Third Trimester and Delivery: What to Expect as You Prepare to Welcome Your Baby

The third trimester of pregnancy — from week 28 until delivery — is both an exciting and overwhelming time. As your baby grows rapidly and your due date approaches, this final stretch is all about preparing for childbirth, understanding what happens during labour and delivery, and staying closely connected with your antenatal care team.

At SR Women & Children Specialists, we’re committed to supporting you with expert guidance, personalised care, and the reassurance you need as you get ready to welcome your little one into the world.

What Happens in the Third Trimester?

From week 28 onwards, your body continues to change. You may experience:

Backaches, swelling, and leg cramps
Difficulty sleeping
More frequent Braxton Hicks contractions (practice contractions)
Increased fatigue
Emotional ups and downs

More importantly, your baby is getting ready for life outside the womb, gaining weight and shifting into the ideal position for delivery.

Your antenatal visits become more frequent during this stage — typically every two weeks until week 36, then weekly until birth. These visits are crucial for monitoring:

Blood pressure and signs of preeclampsia
Baby’s growth and position
Signs of early labour or complications
Your overall physical and emotional well-being

7 Reasons Antenatal Visits Are Crucial for a Healthy Pregnancy

Preparing for Labour and Delivery

Planning ahead helps reduce stress and empowers you to make informed decisions. Here’s what we recommend as you near the end of your pregnancy:

1. Understand the Signs of Labour

Be aware of common early signs of labour, including:

Regular contractions that get stronger and closer together
Water breaking (rupture of membranes)
Lower back pain or cramping
Pelvic pressure or a feeling of “baby dropping”

Call your doctor if you’re unsure whether labour has started — we’re here to help you every step of the way.

2. Discuss Your Birth Plan

At SR Women & Children Specialists, we encourage you to share your preferences, such as:

Pain relief options (epidural, gas & air, natural techniques)
Support person(s) during labour
Positions for labour and delivery
Immediate skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding after birth

While labour can be unpredictable, having a flexible birth plan allows us to tailor care to your comfort and safety.

3. Pack Your Hospital Bag Early

Around week 36, prepare a bag with:

Maternity documents and ID
Comfortable clothes and toiletries
Baby clothes and diapers
Nursing bras and breast pads
Snacks and phone charger

We’ll advise you on where and when to go once labour begins.

4. Stay Mentally and Physically Ready

Gentle activity like walking or prenatal yoga, breathing exercises, and good hydration can help prepare your body for labour. Ask us about perineal massage or other ways to reduce birth trauma.

The Usual Delivery Process

Each birth is unique, but understanding the general stages of labour helps ease anxiety.

Stage 1: Early and Active Labour

Early Labour: Cervix begins to dilate (0–3 cm). Contractions are mild and irregular. This is the longest phase and may last several hours.
Active Labour: Cervix dilates from 4 to 10 cm. Contractions become stronger and closer together. This is when you’ll need to be admitted to the hospital.

Stage 2: Pushing and Birth

You’ll begin pushing once fully dilated. This stage may last anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours.
Your baby is delivered through the birth canal with assistance from your doctor and midwife.

Stage 3: Delivery of the Placenta

After your baby is born, the placenta is delivered. This usually happens within 15–30 minutes.

Throughout the process, our team monitors both you and your baby closely to ensure a safe and positive birth experience.

What if I Need a Caesarean Section?

Sometimes, a Caesarean section (C-section) may be planned or become necessary due to:

Baby in breech position or any position unsuitable for a safe vaginal delivery
Slow labour progression or failure of labour to progress
Baby becomes distressed before or during labour progression
Medical conditions in the mother or baby
Placental complications

If this happens, we’ll explain the reasons clearly and ensure you are comfortable with the shared decision.

Your Birth, Your Experience

At SR Women & Children Specialists, our all-women obstetrics team is experienced, compassionate, and committed to safe, supportive birthing care. Whether you’re planning a natural delivery or require extra medical attention, we’ll ensure you and your baby are in trusted hands.