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.
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:
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:
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:
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.
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 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:
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.