Third Trimester
The final stretch. Nesting kicks in, the hospital bag gets packed, and baby’s arrival becomes very, very real. Everything you need to prepare - clearly laid out.
The third trimester is the most physically demanding and emotionally intense part of pregnancy. You’re enormous, sleeping badly, and thinking about little else but the birth. Everything on this page is designed to help you feel genuinely prepared - not just reassured. There’s a difference.
The complete hospital bag checklist
Pack your bag by week 36. Labour can start earlier than expected, and an unpacked bag the night before is more stressful than it needs to be. The checklist covers what you need (not what Instagram suggests you need), what your partner should bring, and what to pack for baby.
Key things first-timers forget: phone charger and a long cable, snacks for your partner, flip flops for the shower, and a going-home outfit for baby that’s actually warm enough.
Get the full checklist →What to expect physically in weeks 27-40
The discomforts that are completely normal
Back pain and pelvic girdle pain (PGP) are extremely common. PGP affects around 1 in 5 pregnant women and can range from mild to debilitating. A physiotherapist can help significantly - ask your midwife for a referral early.
Heartburn intensifies as baby pushes against your stomach. Sleep propped up, eat smaller meals, and avoid lying down after eating. If it’s severe, your midwife can prescribe antacids safe in pregnancy.
Swelling in feet and ankles is normal, especially in heat. Sudden, rapid swelling in hands, face, or feet - especially with headaches or visual changes - needs same-day medical attention (pre-eclampsia sign).
Braxton Hicks contractions increase in frequency and intensity. They’re irregular, don’t get progressively stronger, and ease with movement or position change. Real labour contractions are regular, intensify over time, and don’t stop.
- Sudden severe headache or visual disturbance
- Rapid swelling of face, hands, or feet
- Reduced or absent fetal movements - always call, don’t wait
- Heavy bleeding at any point
- Gush of fluid before 37 weeks (possible preterm labour)
- Pain that doesn’t ease
There is no “slowing down near the end” - that’s a myth. Call your maternity unit any time you’re worried about movements. They will not think you’re overreacting.
Writing a birth plan that actually works
A birth plan isn’t a contract - it’s a communication tool. Keep it short, flexible, and focused on your real priorities.
What to include
The most useful birth plans cover: where you want to give birth, who you want present, your feelings about pain relief (keeping it open is fine - you can always want more or less), preferences around intervention, skin-to-skin immediately after, cord cutting, vitamin K, and feeding intention.
What not to do
Don’t write a multi-page document. Midwives and doctors often have minutes to read it. One A4 page is ideal. Use bullet points. The most effective birth plans communicate your values and preferences clearly, not a rigid script.
Build in flexibility: “I’d prefer X, but I understand if Y is needed for safety” is honest and useful. Labour rarely goes exactly as planned - that’s not failure.
How to know when labour is starting
Early signs (can be days before active labour)
The show - a mucus plug, sometimes blood-tinged, as the cervix starts to efface. Labour may start within hours or days.
Nesting instinct intensifies. You may find yourself wanting to clean and organise everything at 3am. Normal.
Loose stools - the body’s way of clearing out before labour. Common in the 24-48 hours before.
Waters breaking - can be a dramatic gush or a slow trickle. If you think your waters have broken, call your maternity unit immediately regardless of whether contractions have started.
When to go to hospital or call your midwife
Contractions that are regular, lasting 45-60 seconds, and coming every 3-5 minutes for first babies (sooner for subsequent pregnancies).
Any time you’re worried - call. The midwives would rather hear from you.
Everything you need before baby arrives
Hospital Bag Checklist
Everything to pack - for you, your partner, and baby - with a downloadable checklist.
Read →
Writing Your Birth Plan
What to include, what to leave flexible, and how to communicate it effectively.
Read →
Braxton Hicks vs Real Contractions
How to tell them apart and when to call your midwife or head to hospital.
Read →
The Nesting Instinct
How to channel it productively - nursery prep and what to do before baby arrives.
Read →
Group B Strep
What GBS is, testing options, and what it means for your birth plan.
Read →Going Overdue
What happens when your due date passes, induction options, and how to stay sane in the wait.
Read →Travelling in the third trimester
Travel gets more restricted as your due date nears. Plan carefully, and stay closer to home in the final weeks.
Most airlines need a letter from your midwife or doctor confirming your due date after about 28 weeks, and many will not let you fly after 36 to 37 weeks (sooner for twins). Check the exact policy for your airline well before you travel.
Long journeys raise the risk of blood clots, so move every hour, keep hydrated, and wear compression socks. Break up long car trips with regular stops.
In the last few weeks it is wise to stay near your hospital. If you do travel, carry your maternity notes and know where the nearest maternity unit is.
- After 28 weeks: carry a midwife’s or doctor’s letter
- Many airlines stop flights after 36 to 37 weeks
- Move hourly, hydrate, wear compression socks
- Stay close to home near your due date
- Always carry your maternity notes
Ready to learn about labour & birth?
Pain relief, birth options, what happens in the room - everything explained clearly, without fear-mongering.
Labour & birth guide →Medical disclaimer: The content on this website is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your doctor, midwife, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website.