The third trimester begins at 28 weeks and carries you through the final stretch of pregnancy. During weeks 28 to 40, your baby continues to grow, your body works harder, and appointments increasingly focus on birth preparation, your baby’s position and wellbeing, and signs that labour may be approaching. These final weeks of pregnancy can feel exciting, uncomfortable and uncertain all at once, especially when every new sensation seems important.
This third trimester pregnancy guide explains what usually happens as your due date gets closer, which symptoms are common, what to expect from prenatal visits, and when to contact your maternity team. Every pregnancy is different, so use it as a practical overview alongside the personalised advice from your midwife or doctor.
Weeks 28 to 31: Entering the Third Trimester
At 28 weeks, your baby is developing rapidly and putting on weight. You may notice stronger movements, although the way those movements feel can change as space becomes tighter. There is no single “correct” number of kicks for every pregnancy. What matters is learning your baby’s usual pattern and contacting your midwife or maternity unit immediately if movements become reduced or noticeably different.
Common third trimester symptoms at this stage include tiredness, heartburn, indigestion, backache, leg cramps, piles and difficulty sleeping. Mild, gradual swelling in the ankles and feet can also occur, particularly later in the day. Resting with your feet raised, wearing comfortable shoes and staying gently active may help, but sudden swelling needs prompt assessment.
Your 28-Week Appointment
During an NHS 28-week appointment, your midwife will usually check your blood pressure, test your urine, measure your bump and discuss your baby’s movements. Blood tests may be offered to check your iron levels, blood group and general health. If you are rhesus negative and your baby could be rhesus positive, you may also be offered an anti-D injection.
Ask about recommended vaccinations, antenatal classes, feeding and your birth preferences. If this is your first baby, another appointment is normally offered at around 31 weeks.
Weeks 32 to 35: Growth, Movement and Birth Planning
As you move further into the final weeks of pregnancy, your bump may feel heavier and everyday tasks can require more energy. Breathlessness during activity, pelvic pressure, frequent urination and Braxton Hicks contractions are common. Braxton Hicks usually feel like irregular tightening that does not become steadily longer, stronger and more frequent.
Your baby’s movements should continue in their usual pattern. Movements do not normally stop or significantly slow simply because there is less room. Never wait until the next day or rely on a home heartbeat monitor if you are concerned. Contact your maternity unit straight away for professional assessment.
Preparing Your Birth Preferences
A birth plan is best treated as a record of preferences, not a prediction. Note where you hope to give birth, who you want with you, pain-relief options, preferred positions, and choices around skin-to-skin contact and feeding. Keep it flexible because your maternity team may recommend changes for your safety or your baby’s wellbeing.
Weeks 36 to 37: Getting Ready for Labour
At around 36 weeks, your midwife will usually feel your abdomen to assess your baby’s position. Many babies are head-down by this point, but some remain breech. If your baby is breech, your maternity team can explain the available options and whether a procedure to help turn the baby may be suitable for you.
You may feel increased pelvic pressure as the baby moves lower, sometimes called “engagement” or “lightening.” This can make breathing feel easier, although walking and sleeping may become less comfortable. Passing more vaginal discharge can also be normal, but report watery leakage, bleeding, unpleasant-smelling discharge or anything that worries you.
Practical Labour Preparation
Pack your hospital or birth-centre bag before you reach your due date. Include maternity notes, comfortable clothing, toiletries, maternity pads, baby clothes, nappies, chargers, drinks and snacks if your unit allows them. Arrange transport, confirm who will support you, and keep your maternity unit’s telephone number easy to find.
At home, organise a safe sleeping space, prepare a few baby clothes and simple meals, and fit the car seat correctly if you will travel by car. Everything does not need to be perfect.
Weeks 38 to 40: Watching for Signs of Labour
By 38 weeks, appointments may include blood-pressure and urine checks, bump measurement, discussion of movements, and a review of options if pregnancy continues beyond 40 or 41 weeks. Additional monitoring may change your schedule.
Possible signs of labour include contractions that become regular, stronger and closer together; a “show,” when the mucus plug comes away; backache; an urge to open your bowels; or your waters breaking as a gush or a steady trickle. Call your maternity unit for advice if you think labour has started, your waters may have broken, or you are unsure what a symptom means.
There are no proven home methods that safely guarantee labour will begin. Speak to your midwife before trying supplements, herbal products or techniques promoted online.
Symptoms That Need Urgent Assessment
Some discomfort is expected in late pregnancy, but certain symptoms should not be watched at home. Contact your maternity unit immediately if your baby’s movements are reduced or changed, you have vaginal bleeding, your waters break, or you develop severe or persistent pain.
Seek urgent help for a severe headache, blurred vision or flashing lights, pain below the ribs, sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet, vomiting, or feeling very unwell. These can be warning signs of pre-eclampsia. Sudden breathlessness, chest pain, collapse or another life-threatening symptom requires emergency help.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the third trimester start?
The third trimester starts at 28 weeks and continues until your baby is born. A pregnancy is commonly described as full term from 37 weeks, although your maternity team will consider your individual circumstances when discussing timing and care.
Should my baby move less near the due date?
No. The type of movement may change as space becomes tighter, but you should continue to feel movement in your baby’s usual pattern right up to and during labour. Contact your maternity unit immediately if movements reduce or change.
How can I tell Braxton Hicks from labour contractions?
Braxton Hicks are usually irregular and do not keep becoming stronger or closer together. Labour contractions tend to develop a more regular pattern, last longer and increase in intensity. Call your maternity team when you think labour may be starting or whenever you are uncertain.
What happens if I am still pregnant after 40 weeks?
Your midwife will discuss monitoring and your choices, which may include waiting a little longer, a membrane sweep or induction of labour. The timing depends on your health, your baby’s wellbeing, local guidance and your informed preferences.
Moving Through the Final Weeks
The third trimester is a period of rapid change, but you do not need to manage every question alone. Attend your appointments, notice your baby’s normal movement pattern, prepare for birth in manageable steps and contact your maternity team whenever something feels different or concerning. Staying informed while remaining flexible can help you approach labour day with greater confidence.