The Final Stretch
The third trimester (weeks 28-40) is when everything becomes real. Your baby is growing rapidly, your partner is experiencing significant physical changes, and you are both preparing for the biggest moment of your lives.
What Happens With Baby
During these final weeks, your baby goes from about 2.5 pounds to an average of 7-8 pounds at birth. Their lungs are maturing, they are practicing breathing, and they can hear your voice clearly. This is a great time to talk, read, or sing to your baby.
Supporting Your Partner
The third trimester brings new challenges for your partner:
- Back pain and discomfort - Offer massages and help with physical tasks
- Difficulty sleeping - Be patient with nighttime restlessness
- Swelling - Help elevate her feet, bring her water
- Anxiety about labor - Attend birthing classes together, discuss the birth plan
Practical Preparations
Use these weeks to get ready:
- Install the car seat (get it inspected at a local fire station)
- Pack the hospital bags
- Set up the nursery
- Stock up on essentials: diapers, wipes, onesies
- Prepare meals to freeze for after baby arrives
- Know the route to the hospital and have a backup plan
Signs of Labor
Know what to watch for: regular contractions that get closer together, water breaking, bloody show, or intense lower back pain. Have your hospital number saved and know when to call.
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