By the third trimester, you and baby have done so much growing—and Third Trimester Symptoms start to show up in new ways. While some of that second-trimester calm may linger, fresh sensations roll in: more pelvic pressure, more “practice” contractions, and sometimes less sleep. I remember hitting 30 weeks and thinking, how can I be both exhausted and nesting at 11 p.m.? If you’re feeling the same, you’re not alone.
This guide keeps it simple. I’ll briefly flag the symptoms that carry over from earlier pregnancy (and link to your deeper dives), then zero in on what changes now—plus fresh, third-trimester-specific relief.
In this article : [+]
Pro tip for readers: Tap the “Read more” links for a fuller background on each symptom without losing your place here.
Symptoms that often intensify in the third trimester
1) Fatigue (yep, it’s back)
- What changes now : Baby is bigger, sleep can be choppy, and your body is moving more blood than ever. Many moms feel a “first-trimester tired” part two.
- Try this : Prioritize a 20–30 min afternoon rest, front-load fluids by midday, and keep a consistent lights-out time.
- Read more : See the basics in First Trimester Fatigue.
2) Backaches & pelvic support pain
- What changes now : As baby drops and posture shifts, low-back and pelvic girdle pain can ramp up; round ligaments may protest after busy days.
- Try this : Daily pelvic tilts, side-sleep with a pillow between knees, and consider a maternity support belt.
- Read more : Relief ideas in Backaches and Round Ligament Pain.
3) Constipation & hemorrhoids
- What changes now : Progesterone is still relaxing the gut, iron supplements may continue, and pelvic pressure slows things down—hello, hemorrhoids.
- Try this : 25–35g fiber, prune or pear juice, daily walks, and (if your provider okays it) a stool softener—not a stimulant laxative.
- Read more : Gentle strategies in Second Trimester Constipation.
4) Skin changes (stretch marks, itch, melasma)
- What changes now : The “glow” can coexist with itchy belly skin and new stretch marks as your bump grows fast.
- Try this : Lukewarm showers, rich unscented moisturizer, SPF daily for melasma.
- Read more : Foundations in First Trimester Skin Changes.
5) Swelling (feet, ankles, hands)
- What changes now : Fluid retention + pressure on leg veins = more evening puffiness. Usually normal, but watch for red-flag swelling (more below).
- Try this : Left-side sleep, feet-up breaks, compression socks in the morning.
- Read more : Practical tips in Second Trimester Swelling.
6) Sore or sensitive breasts (now with colostrum)
- What changes now : Heaviness and tenderness can return; some moms notice a thin, yellow colostrum leak (totally normal).
- Try this : Supportive, wire-free bra; soft breast pads if leaking bothers you.
- Read more : Basics in First Trimester Sore Breasts.
7) Frequent urination (again!)
- What changes now : Baby’s head presses on your bladder—so you may pee and feel like you still have to pee.
- Try this : Lean slightly forward when voiding; limit big drinks 1–2 hours before bed (but keep daytime fluids up).
- Read more : Background in First Trimester Frequent Urination.
8) Braxton Hicks contractions (stronger “practice”)
- What changes now : More frequent, tighter practice waves—often later in the day or after activity.
- Try this : Hydrate, change positions, warm bath, and time them (true labor gets longer/stronger/closer).
- Read more : Spot the difference in Second Trimester Braxton Hicks Contractions.
9) Increased vaginal discharge & mucus plug talk
- What changes now : Leukorrhea often increases. A thick, jelly-like glob—sometimes streaked with blood—can be the mucus plug, which may regenerate and doesn’t mean immediate labor by itself.
- Try this : Breathable underwear, unscented liners, and call your provider if discharge turns green/gray, foul-smelling, or you suspect fluid leakage.
- Read more : What’s normal vs not in First Trimester Increased Vaginal Discharge.
10) Sleep problems
- What changes now : Hip pain, heartburn, active baby, and frequent bathroom trips make good sleep trickier.
- Try this : Body pillow support, small early dinners, and a consistent wind-down routine.
- Read more : More solutions in Second Trimester Sleep Problems.
11) Mood shifts (and the mental load)
- What changes now : Excitement + worries about birth/postpartum can boost anxiety even if nausea is gone.
- Try this : Limit late-night scrolling, practice “worry time” + journaling, and ask for practical help.
- Read more : Emotional basics in First Trimester Mood Swings.
Third-trimester symptoms that are new or more specific (and what helps)
Shortness of breath
- Why it happens : The uterus crowds the diaphragm; increased blood volume means your heart is working harder.
- Try this : Sit/stand tall, sleep a bit elevated, and pace stairs or hills. If you feel chest pain, severe breathlessness, or a racing heartbeat—call your provider.
Pelvic pressure & “lightning crotch”
- Why it happens : Baby’s head settles lower (engagement), stretching pelvic tissues and nerves.
- Try this : Belly band support, hands-and-knees rockbacks, and frequent position changes. Pelvic floor PT can be a game-changer.
Heartburn that won’t quit
- Why it happens : Relaxed valve + baby’s pressure send acid upward (especially after big meals).
- Try this : Smaller meals, don’t lie down within 2–3 hours of eating, and ask about pregnancy-safe antacids if lifestyle tweaks aren’t enough.
Leg cramps & restless legs
- Why it happens : Circulation changes and nighttime fatigue can set the stage.
- Try this : Calf stretches before bed, magnesium-rich foods (pumpkin seeds, legumes), and talk to your provider about iron/ferritin if RLS is intense.
Varicose veins & hemorrhoids
- Why it happens : Vein pressure rises as blood volume expands; constipation and pelvic pressure add up.
- Try this : Compression socks by morning, feet-up breaks, fiber + fluids, and witch-hazel pads for hemorrhoid comfort. (Deeper relief under Second Trimester Swelling and Second Trimester Constipation.)
Carpal tunnel (numb/tingly hands)
- Why it happens : Fluid retention narrows wrist tunnels that house nerves.
- Try this : Neutral-wrist night splints, gentle hand/forearm stretches, and reduce repetitive motions when you can.
Colostrum leakage
- Why it happens : Milk-making hormones rev up.
- Try this : Breathable bras and reusable pads; avoid intense nipple stimulation if you’re prone to contractions.
Nesting energy spurts (followed by… naps)
- What to do : Harness it for low-impact prep: wash baby clothes, stock the freezer, pack your hospital bag—and then rest.
What to do now : a third-trimester comfort plan
Daily
- Hydrate smart: 8–12 cups/day, front-loaded. Add electrolytes if it’s hot or you’re active.
- Move gently: 20–30 minutes most days—walks, swimming, or prenatal yoga to ease back/pelvic pressure and support sleep.
- Support the bump: A belly band can reduce tugging on ligaments and low-back strain.
- Fiber focus: 25–35g/day from beans, berries, whole grains; pair with fluids.
- Feet-up breaks: 2–3 times/day for 10–15 minutes to help swelling.
- Side-sleep: Left side with a pillow between knees and a small one under the belly or behind the back.
As needed
- Braxton Hicks flaring? Water + position change + warm shower.
- Heartburn? Smaller early dinners, sleep a bit elevated, and discuss safe antacids.
- Carpal tunnel? Night splints and “shake-outs” on waking.
- Back or pelvic pain? Try pelvic tilts, cat-cow, or book a prenatal massage/PT visit.
Preparation
- Kick counts: Around 28 weeks, get familiar with your baby’s movement patterns; call if you notice a meaningful decrease.
- Birth & postpartum plan: Jot your preferences, choose a pediatrician, set up meal/train helpers.
- Know the difference: Re-read Second Trimester Braxton Hicks Contractions for pattern differences vs. true labor.
When to call your provider—save this list
Please call right away if you have :
- Regular, painful contractions that get longer/stronger/closer (or your water breaks).
- Severe headache, vision changes, sudden swelling of face/hands, or right-upper-abdominal pain (possible preeclampsia).
- Heavy vaginal bleeding or a constant leak/gush of fluid.
- Marked decrease in baby’s movements.
- Chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or calf pain/swelling (possible clot).
- Fever ≥100.4°F (38°C).
Wrapping Up with Love & Support
Mama, the third trimester is full of paradoxes—so ready to meet your baby, yet so over the heartburn, the bathroom trips, and the “Is this it?” contractions. Small, consistent tweaks really do add up. Give your body compassion for the giant job it’s doing, ask for help when you can, and keep this guide handy for quick comfort wins. You’ve got this.
Tell me: which symptom is bugging you the most right now? Drop it in the comments, and I’ll point you to a tailored game plan (and the right link)!