The third trimester means you're getting closer to the end of your pregnancy.
It may also mean that you're feeling uncomfortable.
Your belly may be quite large.
It may be tough to walk around and hard to sleep.
You may be tired, especially of people who keep asking you, "When's the baby coming?"
Every pregnancy is unique so be kind to yourself—however you feel.
At this point in your pregnancy, the baby is kicking and stretching.
Hair is growing.
And the baby actually begins to "practice" breathing.
By week 32, the baby may be the size of both of your hands with your thumbs touching and your fingers spread.
Your thoughts may be focused on giving birth, the health of your baby, and becoming a parent.
Or you may be planning an adoption.
Whatever you're feeling and thinking, the reality of having a baby is probably setting in.
This is when anxiety or depression may really show up for you.
So if you're struggling or you're not sure why you're feeling sad, please call your doctor or midwife.
This is also a good time to find quality child care if needed and set up a nursery or other safe space for your baby.
And if you haven't already, it's time to choose a pediatrician.
Doing all of this ahead of time will allow you to focus on caring for yourself and your baby right after delivery.
If your baby will be adopted or placed in foster care, it may help to talk with someone you trust, such as a counselor, a social worker, a family member, or a friend.
Even though your pregnancy is nearly over, it's still important to care for yourself and your baby.
Your prenatal exams will include more tests.
Talk to your doctor or midwife about getting the Tdap shot, which protects you and your baby against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, also known as whooping cough.
It's also a good idea to ask your doctor about the flu and COVID-19 shots if you aren't up to date on those.
By now, you may have a better idea of what to expect during delivery.
You may have also talked about your birth preferences with your doctor or midwife, including the details of who you want to support you during delivery, whether it's a partner, friend, family member, or doula.
A doula is a trained professional with childbirth experience who can help support you.
You'll also want to think about how you want to stay comfortable during labor, such as what you'd like to do to relieve pain.
You may also want to take a tour of your hospital's labor and delivery unit or birthing center.
This will help you get a better idea of what to expect.
Just so you know, many people who've been pregnant say they were surprised by so many of their feelings and a lot of the labor symptoms.
Every labor is unique.
That's why it can be helpful to be both prepared and flexible.
You may want to explore what might happen if your plans need to change or what an emergency might look like.
It's okay to talk to your health care team about whatever you're worried about so that you're aware of what might happen and what you want for yourself and your baby.
Now this video can't cover everything you may experience, so trust yourself to ask questions or call for help.
Even if you're unsure, let your doctor or midwife know your concerns, and most definitely call if something doesn't feel right or hurts.
In most cases, you'll have time to make choices that are right for you.
Here's a general idea of when to call your doctor or get emergency help right away.
It may seem like a lot to know or do.
But here we go.
Call your doctor or midwife if you've been having more than 6 contractions in an hour.
And call if you think your water broke.
This can feel like a gush of fluid.
And call if you have vaginal bleeding or spotting.
Call your doctor or midwife if you have signs of a blood clot, such as pain in your leg or groin, or redness or a color change and swelling in your leg or groin.
Call your doctor or midwife if you have signs of preeclampsia, such as a severe headache, vision problems, or sudden swelling in your face, hands, or feet.
Call your doctor or midwife if you notice that your baby has stopped moving or is moving less than normal.
And call if you have signs of a heart problem, such as sudden weight gain, feeling so tired you can't do your usual activities, or you have new or worse swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet.
Your doctor or midwife can give you more information about what other things to watch for.
The third trimester may feel like the most exciting and, at the same time, the most stressful.
But many people find it helps to know as much as they can.
Remember, everyone's pregnancy and labor are unique.
If you have any questions or concerns along the way, you can always call your doctor or midwife.
