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You are finally on the home stretch! Can I get a WOO HOO?!?! In no time at all, you will have your tiny baby in your arms breathing in that new baby smell. Before you get to that bit, however, you’ll have some third-trimester symptoms and feel like you can literally see your belly growing.
Don’t worry, it’s not all doom and gloom. The third trimester symptoms are only one part of the finale of your journey. Why not grab your Third Trimester cheatsheet to make sure you’ve done everything you need to! There is also an exclusive bonus that will help you into motherhood and beyond. It’s free to download, just click the button below.
Let’s get these Third Trimester Symptoms Going, shall we?
28 Weeks- Kabocha Squash
At 28 weeks, your baby could weigh approximately 2.5lbs! Although it probably feels like much more right now. They can open their eyes as well as blink. I am going to put this bluntly. This is probably the most comfortable you are going to be for the rest of your third trimester if you don’t have a pregnancy pillow, now is the time to get one. Sorry, but that growing bubba of yours is going to be getting rather heavy in the next few weeks.
29 Weeks- Butternut Squash
If you could see your baby now he may look a little wrinkly, that’s ok though! As the week’s progress he will pile on the fat ready for birth. You may start getting Braxton hicks around this time. They are practice contractions, remember, if they don’t follow a set pattern it probably isn’t time to go to the hospital. If you are unsure, give your midwife a ring.
30 Weeks- Cabbage
Cabbage patch baby anyone? I love mine when I was a little girl! Your little one would have developed his own sleep and wake routine. You’ll soon know when he’s woken up as I’m sure you’ll get a lovely little kick in the ribs or bladder!
Try taking things a little slower from now on mama. The third-trimester symptoms can be draining, especially fatigue, swollen feet and mood swings. I think we’d all be moody if our feet had puffed up and we were exhausted!
Related:Â Hospital Bag Essentials | All you really need.
31 Weeks- Leek
It from now that your wriggly little one will start gaining as much as half a pound per week!! You’ll probably find that your little one is moving around a lot, this is great though as it means a happy and healthy baby. You might also notice your boobs leaking a little, might need some breastpads sooner than you think.
32 Weeks- Stalk of Kale
By week 32 your baby has tiny nails on his fingers and toes. He is also able to turn his head from side to side. I’m sure you already knew that though because of how much wriggling he does! You might start to notice your a little short on breathe. This is perfectly normal. As your baby grows he will push his way up to your ribs, this means less space for your lungs. Everything will go back to normal once you give birth.
33 Weeks- Pineapple
The somersaults may stop at around week 33 and be replaced with lots of kicks as it starts to get a bit snug in there. Unfortunately, as room starts to become precious first trimester symptoms will return. Yep, you guessed it! You’ll have to pee all the time again, also be careful when you laugh a lot or sneeze, it’s not uncommon for an accident to happen. Some third trimester symptoms are just great aren’t they?
34 Weeks- Cantaloupe Melon
Your little one’s hearing is still being fine-tuned at this point of the third trimester, although he will always recognise mum and dads voice. He can also see colours at this point in his development. Not long now, only 6 weeks left. Be careful if you have been sitting for a while and get up slowly. It’s quite common to experience a bit of dizziness because of a drop in blood pressure so just take extra care.
35 Weeks- Honeydew Melon
You’re officially in your 8th month! You will definitely notice the weight gain from your rapidly growing little one. So what could be our third-trimester symptom for this week? Boredom! Yep, that’s right mama, and you know what? It’s ok to be bored with being pregnant at this point, you have been pregnant for a long time and longing to be comfortable and maybe have a glass of wine? I know that I was! It’s not long now mama, then your whole world will be turned upside down for the better.
36 Weeks- Romaine Lettuce
This week your little one is busy making its first poo. Lovely isn’t it? It’s called meconium, I’m sure you have heard people talk about it before. Black, like tar and near on impossible to wipe off. Don’t worry, that doesn’t last forever, it is formed by your baby shedding their downy hair and swallowing it with the amniotic fluid.
As you continue to grow you’ll probably realise that you have less of an appetite and that heartburn is becoming more of a ‘thing’ that it has before. This is the result of your baby putting more and more pressure on your stomach as they continue to grow.
Related: The Ultimate List | What to Pack in Baby’s Hospital bag.
37 Weeks- Swiss Chard
Swiss chard this week! that’s approximately 19inches. You are so close to your due date now that you are probably counting down the days, hours, minutes and seconds. Trust me, I remember it well! You may be shocked to hear (because of how big you feel) that your little one isn’t considered full term until the 39th week. No doubt you’re an expert on Braxton hicks right now, they will continue until the real thing starts. Just think of them as practice contractions.
38 Weeks- Rhubarb
Are you having some crazy-ass dreams at the moment? Don’t panic, many mothers experience this because of the possible anxiety about labour and becoming a mum. Just remember, they are only dreams and once your little bundle of joy is here, your maternal instinct will kick in and you will know exactly what to do. Don’t fret, the meconium really isn’t as bad as I made it out to be.
39 Weeks- Small Pumpkin
A small pumpkin should only ever be referenced at Halloween if anyone says to you that you look like the size of a pumpkin you have my permission to throw a shoe at them…if you can reach the floor to pick up the shoe. You’re full term this week mama! So be prepared, your little one could be making an appearance literally any day now.
Make sure that your hospital bag is packed, you have the car seat ready in your car, and the Moses basket set up. The big day is very nearly here.
Related:Â Third Trimester | 23 Things you should do.
40 Weeks- Watermelon
If your little one hasn’t made an appearance by now your midwife may offer to give you ‘sweeps’ This is where they attempt to stimulate your cervix into opening, and you never know, you might already be dilating without even knowing it!
Still, need some tips for packing your hospital bag? Check out livinyourbestmom.com here.
Ready to get ahead of the game and make sure you are super prepared? Read my Top 20 Newborn Tips and Trick here.
Good luck mama, you are going to realise the real feeling of love at first sight and won’t be able to stop staring at your brand new bubba. Trust me, I still cant! You are about to embark into the wonderful world of motherhood.
Any questions about your third trimester? Or even some tips I haven’t mentioned? Let us know in the comments below.