Introduction: The Final Stretch
The third trimester was, without a doubt, the most exhausting phase of my entire pregnancy—both physically and mentally. If the first trimester was about survival and the second about balance, then the third trimester was truly a test of strength, patience, and emotional endurance.
This phase didn’t come easy. It arrived with heaviness in the body, restlessness in the mind, and that constant realization that something life-changing was very, very close.
Physical Struggles, Swelling & False Labor
By the third trimester, even basic movements—like getting up from the sofa, sitting down, or just walking a few steps—started to feel like a task. My body felt heavy, and every small thing required extra effort.
Swelling & Breathlessness
As the baby grew, the pressure on my lungs made breathlessness very common. I also started noticing swelling in my feet.
Here in France, the doctor prescribed compression stockings (medical socks) for me. To be honest, at first, it felt really weird to wear them, but trust me, they gave me huge relief from leg pain and swelling.
False Labor (Braxton Hicks)
Sometimes, my stomach would suddenly become rock hard, accompanied by mild pain. I was scared at first that labor had started, but the doctor explained that these were Braxton Hicks (false labor)—basically, the body practicing for the big day.
French Classes & Inner Strength
I had actually joined French classes during my second trimester. Amidst all these physical challenges, I honestly didn’t feel like attending classes anymore because I used to get tired so easily.
Still, I didn’t quit.
I continued my classes and successfully passed my A1 French exam, which happened just 20 days before my delivery. When I look back today, this achievement fills me with pride. It reminds me that even when you are physically exhausted, your mental strength can take you far.
Baby Movements & Special Sonography Moments
From around five months, I started feeling my baby’s movements slowly. By six months, they were clearer—and in the third trimester, my baby was kicking all day long!
A special part of my journey:
Since I was consulting a private doctor here in France, I was lucky enough to have a sonography (ultrasound) at every single appointment. The doctor would carefully check each organ to make sure everything was developing well.
During those moments, my husband and I would watch the screen closely—seeing the baby’s movements, tiny hands, and legs. Those moments filled us with pure happiness and relief. That’s when the pregnancy truly felt “real” for us.
Sleepless Nights, Vivid Dreams & Gas
Proper sleep almost disappeared in the third trimester. I couldn’t lie straight, had to keep changing sides, and those frequent bathroom visits made the nights feel endless.
To manage this, I relied on my pregnancy pillow. Whenever I struggled to sleep or felt uncomfortable changing sides, it gave me huge relief and support.
- Vivid Dreams: Even when I managed to sleep, pregnancy hormones caused very strange and real dreams. Sometimes about the delivery, sometimes scary dreams about losing the baby—this was all normal, but mentally exhausting.
- Gas Problems: Gas issues increased significantly during this phase, so much so that they became very uncomfortable. My doctor prescribed a safe gas-relief medicine and advised me to take it whenever it got too much.
This phase taught me one big lesson: Never ignore your body signals and never hesitate to talk openly with your doctor.
Medical Check-ups, Anesthetist & Diet
Medical monitoring continued regularly during the third trimester.
The Anesthetist Appointment
In France, it is compulsory to meet an Anesthetist before delivery (whether you plan to take an epidural or not). I had this appointment too, where they checked my spine and medical history to ensure there would be no complications if anesthesia were needed during birth.
GBS Test & Diet
I underwent the GBS (Group B Streptococcus) screening, a routine test done in the final weeks. Regarding diet, my doctor was strict:
- Avoid unpasteurized dairy products completely.
- Stick to home-cooked, safe, and healthy food.
I was also prescribed Vitamin D supplements. I realized that every supplement has a purpose—for the baby’s growth and for the mother’s strength.
Nesting Phase: Plans vs. Reality
As the due date approached, two emotions existed together inside me.
One side said: “Just a few more days…”
The other whispered, “How will everything happen? Will I manage?”
I prepared the baby’s room, washed and arranged baby clothes, and mentally prepared myself for delivery. I had actually planned to make dry fruit laddoos before delivery. On 23rd June 2024, I managed to make a small batch and thought I would prepare more on the 25th or 26th.
But on 25th June, my baby arrived—even though my expected due date was 9th July.
It just goes to show—Pregnancy and delivery don’t always follow our plans.
A Solo Journey & Inner Strength
As I shared in my earlier “From Calculus to Diapers: My Equation of Life“ story, being in France meant this entire journey was just between my husband and me.
No family members, no extra help. Whatever needed to be done—physically or emotionally—I had to do myself.
It was difficult, especially in the third trimester when the body feels weakest. But this experience made me emotionally stronger than I ever imagined.
🛍️ A Real Note: Baby Shopping Lesson
One honest lesson I want to share: Don’t overbuy baby items.
I bought many things that later turned out to be unnecessary.👉 Less is more—especially when it comes to baby shopping.
🏥 Final Preparation: The Hospital Bag
Preparing the hospital bag before delivery gave me great mental peace. Use this checklist to stay organized:
| For Mother | For Baby |
|---|---|
| Documents: ID, Insurance papers, Hospital file | Clothing: Cotton newborn clothes, Cap, Mittens, Socks |
| Clothing: Front-open nightwear, Loose comfortable clothes | Bedding: Soft blanket, Swaddle |
| Footwear: Comfortable slippers, Socks | Diapers: Newborn diapers |
| Hygiene: Toothbrush, Lip balm, Hair ties, Maternity pads | Hygiene: Baby wipes, Cotton |
| Nursing: Nursing bra, Breast pads | Feeding: Burp cloths |
| Going Home: A loose, comfy outfit | Going Home: One special “Coming Home” outfit |
| Tech: Phone charger, Power bank | – |
✨ Tip: Keep the bag ready by 36–37 weeks, because delivery can happen earlier than expected—just like mine did.
✅ Third Trimester – Do’s
- Take prescribed supplements regularly.
- Monitor the baby’s movements daily.
- Wear compression stockings if advised by your doctor.
- Rest whenever your body asks for it.
- Attend the anesthetist and all medical appointments.
❌ Third Trimester – Don’ts
- Ignore pain, false labor, or discomfort.
- Overexert yourself.
- Consume unpasteurized food.
- Panic about early delivery.
- Overbuy baby items.
❓ FAQ – Third Trimester
Q1. Is extreme tiredness normal in the third trimester?
Yes. Weight gain, baby growth, and hormonal changes make this phase exhausting.
Q2. Why do vivid dreams happen?
Pregnancy hormones and delivery anxiety often cause very real and vivid dreams during sleep.
Q3. Is gas a common issue in late pregnancy?
Yes. Hormonal changes and pressure on the digestive system cause gas and bloating.
Q4. What are Braxton Hicks (False Labor)?
These are practice contractions. If the pain goes away by changing positions or walking, it is false labor.
A Note for Every Mother 🤍
If you feel tired, it doesn’t mean you are weak.
It means you are carrying something incredibly important.
Wow it is such a great and detailed overview.