Trimester 3
The third trimester is week 28 through labor. Around week 37, your baby will descend into a head-down position in preparation for birth.
During the final appointments, your provider will give you labor instructions, assess maternal and fetal health, and issue rhogam injections (if you are Rh-negative). This is also when you may tour and register for the hospital and find a physician for your baby.
By the end of your pregnancy, Clinic Sofia you will fully understand each step of the process and feel ready to give birth. We make sure that the physician who delivers your baby is one that you are comfortable with and who has been with you during the majority of your appointments so that they are specialized in your individual pregnancy.
Weeks 28-31
With the growing baby, you may feel discomfort in your pelvis and abdomen and notice swelling, difficulty sleeping or shortness of breath. Some women start to experience Braxton Hicks contractions during this time. By the end of the 35th week, the baby weighs about 3.5 pounds. It can hear and distinguish sounds like familiar voices and music.
During the start of trimester 3, you will select a pediatrician, register at the hospital, attend prenatal classes, tour the hospital, and start kick counts.
Weeks 32-35
By now your navel is may be protruding. You’ll start seeing your caregiver more often as your due date nears. Most of the baby’s internal systems are well developed. The lungs and brains are rapidly developing now. Your baby is continually gaining fat to help it keep warm outside of the womb.
Weeks 36-38
You’re in the final stretch of pregnancy and should be seeing your caregiver weekly. You may not be gaining more weight, but you might feel more uncomfortable. The baby, now fully developed, is ready to be born. It may drop lower in your abdomen and it will usually assume a head-down position in the pelvis. You can talk about your birth plan, signs of labor, and other preparations with your caregiver.
Week 39 and Beyond
You are now in the final stage of your pregnancy. Only 5% of babies are born on their exact due date, so the passing due date is usually not a cause for concern. You may be feeling quite uncomfortable and clumsy due to the shift in your center of gravity. By now, your baby’s reflexes are coordinated enough that it can blink, grasp firmly and respond to sounds, light and touch. Soon, you will meet your baby face-to-face.
For full information, please see the Pregnancy Information Packet (PDF).
