
What Happens in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy?
You’re in the final stretch of your pregnancy—the third trimester! From week 27 until birth, your body is working hard to accommodate your baby’s rapid growth and prepare for labor. This phase can bring a mix of excitement, discomfort, and anticipation as you get closer to meeting your baby. While 40 weeks is the average due date, it’s completely normal for babies to arrive a little earlier or later.
At this stage, it’s important to take things one day at a time and make sure you have the support and care you need. Here’s what you can expect during these final weeks of pregnancy.
Changes in Your Body
Your body is doing incredible work to sustain your baby’s development, and as a result, you may experience some physical changes, including:
- Increased fatigue: Your body is carrying extra weight, which can make simple tasks feel exhausting.
- Shortness of breath: As your baby grows, they press against your lungs, making it harder to take deep breaths.
- Frequent trips to the bathroom: Your baby’s position puts extra pressure on your bladder.
- Swelling in your feet and ankles: This happens as your body retains more fluid, but if swelling becomes severe, it’s important to check with your doctor.
- Braxton Hicks contractions: These “practice” contractions help your body get ready for labor but don’t lead to actual birth.
If you experience severe pain, sudden swelling, or changes in your baby’s movement, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Prenatal Check-Ups: What Tests to Expect
Regular doctor visits are essential to ensure both you and your baby remain healthy. Your provider will monitor for any complications, such as preeclampsia (high blood pressure), gestational diabetes, or concerns about your due date.
Some common third-trimester tests include:
- Biophysical Profile: An ultrasound that checks your baby’s movement, breathing, and amniotic fluid levels.
- Group B Strep Test: A routine test to check for bacteria that could affect your baby during delivery.
- Non-Stress Test: If you have a high-risk pregnancy (such as high blood pressure or gestational diabetes), this test monitors your baby’s heart rate and movement.
If you don’t have health insurance, you may be wondering how to access these medical services. At Centro Tepeyac, we can help you apply for health insurance so you can receive the prenatal care you need. Click here to schedule an appointment or call at 301-587-9516.
One of the mothers who came to us was in an incredibly difficult situation. She had become pregnant after experiencing sexual assault and was already in her third trimester when she found out she had no health insurance. On top of that, doctors discovered that her baby had a tumor on her forehead, requiring urgent medical attention. She wanted to carry her baby to term, but she felt overwhelmed and alone.
With our help, she was able to get the medical care she and her baby needed. Doctors guided her through the steps to ensure a safe delivery, and after birth, the baby received the necessary treatment. Today, both mother and baby are doing well. Her personal situation has also improved, and she has been able to move forward with hope.
Sometimes, life feels like too much to handle. The storms come, the waves crash against your ship with force, and you feel like you’re struggling to stay afloat. But storms don’t last forever. With courage and the right support, you can get through this. At Centro Tepeyac, we don’t just offer medical assistance—we provide counseling and emotional support to help you through the toughest moments.
If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy and don’t know where to turn, you are not alone. We are here to walk with you, offering a safe place where you can find the support you need.
Baby’s Final Development Milestones
Your baby is going through their final stages of growth, getting ready to meet you! Some important milestones include:
- Lung development: Around week 32, your baby’s lungs begin producing surfactant, a substance that helps them breathe after birth.
- Opening their eyes: Your baby’s eyelids, which were closed for most of the pregnancy, now open and blink.
- Turning head-down: Most babies move into a head-down position in preparation for birth.
- Nail growth: By the end of the trimester, your baby’s tiny fingernails and toenails are fully formed.
Every week brings your baby closer to being ready for the outside world, and your body is naturally preparing for labor.
Preparing for Birth
As your due date approaches, you might be feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. That’s completely normal! It’s helpful to:
- Pack a hospital bag with essentials like comfortable clothes, baby items, and important documents.
- Learn the signs of labor, including consistent contractions, water breaking, and lower back pain. Click here to download a great app for tracking your contractions.
- Talk to your doctor about birth preferences, such as pain management options.
- Make a plan for your support system, whether it’s family, friends, or a trusted mentor.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you don’t have to go through this alone. Centro Tepeyac is here to help you navigate this final stage of pregnancy. Whether you have questions about labor, need emotional support, or want guidance on next steps, we provide a safe and confidential space where you can get the support you need.
You’re Almost There!
The third trimester is a time of waiting, preparing, and adjusting to the reality that your baby will soon be in your arms. Whether you feel excited, anxious, or unsure about what’s next, know that you are not alone. You deserve care, support, and resources to help you through this journey.
If you have questions or need assistance, Centro Tepeyac is here for you. We can help with pregnancy confirmation, health insurance applications, and emotional support—all at no cost to you.
No matter what, you are strong, and you don’t have to do this alone.