Updated by the Progyny Editorial Team. Reviewed by the Progyny Clinical Team — February 2026
The third trimester begins at 28 weeks. This is the final stage of pregnancy, and your baby will grow quickly in the weeks ahead!
As your due date gets closer, you may feel excited, nervous, overwhelmed, or very tired. Many people experience several emotions at once.
What to expect physically
During the third trimester, your baby gains weight rapidly, often about half a pound per week. As your baby grows, your body works harder to support that growth. You may notice:
- Increased fatigue
- Back, hip, or pelvic pain
- Heartburn or indigestion
- Swelling in your feet and ankles
- Shortness of breath
- Trouble sleeping
Some health conditions are more likely during this stage. One is preeclampsia, a condition that causes high blood pressure during pregnancy and can affect your organs. It can develop quickly, so contact your healthcare provider right away if you experience:
- A severe or ongoing headache
- Vision changes, such as blurriness, seeing spots, or seeing flashes of light
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Pain in the upper right side of your abdomen
- A sudden feeling that something isn’t right
You may also begin to feel Braxton Hicks contractions, sometimes called practice contractions. These are usually mild and irregular. If contractions become regular, more intense, or painful, it could be a sign of labor. Call your provider if you notice:
- Regular or painful contractions
- Vaginal bleeding
- Fluid leaking from your vagina
Monitoring your baby’s movements
Your baby’s movements may feel stronger and more noticeable during the third trimester. As your baby grows and space becomes tighter, the type or intensity of movement may change, but you should still feel regular movement each day.
If you notice that your baby is moving less than usual, contact your provider. Trust your instincts. If something feels different, it is always okay to check in.
What to expect emotionally
It’s normal to feel anxious about labor, caring for a newborn, or how your family may change. Prenatal screenings can also cause stress. These tests check for gestational diabetes, anemia, high blood pressure, and Group B strep (a common type of bacteria some people carry).
Mood changes are common. However, if you feel persistently sad, anxious, hopeless, or overwhelmed, talk with your provider.
About 1 in 5 people experience depression or anxiety during pregnancy or after birth. Support and treatment are available. Reaching out is an important step for you and your baby.
Prenatal care
Prenatal care visits typically happen every 3 to 4 weeks, and then every 1 to 2 weeks during the last month. During these visits, you can expect:
- Blood pressure checks to screen for high blood pressure disorders, including preeclampsia
- Testing for gestational diabetes and anemia
- A Tdap vaccine around 28 weeks to help your body make antibodies that protect your newborn from pertussis and tetanus
- Rhogam around 28 weeks if you are Rh-negative
- Group B strep testing at 35 to 36 weeks to determine if antibiotics are needed during labor
- Checking if the baby’s head is down for a vaginal delivery, which can help guide planning for birth
Preparing for labor
As your due date gets closer, your provider will review the signs of labor with you. They’ll also go over when to call them and when to go to the hospital. You may also discuss your birth preferences and what to expect during delivery.
In the final weeks, you may notice more pelvic pressure, more frequent contractions, or changes in vaginal discharge. These can be signs that your body is preparing for labor.
Keep attending your prenatal appointments and ask questions about anything that feels unclear or concerning. Your care team will guide you as your baby’s arrival gets closer.
Progyny is here for you. Please contact your Progyny Care Advocate for support.
Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance.