Third Trimester Survival Guide: 7 Tips for Managing Discomfort in the Third Trimester

The third trimester of pregnancy is often described as the home stretch, a time when excitement and anticipation mix with discomfort and exhaustion. As your due date approaches, your body is going through significant changes, and preparing for the arrival of your baby becomes top priority. To help you with managing discomfort in the third trimester, we’ve compiled a comprehensive third trimester survival guide with detailed tips to keep you comfortable, healthy, and prepared for the big day.

Self-care for managing discomfort in the third trimester

Take rest when you get the chance

Make sleep a priority by using pillows for support and experimenting with different sleeping positions. A pregnancy pillow can be a game-changer. Hopefully, you’re giving yourself full permission to rest as much as you’re able given other commitments and responsibilities. Trust that your body knows what it needs, and try to pay attention to its signals! Something drastic is happening in your body, so don’t be suprised when your needs change too.

Hydration has never been so important

Stay well-hydrated to combat swelling and ensure your amniotic fluid remains at an optimal level. For many people, hydration is one of the first basic self-care needs to go when there’s a lot to manage. While simultaneously growing a baby, trying to stay comfortable, and doing all the things you need to do, you might skip those sips of water. But now more than ever, you need to stay hydrated.

Nourish yourself with the right foods

Another self-care need that is easily be lost during busy periods is healthy eating habits. Continue to eat a balanced diet rich in nutrients. Managing discomfort during pregnancy involves focusing on foods high in fiber, such as fruits and vegetables, to prevent constipation. We’ve written a post to help you maintain a healthy diet throughout pregnancy. Also, make sure you’re getting enough iron-rich foods like beans to prevent anemia. Remember that you can opt for small, nutritious snacks throughout the day to get enough of the right foods and maintain energy levels. Here is a post that offers more eating tips for the third trimester.

Move your body!

Engage in gentle exercises like prenatal yoga and walking to maintain flexibility and relieve backaches. You can help yourself have an easier labour by preparing for it with exercise. Even if you’re planning to have a c-section, exercise is still vitally important. You can prevent and alleviate ab separation or diastasis recti with the right exercise during pregnancy. We highly advise getting professional guidance to make the most of your pre-natal exercise, such as investing in one of our pre and post natal certied personal trainers! These trainers are specifically qualified to help you exercise safely and effectively during pregnant, and help you recover post-birth. We have a post all about the power of exercise during pregnancy – give it a read.

Prepare for labour to minimise stress

Childbirth classes

Sign up for childbirth classes to learn about labor, delivery, and pain management techniques. Knowledge is empowering, and so is community!

Pack your hospital bag

As your due date approaches, pack a bag with essentials like clothes for you and the baby, toiletries, and important documents. Preparing your hospital bag isn’t only a physical form of preparation, it is also in some ways emotional. Curating this bag and packing it is a therapeutic way to begin to process what is about to happen, and pre-empt you and your babies comfort needs.

Is a birth plan right for you?

Create a birth plan that outlines your preferences for labor and delivery. Discuss it with your healthcare provider. It is true that few births go to plan, but if creating a birth plan helps you feel more prepared, do it anyway. Make it flexible, and be prepared to not follow it. A birth plan is communicates to your partner or the people who’ll be close to you, and the medical professional helping to deliver your baby, what your wants and needs are. This is SO important for a birth experience that feels empowering.

Make the most of your regular prenatal check-ups

Continue attending prenatal appointments to ensure both you and your baby are healthy, and you never know what tips for managing discomfort during the third trimester your healthcare provider might have in store for you!

Managing physical discomfort in the third trimester

Swelling

Elevate your feet whenever possible to reduce swelling. Wearing compression socks can also help! Don’t underestimate this one! Definitely give it a try.

Heartburn

Are you experiencing heartburn? Avoid trigger foods, eat smaller, more frequent meals, and consider using antacids if approved by your doctor.

Back Pain

Apply heat or cold packs to alleviate backaches. Prenatal massages can also provide relief – here is a post on giving pre-natal massages at home. Better yet, exercise! As mentioned before, exercise is extremely beneficial during and after pregnancy and pre and post-natal personal trainers exist to help you with this.

Nesting and Preparing for Baby

Nesting Instinct

Embrace your nesting instinct and prepare your home for the baby’s arrival. Organize the nursery, wash baby clothes, and install the car seat. Like preparing your hospital bag, this is emotional preparation as well as physical – and so exciting!

Baby Shower

If you haven’t already, consider having a baby shower to help stock up on baby essentials and connect with your community. Having people around you is so important, and while you likely won’t want to be bothered much right after giving birth, you’ll soon see how important the people you cherish are at this both precious and potentially overwhelming time.

Take care of your emotional well-being

Talk About Your Feelings

Share your thoughts and feelings with your partner, friends, or a therapist. Pregnancy can be emotionally challenging and you’re not meant to cope with it alone. Share your struggles with the people who are there to support you.

Relaxation Techniques

Emotional discomfort during pregnancy is very real. Managing discomfort during the third trimester also involves deep relaxation. If you struggle to relax, practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing and meditation.

Summary

In this post we covered how important it is to take care of your physical and emotional health during the third trimester. Basic self-care has never been so important, and remember to lean into your support system. The third trimester of pregnancy is a remarkable and transformative time in your life. While it may present its share of challenges, following this survival guide can help you navigate the final weeks with confidence and grace. Remember to prioritize self-care, stay informed, and seek support when needed. Before you know it, you’ll be holding your precious baby in your arms, and the journey through pregnancy will have been well worth it. Enjoy these last few weeks of anticipation, and best of luck as you approach the magical moment of childbirth.