Third trimester
11-minute read
Key facts
- Now that you’re at week 27 of your pregnancy, you're in the third and final trimester.
- As your pregnancy gets closer to the end, you might see that your skin and ligaments continue to stretch, you get tired easily and sleeping can become harder.
- Although it's common to feel excited and positive in the third trimester, 1 in 5 people will experience antenatal anxiety or depression.
- During the third trimester, you will have regular antenatal check-ups about every 4 weeks until 36 weeks, then every 2 weeks after that.
- To give your baby a healthy start, it's important to eat healthy foods and stay active during pregnancy.
What is the third trimester?
Pregnancy is divided into 3 stages — the first, second and third trimesters. Each stage lasts 3 months. When you reach week 27, you're in the third and final trimester. While this trimester could end at week 40, in reality it ends whenever your baby is born.
A baby born in weeks 37 to 42 of pregnancy is considered to be full-term'. Babies born before week 37 are considered premature.
If your baby has not been born by week 42, your doctor or midwife may recommend induction of labour to reduce the chance of complications.
What happens to my body in the third trimester?
As you get closer to your baby's birth, here are some things you may notice:
- Your skin and ligaments continue to stretch to make room for your growing baby.
- You get tired more easily, and sleeping becomes more difficult.
- You might get heartburn or feel short of breath as your baby grows larger and puts more pressure on your lungs and other organs.
These are all normal during pregnancy, but there are things you can do to feel better. Talk to your midwife or doctor for suggestions, especially if you’re in pain.
You may also experience Braxton-Hicks contractions. These are a tightening of the muscles in the uterus that last around 30 seconds. They happen at different times and are not painful but may be uncomfortable. They are not labour contractions and do not mean that labour has started.
If this is your first baby, you may notice around 36 weeks that your baby has moved lower into your pelvis. This is often called the baby ‘engaging' or ‘dropping' in the pelvis. You may notice more room near your ribs, which makes it easier to breath. But this adds more pressure on your bladder (meaning more trips to the toilet).
In the last few weeks of this trimester, your body will begin getting ready for labour. Your cervix will start to soften, and you may notice the mucous plug come out.
Your mucous plug blocks the opening of your cervix during pregnancy. Sometimes the mucous plug has blood in it. This is an early sign that labour is about to start.
What happens to my emotions in the third trimester?
During this last stage of pregnancy, you may be worried or anxious about labour and birth, or about how you will manage as a parent.
It can be hard to get comfortable in bed, and you might need to go to the bathroom more often. This can mean poor sleep, which can make you feel cranky and sad.
While it's common to see the third trimester as an exciting time and feel positive about the next stage, 1 in 5 people will experience antenatal anxiety or depression. Seek help early if you (or your partner) feel this way.
What happens to my baby in the third trimester?
By week 31, your baby's lungs are more developed, but they would probably need help to breathe if they were born now.
By week 36, your baby's head may start to engage or sit lower into your pelvis, getting ready for labour. Around 1 in 25 of all babies will be in the breech position (bottom first), instead of the usual head-down position when labour begins.
If your baby is breech, your midwife or doctor will talk to you about what that means for your labour. They will tell you what your choices you have and how your baby might be born.
By 40 weeks, your baby is now ready to be born.
What can I expect during antenatal visits in the third trimester?
During the third trimester, you will have more frequent antenatal check-ups. You will see your midwife or doctor about every 4 weeks until 36 weeks. After that, you will go every 2 weeks. Your midwife or doctor will help you plan your appointments. If you are using midwife continuity of care, you should see the same midwife or team of midwives every time.
You may also have:
- blood tests to check for anaemia
- blood test to check for gestational diabetes
- a test for group B strep (streptococcal)
You may also be offered vaccinations for:
- flu (influenza) — at any time
- whooping cough (pertussis) — after 20 weeks of pregnancy
- RSV — between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy
How can I stay healthy through the third trimester?
To give your baby a healthy start, it's important to eat healthy foods during your pregnancy. Make sure your diet includes a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as sources of:
- protein
- iron
- calcium
Don't forget to drink plenty of water too.
Weight gain is a normal part of pregnancy. Most people can expect to gain between 11 and 16kg.
A pregnancy weight gain calculator can be a handy tool to track your weight gain through the third trimester.
Try to stay active throughout pregnancy in your third trimester. While it's important to stick with safe, gentle exercise as you get closer to your due date, it's a good idea to continue to participate in regular exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle.
When should I seek medical help?
Contact your midwife, doctor or hospital immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- vaginal bleeding or constant, clear watery vaginal discharge
- severe nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain
- sudden blurry vision or a severe headache
- sudden swelling of the face, fingers or ankles
- fever
- regular, painful contractions before 37 weeks of pregnancy
- a change in your baby's movements
Every baby is unique, it is important for you to get to know your baby’s individual movement pattern. At any point, if you are concerned about your baby's movement pattern or notice a decrease in their movements, contact your midwife or doctor immediately. Do not wait until the next day. If you are not able to reach you maternity care provider, please attend your nearest hospital birthing or emergency unit.
What are signs of labour?
Every labour is different and can start in different ways. Here are some signs you may notice:
- Your waters break.
- You are having regular, painful contractions.
- You may have nausea, vomiting, soft stools or diarrhoea.
- Your mucous plug may come away.
- You may have a bloody show.
If you think your labour has started, call your hospital, midwife or doctor to let them know.
What else should I consider in the third trimester?
As you enter the third trimester it's a good idea to:
- Arrange to go to antenatal classes
- Pack a hospital bag.
- Book a hospital/birthing centre tour.
- Arrange a properly fitted car seat to bring your baby home.
- Consider what you will need when you bring your baby home what will you buy and what you can borrow from family or friends.
- If you have other children (or pets), plan for their care while you are in hospital.
- Consider shopping ahead especially for non-perishable staples (such as tinned food and bathroom products).
- Consider cooking double portions through your third trimester and loading your freezer for when things get busy after your baby is born.
Resources and support
Follow your pregnancy week-by-week to find out how your baby is growing and what is happening to your body.
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) has factsheets and resources such as common questions in pregnancy.
Read NSW Health's publication Having a baby.
Look at pregnancy factsheets on the Royal Women’s Hospital website
Queensland Government also have an online resource What to expect during pregnancy.
Speak to a maternal child health nurse
Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: May 2025
