Third trimester guide: what happens in the home stretch and how to prepare

The third trimester starts at week 28 and lasts until birth. Your baby gains weight quickly and, as your body tires, you move closer to labour. Feeling both excited and impatient at this stage is very common.

How does your baby develop in the last months?

• In weeks 28–32, the eyes open and close, the brain keeps developing and your baby responds to light and sound.
• In weeks 32–36, body fat increases and your baby gains weight steadily; most babies begin to turn head down around now.
• After week 36, the lungs and other organs become more ready for birth.
• From week 37, the pregnancy is called early term; full term is reached in weeks 39–40.

Your baby's position and size are checked at your appointments. Your doctor or midwife usually checks the position around week 36.

What happens in your body?

• Shortness of breath and heartburn: The growing womb pushes the diaphragm and stomach upwards. Small meals and sitting upright can help.
• Back, hip and groin aches.
• Swollen feet and ankles: Mild swelling at the end of the day is common.
• Needing to urinate often and trouble sleeping.
• Braxton Hicks (practice) contractions: Irregular tightenings that are usually painless. The contraction timer in the app makes it easier to see whether they are becoming regular.
• Baby settling lower: Especially in a first pregnancy, breathing may get easier in the last weeks, while trips to the toilet increase.
• Emotional ups and downs: Curiosity or fear about birth, or a strong urge to prepare, can all appear.

Check-ups and tests

According to the Turkish Ministry of Health guideline, the 3rd antenatal visit takes place between weeks 28 and 32 and the 4th between weeks 36 and 38; in higher-risk pregnancies there may be more visits. These appointments review growth, blood pressure, blood values and, where relevant, Rh precautions. A screening for group B streptococcus (GBS) may come up around weeks 35–37. The way of giving birth, signs of labour and when to go to the hospital are discussed after week 36. Your doctor may suggest extra monitoring in some pregnancies.

What can you do?

• Start writing your birth plan and talk through your wishes with your doctor or midwife. The birth plan section in the app can give you ideas.
• Pack your hospital bag at around weeks 32–36. The hospital bag list in the app can serve as a checklist.
• There is still time for a birth class, breathing and relaxation practice and Kegel exercises.
• Work out the route to the hospital, your transport plan and who can help.
• Watch your baby's movements every day to learn what is usual for your baby.
• Lie on your side, raise your legs and take short rests through the day.
• Arrange support for the time after birth, such as meals, laundry and visitors.

When to contact your doctor

• Fluid leaking, or a suspicion of it
• Vaginal bleeding
• Regular contractions that grow closer together and stronger; if before week 37, call straight away
• A clear drop in your baby's movements, or no movements at all
• Sudden swelling of the face and hands, a severe headache, blurred vision or seeing sparks, pain in the upper belly
• Intense itching of the palms and soles
• Fever or burning when passing urine

In an emergency, or if you are very worried, call 112 or go to the nearest healthcare facility. When in doubt, asking is always the right decision.

A short note on the final weeks

Waiting can be tiring. The due date is an estimate, and most babies arrive before or after it. Be kind to yourself, rest, and lean on the support around you.

This article is for information only; your doctor's or midwife's advice for your own situation comes first.