Welcome to the home straight! The third trimester begins at 28 weeks, and for many parents it's a mixture of excitement, impatience and, let's be honest, a fair bit of discomfort too.
Your baby is growing quickly now, so you might notice stronger kicks and rolls, more pressure in your pelvis, and plenty more trips to the toilet. Heartburn, breathlessness and disturbed sleep are all very common at this stage, so don't be surprised if getting comfortable becomes a bit of a challenge. This is usually the time when everything starts to feel a little more real. You might be packing your hospital bag, washing tiny baby clothes, installing the car seat and thinking more about your birth preferences. It's exciting - but it's completely normal if you're feeling a little nervous too.
You'll also be seeing your midwife more often during the third trimester, usually every 2-3 weeks at first, and then weekly as you get closer to your due date. These appointments are a great opportunity to ask questions, talk through any worries and make sure both you and your baby are doing well. Always let your midwife or maternity unit know if you notice a change in your baby's movements or anything else that doesn't feel quite right.
