Staying Comfortable In The Third Trimester
By the time I delivered Artie, I had gained 50 pounds and I’m only 5’2″… I can not imagine being any less comfortable than I was during that last trimester of my pregnancy. I was so big I could barely stand up on my own, but I had to use the bathroom every 15 minutes. It took me some time to figure out the tricks to staying comfortable in the third trimester.
I really believe a pregnant woman’s bladder prepares her for the lack of sleep that comes with a newborn! I couldn’t sleep anyway… I was swollen, carrying a pumpkin inside of me, my AC was set to 50 degrees and I was sweating.
I have never been more excited for anything than I was during my third trimester, I was so close to finally meeting my baby! At the same time, I have also never been more uncomfortable!
The good news is, there are so many things that will help you with staying comfortable in the third trimester and I can’t wait to share them with you!
You can click here to find PREGNANCY PRINTABLES for new moms, including a trimester to do list, baby registry checklist, and hospital packing list!
Water
Water is kind of the double edged sword of the third trimester because you will be going to the bathroom around the clock! Regardless of the inconvenient bathroom trips, it’s far more important to keep yourself and your little one hydrated.
You need to drink way more water than you normally would because you are drinking for two! Not consuming enough water can be dangerous to you and your baby.
I used a water bottle like this to stay hydrated and keep track of how much water I was drinking. Drinking plenty of water is number one on my list for staying comfortable in the third trimester.
Dress Comfortably
At a certain point during my pregnancy I stopped trying to look cute. During my second trimester I was happy to show off my baby bump in the most adorable maternity clothing I could find.
By the end of my third trimester I was living in my husband’s gym shorts and an oversized t-shirt. I was cool, I didn’t feel confined, and I was happy.
The last thing you need when you are coming down to those last few weeks of your pregnancy is to wear clothing that makes you feel even more uncomfortable. Don’t forget to wear comfy shoes!
If you are pregnant with twins you can click here to find out what maternity items you will need!
Don’t Overindulge
I made the mistake of overindulging during my pregnancy. This is one of the reasons I gained 50 pounds… I had an irresistible craving for milkshakes that I just couldn’t fight! You will never regret making healthy choices during your pregnancy.
It’s easy to use pregnancy as an excuse to overeat, but going back for that third helping of lasagna will only make you feel worse! Try eating small, healthy meals throughout the day instead of several large meals.
Pregnancy Pillow
I would not have slept during my third trimester without my pregnancy pillow! There are several different styles but I absolutely LOVED this U-shaped pillow.
This type of pillow helps you sleep comfortably by providing support where you need it most. Sometimes I still use this pillow because it is so comfy!!!
Move
It’s important to get plenty of rest during your pregnancy but don’t forget to move around! Taking a walk will get your blood flowing and help release pressure.
It may not seem like it at the time but activity is necessary for staying comfortable during the third trimester. If you are up to it there are even ways to exercise safely during your third trimester! Find tips for exercising during pregnancy here!
Take A Class
Your hospital probably offers a birthing class and I HIGHLY recommend taking one. There is nothing that will prepare you more for childbirth than taking a class.
You will learn breathing techniques that will allow you to be more comfortable and can help ease any anxiety that you are experiencing.
Massage
When I got pregnant I was working as a spa manager and felt so fortunate that I was able to get as many prenatal massages as I needed.
There is nothing that relieved my pain and discomfort during my third trimester, like a prenatal massage. I recommend finding a therapist who specializes in this service. You can read about the benefits of prenatal massage here!
Ask For Help
If you ever had a good excuse to ask for help it is now! If you need someone to do your grocery shopping, help you out of your chair, or even pick up something you dropped on the floor… don’t hesitate to ask!
It is important that you don’t overdo it during your pregnancy so lean on your support system during your third trimester, especially when you are nearing your due date. Take advantage of this time to be all about you because soon it will be all about Baby!
I hope these tips help you with staying comfortable during the third trimester! Congratulations on your new arrival!!! <3
Wondering what life will be like after pregnancy? Check out Your Baby’s First Year: What To Expect!
If you enjoyed this article check out Tips For Working While Pregnant and How To Survive The First 6 Weeks With Your Newborn!
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The pregnancy pillow really helped me to sleep during my pregnancy. Similar to you, I am only 5’1 and gained around 40 pounds while I was pregnant. I was miserable during my last trimester and I had my baby in August so I felt hot ALL THE TIME.
Oh no! I can’t imagine going through that in the summer! I was sweating in January!
I found not overindulging so hard not to do because I was soooo hungry
Yes! Me too!!!
Comfort during that third trimester is a must! That was when I was the most miserable lol.
Yes to the massage! Next time I’ll even use a chiropractor!
Yes! I went to the chiropractor during my pregnancy when my back pain was unbearable and felt better instantly!
I NEEDED this when I was pregnant with my oldest! I was miserable during my last trimester. It could be that he was an exceptionally large baby (10 pounds 3 ounces, 23 inches, born @ 39 wks) but man, I’m sure some of these would have helped! Thanks for sharing, this is a wonderful resource!
I bet! Thank you for reading!
A massage was so needed! 🙂
Massages worked wonders for me during my pregnancy!
Great tips! I loooved my pregnancy pillow. I still use it!
I couldn’t have slept without it!