Congratulations! You've reached the third trimester of your pregnancy, and it's perfectly normal to be feeling a wide array of new physical and emotional changes from head to toe. The second trimester might have been more comfortable, but the third trimester brings its own unique set of experiences. You might be noticing weight gain, heartburn, frequent urination, varicose veins, fatigue, shortness of breath, and hemorrhoids. These are all good indicators that your pregnancy is advancing well and that your baby is developing beautifully.

Weeks 27-31

During these weeks, your baby will grow from about two pounds to four pounds and will reach approximately 14 inches in length. It's no wonder your belly has grown so much! At this stage, your baby begins to respond more noticeably to light, sound, and even touch. Around week 28, your baby’s eyes open more, and their eyelashes become more visible. By week 29, your baby's skin starts smoothing out from the weight gain, and their bones are fully developed. In week 30, you might even catch your baby’s eyes wide open during an ultrasound. By week 31, the central nervous system has matured enough to help regulate your baby’s body temperature.

Weeks 32-36

Expect more pronounced movements during this period. You may actually see your belly move as your baby kicks and shifts around. Some kicks might even feel powerful enough to make you think they’ve broken a rib! By week 32, your baby starts practicing breathing, although the lungs are still maturing. At this stage, your little one is also absorbing essential minerals like calcium and iron. Fingernails now reach the fingertips, and your baby can detect light. The limbs are getting chubbier, and most babies born after 32 weeks have a high survival rate with minimal risk of complications.

Weeks 37-42

As you approach your delivery date, know that your pregnancy might span nine to ten months in total, depending on when you give birth. This is the last stretch of fetal growth where your baby’s ability to grasp, see, hear, and touch improves significantly. The baby's position will also shift so that their head is facing your birth canal. By now, the average baby weighs between six and eight pounds. The confined space in your uterus means you’ll feel fewer sharp kicks but more stretching and rolling motions. By week 37, you are considered full-term. At this point, all of the baby’s organs are fully developed, and they can function independently if born now. The baby's brain weighs about 14 ounces and will continue to grow even after birth.

Experiencing a wide range of emotions is completely normal in the third trimester. Remember, those cramps, backaches, and achy ribs are all signs that your baby is growing rapidly and will soon be ready to enter the world.