with others who’ve had positive birth experiences. And ask your healthcare professional about the choices for pain relief during labor and delivery.

The reality of parenthood may start to sink in as well. You might feel anxious, especially if this is your first baby.

Talk with your healthcare professional if you have lots of anxiety or if you have more anxious feelings than upbeat ones. Your healthcare professional may suggest talk therapy or medicine to help you manage your anxiety.

During the third trimester, your healthcare professional may ask you to come in more often for checkups.

During those checkups, your healthcare professional checks your weight and blood pressure and asks about any symptoms you’re having. If you don’t have certain high-risk conditions, some of your checkups may be online. Online checkups also are known as telehealth visits or virtual visits. If you and your healthcare professional choose to have online visits, ask if there are tools you should have at home, such as a blood pressure monitor. To make the most of online visits, write a list of questions ahead of time and take detailed notes.

If you haven’t yet received a COVID-19 vaccine, get vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccines don’t cause infection with the COVID-19 virus. The vaccines are safe and effective for pregnant people and their babies. The vaccines don’t pose any serious risks for pregnant people or their babies. Vaccination can help pregnant people build proteins called antibodies that protect their babies. If possible, people who live with you also should get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Get one dose of tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine during each pregnancy. It’s ideal to get the Tdap vaccine during the third trimester, between weeks 27 and 36 of pregnancy. This can help protect your baby from whooping cough before your baby can be vaccinated. This vaccine is recommended in every pregnancy, even if you are up to date on the vaccination from before your pregnancy.

Talk with your healthcare professional about getting vaccinated against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. RSV causes infections of the lungs and other organs needed for breathing. RSV infection can be life-threatening for babies. Getting the RSV vaccine during pregnancy can help protect you and your baby. In the United States, you can get vaccinated once between 32 weeks through 36 weeks of pregnancy during September through January.

You’ll also need screening tests for various health conditions, including:

Your healthcare professional also checks the baby’s size and heart rate. Near the end of your pregnancy, your healthcare professional checks the baby’s position and asks about the baby’s movements. Your healthcare professional also may ask about your preferences regarding labor and pain management as you get ready for delivery.

If you have specific wishes for labor and birth, put your wishes in a birth plan. For example, if you want to labor in a tub of water or if you don’t want to take pain medicine, note that in your plan. Review the plan with your healthcare professional. But keep in mind that health concerns during pregnancy could cause plans to change.

As your due date gets closer, keep asking questions. Knowing what to expect can help you have a better experience when you give birth.

© 1998-2024 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved.

We Make Health Possible

As East Central Indiana’s population grows, we’re putting health care where people need it most. Besides Hancock Regional Hospital, ranked as one of the nation’s safest by the Lown Hospital Index, our network includes more than 30 other locations near your home or work.

Learn More about Hancock