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You're in the home stretch. You'll most likely have a checkup every two weeks until 36 weeks, then switch to once-a-week visits until you deliver.
In the third trimester, aim for a steady weight gain of about a pound each week. You need about 450 extra calories per day to support your pregnancy – here are some healthy pregnancy foods and pregnancy snacks to help you meet that goal.
Generally, it's safe to have sex during the third trimester. If you're having a healthy, uncomplicated pregnancy, you can probably continue to have sex right up until your water breaks or you go into labor.
You're in your seventh month!
Your baby's brain will triple in weight this trimester. The cerebrum will develop deep, convoluted grooves that provide extra surface area without taking up more room in the skull.
Your baby's senses of hearing, smell, and touch are developed and functional.
At 28 weeks, your baby's autonomic nervous system (which controls involuntary movements) is taking on new tasks. Specifically, it's starting to control your baby's body temperature and manage rhythmic breathing movements, which develop and strengthen your baby's lungs.
Learn more about being 28 weeks pregnant with twins.
Leg cramps during pregnancy tend to show up in the third trimester. They happen for a number of reasons: You're carrying extra weight, and you may have swelling in your legs (edema). If you're deficient in certain vitamins or not getting as much exercise, this might also contribute to leg pain.
Typically, leg cramps or pain is temporary and will go away if you change positions, drink water, or try some gentle movement. If your leg pain is persistent or severe, talk to your provider. They can suggest changes you can make to feel better.
If you've noticed occasional blood in your stool, it's likely the result of hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the pelvic area which may cause light bleeding.
Hemorrhoids during pregnancy are very common and are often the result of constipation, your growing uterus putting pressure on your veins, and hormonal changes.
Hemorrhoids aren't usually dangerous, but they can be very uncomfortable. Drinking plenty of water, staying active, and eating high-fiber foods can help prevent constipation (and thus prevent hemorrhoids). If you're struggling with regular constipation, talk to your doctor about taking a non-laxative stool softener or magnesium.
Also, it's always a good idea to let your doctor know if you have regular rectal bleeding. They can suggest ideas for treating hemorrhoids and anal fissures, and rule out any underlying medical issues.
Changing hormones plus interrupted sleep can cause memorable and bizarre pregnancy dreams. Your dreams may reflect your excitement, fear, and apprehension about the physical and emotional changes happening to you. You may even have anxiety-provoking dreams about birth and parenting your new baby.
Weird dreams are a common part of pregnancy. Your dreams could feel markedly different and more vivid than what you're used to. Thanks to increased blood flow to your genitals during the last few months of pregnancy, an increase in sex dreams is typical, too!
Rashes during pregnancy are often triggered by an unrelated condition like eczema, contact dermatitis, or an infection. Less commonly, expecting moms can develop a rash that's caused by their pregnancy. Atopic eruption of pregnancy, the general name for three pregnancy-related rashes, is an itchy rash on the torso, arms, and legs. It's most often treated topically or with an oral antihistamine or steroid.
PUPPP, or pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy, is a rare skin condition seen in 1 percent of pregnant women. It begins with small, raised bumps that itch and progresses to patches on the skin called plaques. PUPPP typically shows up in the third trimester. It isn't harmful, but the itching can be extreme. To treat PUPPP, your provider might recommend a topical ointment (corticosteroids), an oral antihistamine, or – if you have a severe case – oral steroids. Don't take any medications – even over-the-counter antihistamines or topical ointments – without talking to your provider first.
In the third trimester, you might notice small dots of a yellowish substance inside your bra cups. This is colostrum, the very first breast milk your body makes. It's so rich in antibodies and nutrients that some call it "liquid gold." Not all pregnant women leak colostrum, but if you do there's nothing to worry about. Your body is getting ready to feed your baby, and the hormone prolactin is becoming active. If the leaking is bothersome, pick up some nursing pads and start tucking them into your bra.
Wondering about a symptom you have? Find it on our pregnancy symptoms page.
Your baby is getting bigger and stronger, which means you'll be feeling a lot of baby kicks and other movements in the third trimester. Your partner (or another loved one) can feel the baby kicking from the outside by now, too. Once you're feeling kicks regularly, take notice of your baby's patterns of rest and movement. Notify your healthcare provider right away if you notice your baby's movement changing or slowing down, which can signal a problem.
It may feel early, but it's actually a good time to start the process of choosing a doctor for your baby. Look for a pediatrician who's covered by your health insurance, is conveniently located, and has hours that work well with your schedule. After your little one makes their big appearance, they'll have their first check up with a pediatrician right away. Some doctors visit newborns in the hospital (or send another doctor from the practice) while others won't see you until you bring your baby in for the first office visit. In many instances, the hospital's pediatrician will take care of newborns until they're discharged – either instead of or in addition to the babies' own doctors.
You don't have to create a birth plan – they aren't required or expected. But you may enjoy the chance to think through your preferences as you prepare for your baby's birth. A birth plan lets your medical team know your desires during labor and delivery, from whether you want pain medication to who's cutting the umbilical cord. If you make one, talk it through with your doctor or midwife at an upcoming prenatal visit.
To prepare for the top baby costs you'll experience during the first year, do some research now. Knowing ahead of time what you'll spend on regular expenses (like diapering, formula, and daycare) will help you budget. To see how it all adds up, check out our Baby Costs Calculator.
Even though there isn't much research on dying your hair while you're pregnant, it's generally thought to be safe. Some experts recommend waiting until after you've finished the first trimester, a critical period in your baby's development, because hair dye is a chemical substance and very small amounts of dye could be absorbed by your skin.
If you're nervous about the effect this process could have on your baby, chat with your stylist. They might suggest balayage or highlights, which allow you to color your hair without the dye touching your scalp.
Mary Sauer is a freelance parenting and health writer living in Kansas City. She is a mom of four and loves to hike with her kids, read, and knit. Cooking a complicated meal her kids probably won't eat is one of her favorite pastimes.
