The journey through pregnancy is a remarkable one, marked by distinct stages of growth, anticipation, and transformation. As I reflect on these incredible nine months, I’m thrilled to share the culmination of this experience – my third trimester. If you’ve been following along, you can revisit my earlier stages here: first trimester and second trimester posts. Now, let’s dive into the final stretch, a period filled with significant physical changes, nesting instincts, and an overwhelming sense of readiness for our little one’s arrival.
Physical Changes and Comfort in the Third Trimester
As I stepped into the third trimester, the subtle flutters of earlier months transformed into robust kicks and rolls, a constant, comforting reminder of the little life growing within. With this increased activity came significant pressure, particularly around my bladder. The need to visit the restroom became an almost hourly affair, a humorous yet inescapable part of daily life. Early in this final stage, my belly button area felt the intense strain of stretching, eventually becoming completely flat – a visible testament to the incredible expansion happening within my body.
Despite the growing belly, I remained committed to staying active. My spin bike, a cherished part of my routine, required a creative solution; my partner, Ryan, skillfully extended the handlebars, providing much-needed space as my bump grew. While my legs occasionally brushed against my belly during spins, alternating between seated and standing positions offered relief and allowed me to continue enjoying the benefits of cardiovascular exercise, proving that with a little adaptation, movement is still possible and beneficial during late pregnancy.
Occasional hip pain emerged, sometimes feeling as though my hip bones were subtly grinding together. This discomfort was especially noticeable during walks or after prolonged periods of sitting. Integrating specific hip-strengthening exercises into my routine proved quite effective, offering noticeable relief. As I progressed past 38 weeks, a new tightness settled into my hips, particularly after sleeping or long periods of rest. Even my sternum sometimes felt ‘stuck’ upon waking, a direct consequence of being confined to side-sleeping positions, which places considerable pressure on the entire torso and pelvic area. These minor aches and pains became a daily reminder of the immense physical changes my body was undergoing.
The maternity jeans I optimistically purchased in the first trimester quickly became too snug around my ever-expanding bump. My wardrobe essentials transitioned entirely to soft sweatpants and stretchy leggings. A huge shout-out to online retailers like Amazon, which became my go-to for comfortable maternity shirts. By 39 weeks, I found myself with only one pair of sweatpants that offered true comfort. I had hoped for warmer May weather to embrace maternity shorts, but the persistent chill kept me bundled up, highlighting the challenge of finding comfortable attire suitable for all stages and seasons of pregnancy.
A noticeable increase in clumsiness became a regular occurrence; dropping keys, utensils, or pens became a frequent, albeit comical, event. Retrieving items from the floor felt significantly easier in the mornings compared to the end of the day when fatigue and a larger belly made bending over a considerable effort. Our baby girl consistently maintained the same position from at least 36 weeks onward, nestled with her back curled against my right side. This persistent pressure sometimes left my belly feeling bruised in that spot, a poignant sensation as the available space within dwindled rapidly, signaling her imminent arrival.
Sleep Patterns and Bedtime Routines in Late Pregnancy
Despite the physical demands of late pregnancy, I consider myself fortunate to have maintained relatively good sleep. While waking 4-5 times nightly for bathroom breaks became the norm, I usually managed to drift back to sleep quickly. Working from home offered an immense blessing, allowing me the flexibility to adjust my schedule and prioritize rest when needed. My beloved pregnancy pillow remained an indispensable companion, providing unparalleled support and comfort. I often ponder whether I’ll continue to use it post-delivery; it’s truly that fantastic for alleviating pressure and promoting alignment.
A delightful surprise this trimester was the return of Salsa, our beloved dog, to our bedtime routine. He’d often cuddle with me before pregnancy and during the first trimester, but had kept his distance during the second. Now, he’d either perch gently along my ribs and hips, or curl up half on my belly and half on the pregnancy pillow. While incredibly sweet and heartwarming, his presence sometimes added a new dimension to the hip discomfort, a small price to pay for those precious moments of closeness and comfort with our furry family member.
I discovered the critical importance of a well-timed bedtime snack. Eating a substantial, yet not overly heavy, snack about an hour before bed proved ideal. If I ate too close to lying down, I’d experience a distinct pressure—not necessarily heartburn, but a constant urge to burp, making relaxation difficult. Conversely, skipping a snack altogether, or indulging in something light like ice cream, almost guaranteed I’d wake up ravenous between 4-5 AM, unable to fall back asleep without eating something filling. Balancing this became an art, though sometimes, the allure of ice cream was simply too strong to resist!
Satisfying Third Trimester Cravings and Nutrition
The third trimester brought its own unique symphony of cravings, many of which echoed the early weeks of pregnancy. Indulgent treats like ice cream topped the list, offering both comfort and a quick energy boost. String cheese and an assortment of other cheeses frequently satisfied a savory desire, providing much-needed calcium. Iced passion tea lemonade became a refreshing staple, a perfect antidote to moments of thirst. Alongside these, I found myself yearning for fresh fruit, the natural sweetness and vitamins providing a healthy balance. Hearty options like peanut butter and fluffy pancakes also frequently made their way onto my plate, satisfying a deeper hunger that seemed to intensify as the baby grew.
Interestingly, I noticed a strong resurgence of carb-heavy food cravings, reminiscent of my first trimester. Foods like pasta, bread, and cereals provided a comforting sense of fullness and sustained energy. This was often coupled with a constant yearning for various desserts, signaling my body’s need for extra calories and comfort as it prepared for the final stages of pregnancy and the immense energy demands of labor and postpartum recovery. It felt like my body was intuitively gearing up, storing energy for the intense journey ahead, making every bite a deliciously necessary indulgence.
Preparing for Baby: Other Third Trimester Milestones
Valentine’s Day brought an incredibly practical and cherished gift from Ryan: a back massager. This ingenious device quickly became my best friend, undoubtedly saving Ryan’s hands from countless hours of back rubs as pregnancy aches intensified and my comfort became paramount. Around 29 weeks, another significant shift occurred; Ryan graciously took over the task of clipping my toenails, a small but powerful symbol of the growing physical limitations and the unwavering support from my partner during this final stage.
Our journey into parenthood involved comprehensive preparation through various educational avenues. At 28 weeks, we attended our first labor and delivery class, offered virtually by our hospital. This foundational course provided crucial insights into the birthing process, pain management techniques, and immediate newborn care, significantly easing some anxieties. Supplementing this, we delved into the detailed classes from Tinyhood.com and began reading ‘The Happiest Baby on the Block,’ absorbing as much knowledge as possible to feel prepared for our little one’s arrival and the exciting challenges of newborn care. These resources became invaluable guides through the unknown territory of parenthood.
With excitement, we tackled several nursery projects. We built charming floating bookshelves and framed a mirror for above the dresser, slowly bringing our vision for the baby’s room to life with thoughtful touches. By 30 weeks, the nursery was largely complete, allowing us to proudly showcase it during our baby showers. However, one significant piece remained outstanding: the reclining chair we had ordered back in January. Due to an unforeseen foam shortage, its delivery was back-ordered until June, a small hiccup in our otherwise smooth preparations, reminding us that sometimes, things are simply beyond our control and patience is key.
At 30 weeks, we celebrated with two heartwarming virtual baby showers, one with family and another with friends. Given that we reside in Michigan while most of our family is in Minnesota, and our friends are scattered across various states, the virtual format proved incredibly convenient and inclusive. It was truly special to connect with everyone, share our excitement, and feel their love and support as we eagerly awaited our baby girl’s arrival, virtually opening gifts and celebrating together across distances.
Organizing the baby’s dresser and closet proved to be a multi-weekend endeavor. We found ourselves constantly asking, ‘Is this the best place for this?’ as we navigated an array of different-sized clothes, swaddles, blankets, and other newborn essentials. Deciphering the most efficient and logical way to store everything, anticipating future needs, was a surprisingly intricate task that felt like solving a delightful puzzle. Our goal was to ensure everything would be easily accessible once our little one arrived, streamlining those busy first few weeks.
Beyond the nursery, we embarked on a satisfying room-by-room decluttering mission throughout our entire house. Purging unused items felt incredibly liberating, creating a sense of spaciousness and order. This process wasn’t just about making physical room; it was about mentally preparing our home and lives for the beautiful chaos and new beginnings that a baby brings, ensuring a fresh, inviting, and less cluttered environment for our growing family to thrive in.
Maternity Leave and Post-Baby Blog Plans
Anticipating my maternity leave, I dedicated significant effort to getting ahead on blog content. My goal was to ensure a steady stream of new recipes and engaging posts could continue to be shared, even during my time away. I meticulously scheduled social media updates and new blog content, aiming for a seamless transition so my online presence would remain active and consistent for my wonderful community of readers. My maternity leave is planned until mid-August / early September, a timeframe I’ve carefully calculated to balance personal recovery and precious bonding time with our newborn.
Once my leave concludes, our little one will embark on her daycare journey, a prospect that already fills me with a complex mix of emotions – anticipation, a touch of sadness for the separation, and immense gratitude for the support system and care she will receive. While I’ll be stepping back from day-to-day blog operations for a while, I fully intend to check in periodically and remain active on Instagram Stories, offering glimpses into our ‘new normal’ and sharing the precious moments of adjusting to life with our baby girl. The blog will continue to thrive with pre-scheduled content, and I’m excited to share this next chapter of our lives with my online community, showcasing how family life and creative pursuits can beautifully intertwine.
Third Trimester: A Week-by-Week Countdown to Baby
It was incredibly insightful and fun to document quick notes about things I wanted to remember as the weeks passed, capturing the essence of each stage.
30 Weeks: The thirtieth week marked a joyous milestone with our two virtual baby showers. These events, connecting us with family and friends scattered across different states, were incredibly heartwarming. It was a wonderful opportunity to share our excitement and gratitude for the incredible support system surrounding us as we prepared for our little one’s arrival, virtually opening gifts and celebrating together. The nursery was also mostly complete, adding to the feeling of readiness.
31 Weeks: At 31 weeks, practicality took center stage as we assembled the car seat and stroller. This wasn’t just a physical task; it was a symbolic step towards readiness for safe travels with our newborn. Ryan, ever the diligent partner, also started practicing his diapering skills on a doll, a moment that was both amusing and reassuring, knowing we were both actively engaging in the practicalities of newborn care. It made the arrival feel much more tangible.
32 Weeks: Week 32 was a whirlwind of nesting activities. We meticulously washed all of baby’s tiny clothes, blankets, and burp cloths, organizing them neatly into her dresser drawers. Seeing her little outfits folded and ready brought a wave of tender anticipation. We also embarked on a massive grocery store trip, stocking up on household essentials to minimize errands once the baby arrived, a thoughtful preparation that promised to simplify our initial weeks as new parents.
33 Weeks: The 33rd week was captured beautifully with our maternity photo shoot. It was a special occasion to document this fleeting stage of pregnancy, freezing these precious moments in time. Emotionally, I noticed a significant shift; I began to feel more uncomfortable physically, and a wave of emotions, from immense excitement to mild anxiety about the unknown, washed over me. The reality of impending motherhood truly began to sink in, making every sensation more profound.
34 Weeks: By 34 weeks, the ‘hospital bag’ conversation became more serious and concrete. We began the meticulous process of gathering essential items for our stay, from comfortable clothes and toiletries for me to tiny outfits and receiving blankets for the baby. It felt like assembling a comprehensive survival kit for our hospital stay, a concrete action that made the journey to the hospital feel less daunting and more prepared.
35 Weeks: The hospital bag officially got packed at 35 weeks! This was a huge mental milestone, providing a profound sense of completion and readiness. We also focused on creating the ideal environment for sleep, hanging blackout curtains in both the baby’s room and our own to ensure maximum darkness for those precious moments of rest. Additionally, all bottles and pacifiers were thoroughly washed and sterilized, another essential step in preparing for feeding and soothing our newborn.
36 Weeks: The nesting instinct fully kicked in at 36 weeks, manifesting in a flurry of freezer meal preparation. I stocked our freezer with hearty, easy-to-reheat meals like chicken fajitas, lasagna, and breakfast burritos. This effort was driven by the foresight that post-delivery, cooking would be a luxury we might not have, and having nutritious, ready-to-eat options would be a lifesaver for those demanding early weeks with a newborn. It was a tangible way to care for our future selves.
37 Weeks: The freezer meal prep continued into 37 weeks, expanding to include smoothie packs, shepherd’s pie, and an abundance of delicious muffins. It felt surreal to realize we only had three weeks left until the due date, sparking countless ‘will I go into labor tonight?’ moments of nervous excitement. Amidst all the preparations, Ryan and I enjoyed our first lunch out since the pandemic began. Sitting outdoors, savoring a meal together, felt like a much-needed ‘normal’ date and a final, cherished moment of calm before the wonderful storm of parenthood.
38 Weeks: At 38 weeks, a profound sense of readiness for our baby girl settled in, and the final countdown truly began. Ryan, in parallel, worked diligently to finalize critical work projects, ensuring he could be fully present once the baby arrived without outstanding responsibilities. This week was undeniably dedicated to ‘getting our lives together,’ a period of intense focus on last-minute preparations, knowing she could make her grand entrance at any moment. I added more freezer meals to our stash, including banana pancakes and quesadillas. My stomach felt increasingly squished as baby grew, making full meals difficult and contributing to a constant state of fullness and more frequent heartburn, unmistakable physical signs of the impending arrival.
39 Weeks: The 39th week brought a blend of heightened anticipation: I felt antsy, excited, and a little anxious, a common mix of emotions in late pregnancy. Having wrapped up all my major work tasks, I found fewer professional distractions, so I channeled my energy into cleaning, making a few more freezer meals, and consciously trying to savor these final, quiet moments of pregnancy. Sleep, however, became significantly more interrupted due to the incessant need to pee all night long, a clear indicator that my body was truly in the final stages of preparing for birth, both physically and mentally.
40 Weeks: My due date arrived on May 19th, the very day this blog post was scheduled to go live. We were brimming with excitement and readiness to finally meet our sweet baby girl, eagerly awaiting her arrival. The hope was strong that she wouldn’t keep us waiting much past her due date, though we knew she would come when she was ready. I plan to return and update this post once she makes her much-anticipated arrival, sharing the joyous news and marking the beginning of our new family chapter, a moment we’ve dreamed of for so long.
