The third trimester is the "home stretch" of your pregnancy. Congratulations on making it this far in your journey. If you haven't already, you may find it helpful to educate yourself about the labour and birthing process, make some decisions about how you plan to feed your baby, and learn a little bit about caring for an infant. You might want to also think about who you'd like to have with you when you give birth. Your support person(s) should be able to help keep you focused and calm in your labour and birthing process. Feel free to check our packing list for hospital birth, for some suggestions to help you pack and prepare your birthing bag.
When will I give birth?
Your pregnancy is given an "estimated date of confinement/EDC" 40 weeks from your Last Menstrual Period, or based on an early dating ultrasound. Your EDC is simply an estimate, and for most people, birth is generally safe and healthy from 37 to 42 weeks gestation.
On average, most people don't give birth by their due date, but almost 50% of people give birth by their 40 weeks +5 days of gestation, and nearly 75% give birth by 41 weeks +2 days gestation. For more information about due dates, you may find the following helpful: Evidence on: Due Dates - Evidence Based Birth®
Common Aches and Pains in Pregnancy
Body Changes in the 3rd Trimester
More Milk Sooner - antenatal colostrum collection
Spontaneous birth VS Induction of Labour