Third Trimester Symptoms

Weeks 28-40

The third trimester brings physical challenges as your baby grows rapidly. You may experience back pain, shortness of breath, and difficulty sleeping. As you approach your due date, your body begins preparing for labor with practice contractions and other changes.

36

Symptoms Covered

13

Weeks

10

Symptom Categories

First Trimester

Second Trimester

Third Trimester

🍽️Digestive Symptoms

3 symptoms in this category during the third trimester

Heartburn & Acid Reflux

Burning sensation in chest and throat from stomach acid

Common weeks: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40

Peak weeks: 32, 34, 36, 38

Constipation

Difficulty having bowel movements, hard stools

Common weeks: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40

Peak weeks: 28, 32

Bloating & Gas

Abdominal swelling and excessive gas production

Common weeks: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40

Peak weeks: 28, 32

⚡Pain & Discomfort

8 symptoms in this category during the third trimester

Back Pain

Lower back aching and discomfort

Common weeks: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40

Peak weeks: 28, 32, 36, 38

Sciatica (Nerve Pain)

Sharp pain radiating from lower back down leg

Common weeks: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40

Peak weeks: 30, 32, 34, 36

Round Ligament Pain

Sharp pain in lower abdomen or groin from stretching ligaments

Common weeks: 28, 29, 30, 31

Pelvic Pain & Pressure

Pain or pressure in pelvic area

Common weeks: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40

Peak weeks: 34, 36, 38, 39

Hip Pain

Pain in hip joints, often worse at night

Common weeks: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40

Peak weeks: 32, 34, 36

Leg Cramps (Charley Horses)

Painful muscle spasms in calves, often at night

Common weeks: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40

Peak weeks: 28, 30, 32, 34

Abdominal Pain & Cramping

General abdominal discomfort or cramping

Common weeks: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40

Peak weeks: 34, 36

Rib Pain & Soreness

Pain in ribs from baby pushing upward

Common weeks: 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40

Peak weeks: 34, 36, 37

💪Physical Changes

5 symptoms in this category during the third trimester

Fatigue & Exhaustion

Overwhelming tiredness and lack of energy

Common weeks: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40

Peak weeks: 34, 38

Swelling (Edema)

Fluid retention in feet, ankles, hands, face

Common weeks: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40

Peak weeks: 34, 36, 38, 39

Dizziness & Lightheadedness

Feeling faint, unsteady, or room spinning

Common weeks: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40

Insomnia & Sleep Problems

Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep

Common weeks: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40

Peak weeks: 34, 38

Increased Vaginal Discharge

More vaginal discharge than usual (leukorrhea)

Common weeks: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40

Peak weeks: 36, 38

😊Emotional & Mental

5 symptoms in this category during the third trimester

Mood Swings

Rapid emotional changes, crying easily

Common weeks: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40

Peak weeks: 34, 38

Anxiety & Worry

Excessive worrying, nervousness, fear

Common weeks: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40

Peak weeks: 36, 38

Prenatal Depression

Persistent sadness, loss of interest, hopelessness

Common weeks: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40

Peak weeks: 28, 32

Forgetfulness (Pregnancy Brain)

Memory lapses, difficulty concentrating

Common weeks: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40

Peak weeks: 28, 36

Vivid Dreams & Nightmares

Intense, memorable, sometimes disturbing dreams

Common weeks: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40

Peak weeks: 28, 32, 36

🔬Hormonal Changes

1 symptoms in this category during the third trimester

Breast Changes & Growth

Breast enlargement, darkening, visible veins

Common weeks: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40

Peak weeks: 32, 36

✨Skin Changes

3 symptoms in this category during the third trimester

Itchy Skin

Skin itchiness, especially on belly

Common weeks: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40

Peak weeks: 28, 32, 36

Stretch Marks

Pink, red, or purple lines on skin

Common weeks: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40

Peak weeks: 28, 32, 36

Skin Darkening (Melasma, Linea Nigra)

Darker skin patches on face, dark line on belly

Common weeks: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40

Peak weeks: 28, 32

❤️Circulation Issues

3 symptoms in this category during the third trimester

Varicose Veins

Swollen, twisted veins visible under skin

Common weeks: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40

Peak weeks: 30, 34, 38

Hemorrhoids

Swollen veins in rectum, painful

Common weeks: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40

Peak weeks: 32, 36, 38, 39

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Numbness, tingling in hands and fingers

Common weeks: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40

Peak weeks: 32, 34, 36, 38

🫁Breathing & Respiratory

2 symptoms in this category during the third trimester

Shortness of Breath

Difficulty catching your breath

Common weeks: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40

Peak weeks: 32, 34, 36

Nosebleeds & Nasal Congestion

Bloody noses, stuffy nose

Common weeks: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40

💧Urinary Symptoms

1 symptoms in this category during the third trimester

Frequent Urination

Need to urinate more often, day and night

Common weeks: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40

Peak weeks: 36, 38

👶Labor Preparation

5 symptoms in this category during the third trimester

Braxton Hicks Contractions

Practice contractions, tightening of uterus

Common weeks: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40

Peak weeks: 35, 36, 37, 38, 39

Lightning Crotch

Sharp, shooting pains in vagina/pelvis

Common weeks: 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40

Peak weeks: 36, 37, 38, 39

Mucus Plug Loss

Thick, bloody mucus discharge

Common weeks: 36, 37, 38, 39, 40

Peak weeks: 38, 39, 40

Nesting Instinct

Sudden urge to clean, organize, prepare

Common weeks: 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40

Peak weeks: 37, 38, 39

Diarrhea (Late Pregnancy)

Loose stools, especially right before labor

Common weeks: 36, 37, 38, 39, 40

Peak weeks: 39, 40

Track Symptoms Week by Week

Get detailed information about symptoms for each specific week of your third trimester.

Week 28 Week 29 Week 30 Week 31 Week 32 Week 33 Week 34 Week 35 Week 36 Week 37 Week 38 Week 39 Week 40

← View All Symptoms Week-by-Week Guide →

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