👶 Third Trimester (Weeks 27-40+)

ELI5: The Final Countdown

Your baby is now basically fully formed and just getting bigger and stronger! It's like they're doing final practice runs for life outside the womb - breathing, sleeping, and even hiccupping!

👶 What's Going On With Baby?

• Weeks 27-30: Brain development speeds up, baby responds to sounds, may dream!
• Weeks 31-34: Lungs nearly mature, gains weight rapidly, practice breathing
• Weeks 35-37: Considered "early term" - almost ready!
• Weeks 38-40: Full term! Baby should be head-down, ready to arrive

😓 Common Symptoms

The home stretch can be challenging:

• Shortness of breath: Baby pressing on your diaphragm
• Heartburn: Baby pressing on stomach
• Swelling: Feet, ankles, hands - elevate when possible
• Hemorrhoids: Common - use stool softeners
• Back pain: Extra weight and loosened ligaments
• Braxton Hicks: "Practice" contractions - usually irregular
• Sleep struggles: Hard to get comfortable!
• Anxiety: Mixed emotions about labor and parenthood

🛒 Getting Ready

• Pack hospital bag: Aim to have it ready by week 36
• Install car seat: Must be properly installed before baby arrives!
• Set up nursery: Crib, changing table, supplies
• Take childbirth classes: Many hospitals offer these
• Create birth plan: Preferences for labor and delivery
• Stock up: Essentials for after baby arrives

🚑 When to Call Your Doctor

🩺 Weekly Visits

From week 36 onward, you'll likely see your provider weekly:

• Blood pressure checks
• Weight monitoring
• Urine tests
• Fundal height measurement
• Group B strep test (weeks 36-37)
• Cervical checks (optional - not always done)

🎯 Signs of Labor

• Water breaking: Could be a gush or trickle
• Regular contractions: Getting stronger, more frequent, don't stop
• Bloody show: Mucus plug dislodging (can happen days before labor)
• Nesting instinct: Sudden burst of energy!