3rd Trimester
(Weeks 27-40)
This is the final part of your pregnancy. You may be anxious to meet your baby and hope that he or she would come early, but each week of this final stage is very important for his or her development.
For you, the discomforts that started in the second trimester will likely continue, along with some new ones. As the baby grows and puts more pressure on your internal organs, you may find you have difficulty breathing and have to urinate more frequently. This is normal and once you give birth these problems should go away.
The typical, full-term pregnancy is 40 weeks. It’s possible that you can go past your due date by a week or two (41 or 42 weeks). Make sure to talk to your healthcare provider during this trimester about your birth plan.
Changes for Mom
- You will likely gain around 3 to 4 pounds.
- Your feet, ankles and hands may swell.
- You will feel clumsier because of the added weight to your belly.
- You may find it harder to sleep. You will probably find it difficult to get comfortable.
- You may get stretch marks on your belly and breasts.
- You might feel Braxton Hicks contractions. They're normal and feel like low pressure or mild menstrual cramps.
- Your growing uterus leaves little room for your stomach, so eat smaller but more frequent healthy meals.
- You may experience leakage of early colostrum, an early form of breastmilk.
Changes for Baby
- Your baby's hearing is fully developed and can hear and recognize the sound of your and your partner’s voice!
- Your baby moves, kicks, stretches and responds to sound, pain and light.
- Your baby’s brain and nervous system are almost fully-grown.
- Your baby is about the size of a honeydew melon - 15 to 16 inches long and about 2 ½ to 4 pounds.
Changes for Mom
- You may gain 3 to 4 pounds.
- You may find it hard to breathe because your baby is now pushing against your lungs.
- You will get tired more easily.
- You will need to urinate more frequently because your baby is also pushing against your bladder.
- You feel stronger contractions. Call your doctor if you feel more than 5 in an hour!
- Colostrum may leak from your breasts.
Changes for Baby
- Your baby’s brain is developing really fast.
- Most of your baby’s organs are functioning but the lungs are not quite ready.
- Your baby may move less because there is less room in your belly. Call your doctor if your baby does not move at least 4 times in an hour or 10 times in 2 hours.
- Your baby may have turned his head down to get ready for birth.
- Your baby is about the size of a spaghetti squash - 17 to 19 inches long and about 4 to 6 pounds.
Changes for Mom
- You will probably not gain much weight.
- Your cervix may begin to open.
- You will feel tired and probably very uncomfortable.
- It will be easier for you to breathe, but you might have to urinate even more frequently.
- It will be hard to eat a lot because your baby is crowding your stomach. Eat smaller meals during the day.
Changes for Baby
- Your baby’s lungs are ready to work on their own.
- Your baby drops down into your pelvis and prepares for birth.
- Your baby is ready to meet the world!
- Your baby is about the size of a watermelon - 19 to 21 inches long and about 7 to 9 pounds.
Get a portable crib at no cost for your baby!*
Get a portable crib at no cost when you notify Texas Children’s Health Plan of your pregnancy any time during your third trimester! To claim your portable crib, that also doubles as a playpen, click on the button below.
What to expect during other trimesters
Get rewarded for a healthy pregnancy!
Our Healthy Rewards Program offers exciting rewards and benefits for you and your family to enjoy as we help you plan for a healthy future, such as:
Basic Baby Care and Birth Classes
Fitness Center Membership Fee Assistance (STAR 21+ only)
Dental Services (STAR 21+ only)
Portable Crib/Playpen
Blood Pressure Monitor (for CHIP-P only)
Flu Prevention Reward (CHIP/STAR only)
Prenatal and Postpartum Visit Rewards
*Restrictions and limitations may apply and may vary by plan, including but not limited to age, gender and covered benefits by program. Extra benefits valid during the eligible year (September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2025). Visit healthyrewardsprogram.org for more details.
Need help applying for CHIP or Medicaid?
Our Application Assistance Specialists can help.