**Congratulations! You’re in your third trimester.**
This is an exciting time as you prepare for the arrival of your little one. But it can also be a time of anxiety and uncertainty. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to everything you need to know about the third trimester.
**What to Expect**
The third trimester begins at week 28 and ends at week 40. During this time, you’ll experience a number of changes in your body and your baby.
**Your Body**
* **Your belly will continue to grow.** By the end of the third trimester, you’ll be carrying around an extra 25-35 pounds..
* **Your breasts will continue to produce milk.** You may start leaking colostrum, a clear or yellowish fluid that is the precursor to breast milk..
* **Your skin will stretch.** This can cause itching and dryness..
* **Your hair and nails may grow faster.** This is due to the increased levels of hormones in your body..
* **You may experience heartburn, constipation, and hemorrhoids.** These are all common pregnancy symptoms..
* **You may have trouble sleeping.** This is due to the increased size of your belly and the frequent need to urinate..
* **You may experience mood swings.** This is also due to the hormonal changes in your body..
**Your Baby**.
* **Your baby will continue to grow and develop.** By the end of the third trimester, your baby will be about 19 inches long and weigh about 7 pounds..
* **Your baby’s lungs will continue to mature.** Your baby will be able to breathe on its own after birth..
* **Your baby’s brain will continue to develop.** Your baby will be able to learn and remember things after birth..
* **Your baby will start to practice breathing and sucking.** This is in preparation for life after birth..
**What to Do**.
* **See your doctor regularly.** Your doctor will monitor your health and your baby’s growth..
* **Take prenatal vitamins.** Prenatal vitamins help ensure that you and your baby are getting the nutrients you need..
* **Eat a healthy diet.** Eating a healthy diet will help you stay healthy and provide your baby with the nutrients it needs..
* **Get regular exercise.** Exercise will help you stay healthy and reduce your risk of pregnancy complications..
* **Get enough sleep.** Sleep is important for your health and your baby’s development..
* **Manage stress.** Stress can have a negative impact on your health and your baby’s development. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as yoga, meditation, or spending time in nature..
**When to Call Your Doctor**.
Call your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:.
* **Vaginal bleeding**.
* **Abdominal pain**.
* **Headache**.
* **Blurred vision**.
* **Swelling in your hands, feet, or face**.
* **Decreased fetal movement**.
These symptoms could be a sign of a serious pregnancy complication..
**The third trimester can be a challenging time, but it’s also an exciting time. By following these tips, you can help ensure that you and your baby have a healthy pregnancy and delivery..
