It’s the third trimester! Here’s what to do & learn

The third trimester. The home stretch. The final countdown. Can you believe you’re this close to meeting your baby, mama? During the third trimester of pregnancy, you may feel like you’re slowing down a bit—but that’s because your baby is working hard at packing on the weight and getting ready for their big debut. 

You probably have labor and delivery on your mind, too. At this point, exactly how that will all play out can feel like a big question mark. Still, taking this chance to prepare will help you feel confident when that big moment arrives. With bite-sized classes specially created for this moment in your pregnancy, you can get the support you need without getting caught up in too many details.

What should I expect during the third trimester of pregnancy?

During the third trimester, your baby is rapidly gaining weight, practicing breathing and getting ready for birth. As you approach your due date, most babies turn head down for labor and you won’t experience the sensation of as many “kicks and flips” due to them running low on space. Just like your baby’s activity slows, you may feel less energetic as the weeks go by—other than perhaps feeling an urge to “nest” or prepare your home for your baby’s arrival.

Heartburn, insomnia and back aches are also common. However, if you notice a sudden change with your body—including swollen feet or a serious headache—contact your healthcare provider right away. 

By now, you should be familiar and comfortable with your provider who you may see every other week and then every week as you get close to your due date. In addition to checking on your baby and your health during these visits, a birth plan should also be a topic of conversation. With the tools, explanations and resources, Motherly’s digital Third Trimester class is designed to help you feel empowered as you get closer and closer to *birth day*—and it’s free.

What should I learn about during the third trimester of pregnancy?

1. Common physical symptoms during the third trimester

As you close in on giving birth, your body is gearing up for the task ahead. That can look (and feel) like some major and occasionally uncomfortable changes. In Motherly’s Your Body in the Third Trimester Class, Pediatric Nurse and Certified Doula Diana Spalding covers what to know about changes to your body and upcoming doctors appointments.

2. What to know about Group B Strep

Between weeks 35 and 37 of pregnancy, your health care provider will likely perform a Group B Strep (GBS) test by swapping your vagina and rectum. GBS is a commonly found bacteria that is harmless to you, but can be serious for a baby if it is passed to them during delivery. The good news is that this hazard can be effectively avoided with antibiotics during labor. 

3. What to know about pregnancy sex

As your body changes through pregnancy, there can be some new questions and concerns about intimacy. Although every person and every couple’s experiences will vary during pregnancy, this can be a very sensuous time. In Motherly’s Sex + Relationships During Pregnancy Class, you will get insight and support for your love life. 

4. What’s coming next

As you look toward the home stretch, it’s time to start thinking about your birth plan. Part of that is considering common possibilities, such as a cesarean birth. And then, of course, there is what comes after birth: the postpartum phase! With Motherly’s Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum Bundle, you’ll get 28 lessons to help with this profound life transition. 

What should I know about online pregnancy classes from Motherly?

The classes are self-paced

When you purchase a digital class from Motherly, it’s yours to watch, pause, rewind and rewatch as many times as you want. By having the freedom to use these classes on your own terms and own time, you can maximize what you learn—and feel more empowered in the process.

The content comes directly from experts

Our expert-driven, woman-centered classes allow you to learn from leading health, fitness and wellness professionals—no matter where you are located. 

You can discover what works for you

Every pregnancy experience is different. With a selection of classes to suit your goals and lifestyle, you can feel empowered to make the decisions that are right for you. Our classes provide expert guidance and support to help you feel confident.

What are Motherly’s Third Trimester Classes?

1. Your Body in the Third Trimester

$Free

The home stretch and so many questions! This quick class is designed to help answer many of your questions about sleep, nutrition and tips on preparing your body for the amazing transformation to come.

Learn more

2. Cesarean Birth Class

$Free

One in three births are C-sections, and it’s important to be empowered about this (beautiful) type of birth. We will walk you through planned and unplanned C-sections and will share tools that can help with your recovery.

Learn more

3. About Diastasi Recti

$25.00

Diastasis Recti is a term many women are no where near familiar with pre-pregnancy, yet many experience it during and post-pregnancy. Some that experience it don’t even know they have it, and certainly don’t know how to repair their muscles

Learn more

4. The Motherly Birth Class

$Free

Including 12 video lessons and a detailed workbook, this is the birth class made for mamas. Community-inspired, expert-driven and woman-centered, this class celebrates the wonder of your amazing body and your baby while giving you the tools you need for an empowering birth experience.

Learn more