Third trimester pregnancy

Updated: 2025-02-01

Description

The final 12 weeks of a full-term pregnancy.

Overview

During the third trimester of pregnancy, the size and position of an unborn baby, also called a fetus, in the uterus might make it hard for a pregnant person to get comfortable. During this trimester, pregnant people can choose to state their wishes for labor and delivery in a document called a birth plan.

Symptoms

Symptoms during the third trimester of pregnancy can include backaches, shortness of breath, heartburn, hemorrhoids and varicose veins. Anxiety about labor, delivery and parenthood is common.

Treatment

During the third trimester of pregnancy, prenatal visits for pregnant people include screening tests for conditions that might need treatment, such as gestational diabetes. It's also important to get vaccinations for COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus, and tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis.