The Third Trimester of Pregnancy: Everything to Know

You’ve made it to the final trimester of pregnancy—a time filled with anticipation, questions, and often... discomfort.

For many women, this is when the real challenge begins. If you’re wondering, "Is the third trimester the hardest?" you’re not alone.

The third trimester, which spans from week 28 to birth, brings about rapid changes in both your body and your baby. While it can be physically and emotionally demanding, it’s also a critical period for preparation, nourishment, and mental readiness for labour and beyond.

The Weight of the Final Stretch

Let’s be honest: the third trimester can feel overwhelming. You may be dealing with fatigue, back pain, interrupted sleep, or heightened anxiety about labour and birth. This is a time when your worries may begin to kick in —the fear of complications, exhaustion, or feeling unprepared.

Physically, your baby is growing rapidly. Emotionally, the reality of motherhood is getting closer. Mentally, you may be juggling a mix of excitement and fear.

It’s no wonder so many ask: "What happens in the third trimester?"

The answer? A lot.

Inside Your Body and Mind

By week 28, your baby weighs just over a kilo and will double or even triple in weight by full term. Their brain is developing at a rapid pace. Organs are maturing. Fat stores are building. Your uterus is now about 1000 times its original size.

Your body is working overtime to support this growth. Hormonal changes can trigger mood swings, while your centre of gravity shifts, affecting your posture and balance. You may experience shortness of breath, Braxton Hicks contractions, or swelling in your feet and hands.

Sleep can be elusive. Heartburn may increase. And let’s not forget the need to urinate more frequently. Add the mental load of preparing for the baby’s arrival, and it’s clear why the final trimester of pregnancy feels so demanding.

But amidst the challenges, this phase is also incredibly beautiful - in a few short months you will meet your baby on the other side.

From Surviving to Thriving

What if this trimester didn’t have to be the hardest? What if you could support your body in ways that boost energy, calm the mind, and prepare you for labour and recovery?

Start with targeted nutrition.

Your nutritional needs are now higher than ever. Essential nutrients like iodine, iron, choline, zinc, vitamin D, and activated B vitamins play vital roles in supporting foetal development and maternal wellbeing.

Our Prenatal Trimester 2 & 3 Plus Breastfeeding formula is specifically designed to meet these increased demands. Taken twice daily, it delivers the building blocks your body needs to support baby’s growth and prepare you for the intense work of labour and breastfeeding.

If iron deficiency or fatigue is a concern, don’t settle for supplements that cause constipation or discomfort. Our Iron & Brain Support contains iron bisglycinate as the patented Ferrochel®, a well-absorbed, gentle-on-the-stomach form of iron. This formula also includes vitamin B12 and folate which work synergistically with iron, and vitamin C to assist absorption.  It also includes choline to support healthy brain development.

Don’t overlook the importance of calcium and magnesium. These minerals support muscle function, ease cramps, and help with sleep quality. Our Calcium & Magnesium Plus K2 & D3 helps support not just you, but also your baby’s skeletal development.

Lastly, from week 32 onwards, it’s time to consider additional support for childbirth. Our Birth Prep & Recovery is a vegan-friendly herbal blend that includes raspberry leaf and squaw vine, traditional uterine tonics used to prepare the uterus for labour. These astringent herbs may also assist with postpartum uterine recovery.

When used together, these targeted supplements can help you shift from surviving the third trimester to thriving in it.

Practical Tips for a Smoother Third Trimester

1. Prioritise rest: Your body is under immense pressure. Take naps, go to bed early, and create a calming bedtime routine.

2. Stay active: Gentle walking, prenatal yoga, or swimming can help reduce swelling and improve mood.

3. Keep hydrated: Water supports digestion, circulation, and nutrient delivery to your baby.

4. Practice pelvic floor exercises: These can help reduce the risk of incontinence and support a smoother recovery post-birth.

5. Attend prenatal classes: The more informed you are, the more confident you'll feel.

This is also a good time to start mentally and emotionally preparing for motherhood. Whether that means journaling, speaking with a doula, or simply talking to your partner about your fears and hopes, self-awareness is a powerful tool.

The third trimester is more than just the countdown to birth.

It’s a time to strengthen your body, support your baby’s development, and empower yourself with knowledge and preparation.

Yes, this final trimester of pregnancy can be tough. But with the right support, it can also be transformative.

Explore our range of targeted supplements designed to nourish you through the final stretch and beyond:

1. Prenatal Trimester 2 & 3 Plus Breastfeeding

2. Birth Prep & Recovery

3. Iron & Brain Support

4. Calcium & Magnesium Plus K2 & D3

Take care of yourself now, so you can take care of everything else later.