Entering Trimester Three: Simple Hacks to Prepare for Baby and Beyond
I can’t believe I’m staring down my third trimester—where did the time go? Pregnancy has this wild way of bending time, dragging out each day with every ache and flutter, yet making weeks vanish like they’re on fast-forward. This is my first go at this, and I’m floored. Days feel like slow-motion marathons, but my midwife appointments? They’re piling up like they’re on repeat, even though they’ve been a steady four weeks apart. (Heads-up: that’s about to shift to biweekly, then weekly—how is this real?)
This journey’s pulled me inward, a total 180 from my usual high-energy, go-go-go extrovert self. I’ve ghosted the digital world and most IRL hangouts—sorry, pals! There’s a juicier post coming to unpack that, but here’s the deal: pregnancy’s rewired me, spinning this profound web of physical, mental, and emotional shifts. Me, napping? Never happened unless I was sick, but now I’m catching afternoon snoozes like a pro. Leaning into this chill, introspective vibe has been equal parts weird and beautiful, like I’m meeting a new me while creating a human. I wish every woman could feel this unmatched magic—it’s life-changing in the best way.
As I step into this final stretch before our son arrives, I’m zeroing in on third trimester non-negotiables to set me, my husband, and our little guy up for success. Here’s what’s keeping me grounded and ready for the wild ride of motherhood.
Third Trimester Non-Negotiables
Movement: You know how everyone raves about staying active? I got a humbling wake-up call in my first trimester when exercise—or even walks—was a no-go. Talk about a reality check! By 13 weeks, I eased back in, but at a gentler pace. There’s so much noise about pregnancy workouts, but I’m all about doing what feels right for you. For me, if I can move, I’m moving—birth feels like an athletic event, and I want to be ready. This isn’t about gym gains or toning (duh); it’s about staying strong for the biggest moment of my life.
Strength Training: I’ve been working with a personal trainer for ages, focusing on strength. At 13 weeks, I jumped back into sessions, dialing down the intensity—think lighter weights, more breaks, and lots of body-listening. My usual Zone 2 cardio warm-up? Not my vibe right now. I’ll keep lifting until it feels like time to pause, giving myself grace when that day comes.
Walking: Not being able to walk for nearly two months hit hard. Now, I’m savoring every step—lymphatic flow, anyone? I’m dreaming of warmer, sunnier days to log even more miles.
Stretching: I’ll admit, stretching’s been my weak spot, but with the third trimester (and birth!) looming, I’m ready to step it up. My doula hooked me up with Spinning Babies stretches and a prenatal yoga class on YouTube. Plus, I’m eyeing a birthing ball to ease pelvic pressure and backaches as things get real.
Warmth: Warmth is my pregnancy MVP, and I’m geeking out over the science—especially Traditional Chinese Medicine’s take on qi. Warmth fuels that vital energy flow, keeping me and baby in sync, balancing my system with cozy vibes. It boosts circulation, soothes muscles, and lifts my mood—modern biology and ancient wisdom in perfect harmony. I’m all in!
Epsom Salt Baths: These are pure magic, packed with magnesium and soothing warmth to melt tension. My go-to is Ancient Minerals Epsom Salt—total game-changer for unwinding.
Daily Sunlight: The sun’s a healer, plain and simple. Its glow feels extra good when pregnancy discomforts creep in, and pre-2 p.m. exposure keeps my circadian rhythm on point for better sleep.
Warm Drinks and Foods: From red raspberry leaf tea (hello, uterine strength!) to hearty soups and stews, warm foods ease digestion and boost qi flow. Many cultures swear by warm eats for the first 40 days postpartum, and I’m already stocking up.
Nesting: You’ve heard of “nesting mode,” but until it hits, it’s unreal—a primal urge like hunger pangs, driven by oxytocin surges that scream, “Make a safe space!” It’s evolutionary, psychological, and unstoppable. If you’re pregnant, you’ll get that itch to perfect everything.
Organizing: Pregnant mamas, your closets might be gleaming soon—mine are! Tiny bins, baskets, and pee-wee hangers make sorting baby gear weirdly fun. But it’s not just the nursery—I’m hitting the pantry and freezer, too, prepping for what’s next.
Cleaning: Hand-in-hand with organizing, a spotless house calms me and sets us up for an easier postpartum. More on that fourth trimester prep below.
Mood Lighting: Lighting hits you in the soul, right? Harsh LEDs are out—studies like one in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine show flickering fluorescents mess with focus and nerves. I’m craving incandescent glows, candles, and red light to soothe my sleep-deprived chaos and ease into baby mode.
Artwork: I’m an “artsy” gal, but smartphones stole my spark for years. Pregnancy’s inward vibe flipped that switch—I’m back to weekly projects like painting and crafting a baby book. Got a hobby buried under phone distractions? (You’re not “too busy,” promise!) Let this be your nudge to dive back in.
Reading: Reading saved me during the slog of first trimester, stuck on the couch. Novels, memoirs, and pregnancy nonfiction (so many baby books!) were my escape. I’m carrying this gem through my third trimester—books are a blessing!
Fourth Trimester Prep: The “fourth trimester” is those first three months post-birth, when baby’s craving womb-like comfort and mom’s healing and rewiring. Ancient cultures nailed this—Chinese zuo yuezi and Indian Ayurveda push 30–40 days of rest with warm foods and massages to rebuild strength, while Greeks urged womb-healing downtime. Prep now for a smoother postpartum.
Meal Prep: Obvious but key: stock that freezer! Double dinner recipes and freeze half—I’m loading up on warming chicken broth, bone broth, soups, chili, stews, plus snacks like bars and lactation balls. More on this soon!
Doula: My husband and I hired a rockstar doula for birth and postpartum support. It’s a priceless investment for the biggest moment of our lives.
Appointments: I’m booking a haircut, nails, eyebrows, prenatal massages, and chiropractic visits (my chiro’s a miracle worker—story for another day) to feel my best before baby arrives.
Thanks for sticking with me! Writing again feels like coming home. I’m pumped to share more non-toxic living tips as I ease back into the groove. Stay tuned for more on this wild, beautiful pregnancy journey!