The third trimester of pregnancy is the final phase of waiting: your belly grows, your body prepares for childbirth, and your mind increasingly focuses on the baby's arrival. It's an exciting yet practical period: there are check-ups to attend, clothes to prepare, questions to clarify, and small details to organize.
During this phase, there's no need to rush, but it's helpful to proceed methodically. Preparing your hospital bag, choosing the most comfortable underwear, learning about breastfeeding, and organizing the first few days at home can help the expectant mother experience the last part of her pregnancy with greater peace of mind.
This guide offers practical and general information. Every pregnancy is different, and guidelines may vary based on the country, healthcare facility, and personal situation: for doubts, symptoms, or medical decisions, it's always important to follow the advice of your gynecologist, midwife, or healthcare professional.
What is the third trimester of pregnancy?
The third trimester generally begins from the 28th week and accompanies the mother until childbirth. It is the phase in which the baby completes its growth, the mother's body prepares for birth, and the expectant mother may feel more intensely the weight, fatigue, back tension, and need for rest.
It's also the time when many women begin to make the anticipation more concrete: preparing the hospital bag, choosing clothes for childbirth, organizing spaces at home, and planning for the first few days with the newborn.
Body changes in the third trimester
During the last months, the body works a lot. The belly increases in size, the center of gravity shifts, and some daily activities can become more strenuous. It's normal to feel the need to slow down and listen more to your body's signals.
Common changes include:
- increased abdominal size;
- greater fatigue;
- changes in posture;
- tension in the back, pelvis, and legs;
- difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position;
- feeling of weight or downward pressure;
- irregular practice contractions;
- fuller and more sensitive breasts.
Many of these changes are common, but they should not be ignored if they become intense, sudden, or unusual.
Baby's movements: what to observe
In the third trimester, the baby's movements remain an important sign to observe. As the weeks progress, the way they move may change because the space in the uterus decreases, but the mother should continue to feel movements every day.
If you notice a significant reduction in movements, if the baby moves much less than usual, or if anything worries you, it's important to contact healthcare professionals or the maternity ward immediately. Do not wait for the next check-up.
Check-ups and visits: follow the guidance of your care plan
In the third trimester, check-ups may become more frequent, but the schedule varies based on the country, healthcare facility, pregnancy history, and the presence of any risk factors.
Generally, during this phase, healthcare professionals may monitor:
- baby's growth;
- mother's blood pressure;
- blood and urine tests, if scheduled;
- baby's position;
- fetal well-being;
- any symptoms reported by the mother;
- preparation for labor and birth.
It's helpful to always carry your pregnancy documentation with you and note down any questions for your midwife or gynecologist.
What to prepare in the third trimester
The third trimester is the right time to calmly prepare what will be needed for childbirth, the hospital, breastfeeding, and returning home. There's no need to buy everything at once: it's better to start with truly useful items and choose practical, soft clothing suitable for body changes.
Good organization can include:
- hospital bag;
- labor gown;
- nursing bras;
- postpartum briefs or disposable underwear;
- nightgowns or pajamas with practical openings;
- a dressing gown or light garment to wear over;
- comfortable clothes for returning home;
- first accessories for breastfeeding and hygiene;
- changes for the newborn, according to the hospital's list.
Preparing your hospital bag
Many mothers start preparing their hospital bag between the 32nd and 36th week. The ideal time also depends on the guidelines of their maternity unit and personal situation.
The bag should be simple, tidy, and divided by category: documents, clothes for the mother, changes for the newborn, personal hygiene items, and accessories. Each hospital may have its own list, so it's important to check it before packing the bag.
For the mother, useful items may include:
- a labor gown that opens at the front;
- one or two nightgowns or pajamas for the hospital stay;
- soft nursing bras;
- postpartum briefs or disposable underwear;
- a dressing gown or light cardigan;
- comfortable slippers;
- personal hygiene products;
- a comfortable outfit for returning home.
Labor gown: why prepare it in advance
The labor gown is one of the most important items to include in your hospital bag. It should be soft, practical, non-constricting, and easy to open. A front opening can be useful for skin-to-skin contact and for the first attempts at breastfeeding, if the mother wishes to breastfeed.
Before choosing a model, check for:
- practical front opening;
- soft and breathable fabric;
- comfortable sleeves;
- appropriate length;
- easy to wash;
- loose yet tidy fit.
You can visit the MySanity Labor Gowns collection, designed for the moment of childbirth and the first hours after birth.
Maternity underwear in the last trimester
In the last months, underwear should support the body without constricting. Maternity bras, briefs, bands, and shapewear should be chosen based on comfort, not just the usual size.
During this phase, the following may be useful:
- maternity bras with soft cups;
- maternity briefs that do not compress the belly;
- light pregnancy bands, if they provide relief;
- non-constricting maternity shapewear, if suitable for your needs;
- garments made of soft, elastic, and breathable fabrics.
The MySanity Pre-Birth collection features garments designed to support pregnancy with gentle support and freedom of movement.
When to prepare your nursing bra
Many expectant mothers wonder when to buy a nursing bra. The third trimester is a good time to start preparing at least one or two, choosing soft, adjustable, and non-constricting styles.
The breasts can still change after birth and during the establishment of breastfeeding, so it's useful to avoid overly rigid styles or overly precise sizes. It's better to choose elastic garments with soft cups and practical openings.
A good nursing bra should:
- open easily;
- support without compressing;
- adapt to changes in breast size;
- have comfortable straps;
- feel pleasant on the skin;
- withstand frequent washing.
Discover the MySanity Nursing Bras collection, featuring models designed to support mothers during breastfeeding.
Preparing for postpartum without rushing
In the third trimester, it can be helpful to also think about the postpartum period, but without anxiety and without buying unnecessary products. The first few days after birth mainly require soft, easy-to-wear clothing suitable for rest.
Useful items to prepare include:
- comfortable postpartum briefs;
- nightgowns or pajamas with nursing access;
- soft nursing bras;
- a dressing gown or light cardigan;
- loose clothes for returning home;
- optional postpartum belly band.
The postpartum belly band is not essential for everyone and should not be used with the idea of "recovering faster." It can be considered as a comfort support, following the advice of healthcare professionals, especially in case of C-section, stitches, or abdominal pain.
You can visit the MySanity Postpartum collection to choose comfortable clothing to wear after birth.
Organizing home and first days with the newborn
In addition to the hospital bag, in the third trimester it can be useful to organize the home environment. There's no need to prepare everything perfectly: the goal is to make the first few days after returning home simpler.
It may be helpful to arrange:
- a simple and safe changing area;
- some pre-washed bodysuits and sleepsuits;
- essential products for newborn hygiene;
- a small station for breastfeeding or bottle-feeding;
- water and snacks for the mother;
- useful numbers for a pediatrician, midwife, or healthcare facility;
- practical help from a partner, family, or trusted individuals.
Signs of labor: what to observe
Towards the end of the third trimester, signs indicating the approaching labor may appear, such as more frequent contractions, loss of the mucus plug, rupture of membranes, back pain, or downward pressure.
Not all signs indicate that labor is imminent. If in doubt, it is always best to contact your maternity unit, especially if contractions become regular and painful, if your water breaks, or if you experience bleeding.
When to contact a doctor or hospital immediately
In the third trimester, it's important to know which signs not to underestimate. Contact a doctor, midwife, maternity unit, or emergency services immediately if significant or sudden symptoms appear.
Seek immediate help in case of:
- significant reduction or absence of baby's movements;
- bleeding;
- loss of amniotic fluid;
- regular and painful contractions before term;
- severe or persistent headache;
- vision disturbances;
- sudden swelling of the face, hands, or legs;
- severe pain in the abdomen or upper belly;
- fever or chills;
- difficulty breathing;
- any symptom that worries you.
What to avoid in the third trimester
In the last months, it's best to avoid anything that increases stress, discomfort, or unnecessary fatigue. Preparing for childbirth should help the mother, not become an endless to-do list.
It's better to avoid:
- waiting until the last minute to pack your bag;
- choosing clothes that are too tight or difficult to wear;
- buying many products before understanding actual needs;
- ignoring new or worrying symptoms;
- comparing yourself too much with others' experiences;
- filling the bag with items not requested by the hospital;
- expecting everything to be perfect before birth.
Third trimester mini checklist
- Check your maternity unit's guidelines.
- Prepare documents and pregnancy folder.
- Start packing your hospital bag.
- Choose a practical labor gown.
- Prepare soft nursing bras.
- Organize postpartum briefs or disposable underwear.
- Wash and sort the newborn's first changes.
- Prepare a comfortable outfit for returning home.
- Jot down useful numbers.
- Clarify any doubts with your midwife or gynecologist.
Useful sources and references
- World Health Organization, “WHO recommendations on antenatal care for a positive pregnancy experience”. WHO
- NHS, “Hospital bag checklist”. NHS
- NHS, “Signs that labour has begun”. NHS
- Ministry of Health, “Visits and examinations during pregnancy”. Ministero della Salute
- CDC, “Urgent Maternal Warning Signs”. CDC
- ACOG, “How to Tell When Labor Begins”. ACOG
Frequently asked questions about the third trimester of pregnancy
When does the third trimester of pregnancy begin?
The third trimester generally begins from the 28th week and continues until childbirth. It is the final phase of pregnancy, during which the baby completes its growth and the mother prepares for birth.
When should I pack my hospital bag?
Many mothers start between the 32nd and 36th week. The important thing is to check your hospital's list and prepare everything a little in advance, without waiting until the last few days.
When should I buy a nursing bra?
The third trimester is a good time to prepare at least one or two soft and adjustable nursing bras. After birth, breasts can still change, so it's best to choose non-rigid and non-constricting styles.
Is it normal to feel very tired in the third trimester?
Yes, fatigue is common because the body supports the weight of the belly and prepares for childbirth. However, if the fatigue is extreme, sudden, or associated with other symptoms, it's best to discuss it with healthcare professionals.
Does the baby move less in the third trimester?
The type of movement may change because space decreases, but movements should still be felt. If you notice a significant reduction or something unusual, contact the maternity unit or healthcare professional immediately.
What clothes are needed in the last trimester?
Comfortable maternity bras, non-constricting briefs, a pregnancy band if it provides relief, a labor gown, nursing bras, and soft postpartum clothing are useful.
Conclusion
The third trimester of pregnancy is an intense and precious period. The body prepares for birth, the baby completes its growth, and the expectant mother begins to organize everything needed for childbirth, the hospital, and the first few days at home.
Calmly preparing the hospital bag, choosing soft and functional clothing, observing body signals, and clarifying doubts with healthcare professionals can help you experience the last phase of waiting with greater peace of mind.
Discover the MySanity Pre-Birth collection, Labor Gowns, and Nursing Bras to prepare for childbirth with garments designed for comfort, practicality, and delicacy.