7 Things You’re Doing Wrong in Your Third Trimester

You’ve hit that third trimester, and you think you’ll running it into the endzone for a big win this pregnancy. Today I want to share a few things that lots of people are doing wrong. If you think you’re alone in not doing these things, you’re wrong — but it’s not too late to make a U-turn and do them right!

Before we get started, I have some third trimester checklists I think you’ll find handy:

Not Doing Kick Counts

Ok, this is my personal soapbox.

Kick counts save babies — studies show 1 in 4 stillbirths could be saved by properly done kick counts.

It’s not JUST monitoring fetal movement. There’s more to it — grab my cheat sheet here:

See my full post on how to do them right here.

I sometimes hear providers saying there’s no need to do them, but I honestly think those are the ones who just don’t want you to call them if baby is moving less. Not a great sign. Huge kick count fan and I 100% want to see you at the hospital if baby’s movements have changed.

Here’s a few more posts on movement because I’m such a fan:

• 30 Weeks Pregnant And Baby’s Movements Have Slowed Down
• Increased Baby Movements Before Labor
• 37 Weeks Pregnant Lots Of Movement And Pressure
• 6 Things To Know About Your Fetal Growth Ultrasound
• The Importance of Kick Counts with Emily Price from Count the Kicks

Not Drinking Enough Water

It’s my other soapbox — drinking water.

This gets more and more important the further you get into your pregnancy.

If you’re dehydrated you just feel worse, you have a higher chance for false labor contractions (ones that make you hurt without actually doing anything to dilate you).

I know it makes you pee. I get it. It’s the worst. The end. But drink. It will be worth being BFF’s with your toilet.

Pro Tip: Get in the habit of filling that water bottle every morning and putting it by you as you live your life. You’re MUCH more likely to drink!

Not Including Your Prenatal Class

One of my favorite thing about people who hang out with me is that their birth class is just part of their life. They’re just watching a lesson a few times/week during that third trimester. They’re getting familiar with labor, so nothing surprises them and they’re not feeling nervous about birth.

I do recommend you have picked out your class by early in your third trimester, and start it by about 30 weeks but you really can start it whenever. This one only takes 3 hours and is SO easy. Couples love it — and you’ll love how your partner gets involved in it!

Want more info on birth classes, check out these posts:

• 6 Lies You Hear About Birth Class
• How Much Do Birth Classes Cost?
• Reason You’ll Want A Birth Class On Your Second+ Baby
• Which is Better: Online or In-Person Birth Classes?
• Free Birth Class with Insurance

Waiting to Go Into Labor

So many people spend 35 weeks on just sort of “waiting to go into labor” — and I can’t tell you any more emphatically to get out of that mindset.

It’s actually one of the ONLY reasons I was glad to work right up til’ I went into labor with my first baby. It just gave me something else to focus on (other babies gave me that on subsequent pregnancies).

I just think busying yourself in other things is smart.

I have a whole post to the mom who thinks she’ll go early — a mistake I see FAR too often.

You can easily busy yourself in things that make you feel great too:

• Massage
• Hydrating with your feet up
• Napping
• Telling your family what to get done.
• Prenatal yoga (HUGE fan of stretching in your third trimester — if you’re hurting you need to start!)

I just think having other plans with your life helps cope better with those last few weeks — because I’m on board with the fact they’re really miserable.

This doesn’t mean that you’re not getting prepared or ignoring the fact you’re going to have a baby. Remember that there is a big difference between ignorant and being positive….

When I get real down, affirmations help me out — maybe these will help you too:

Not Preparing for How You’ll Feed

A lot of people don’t really think about how they’ll feed baby (and what that looks like).

If you’re planning to breastfeeding, I’d recommend:

• Getting a breastpump (I’ve had a lot of people love this company to get it from — but be mindful their “extra” classes can take away from lactation consults later on — so, skip those).
• Taking a breastfeeding class — you don’t need anything crazy, just the basics. I actually include one in my Bump to Bassinet bundle, people LOVE having it all in one spot!
• A prenatal breastfeeding consult isn’t a bad idea either. I recommend The Breastfeeding Mama (she’s the one who teaches my breastfeeding class as well).

I recommend every family have a bottle or two on hand (and some formula samples). I’ve heard some companies offer bottle variety packs so you can try what works best for you, which seems like a great idea.

Many of us think breastfeeding will just come naturally, and are surprised by how un-natural it all feels to us. So, having some information under your belt is a BIG win!

Not Going to Prenatal Appointments

It can feel REALLY tempting to skip a prenatal appointment or two. I mean, the first few months they only see you once a month (sometimes less) — but suddenly you’re seeing them every 1-2 weeks (sometimes even more). But prenatal appointments are set-up to catch issues that arise at certain points.

Please don’t skip them. I know they feel useless a lot of the time — but that’s really GOOD news and you should just be glad they seem dumb.

OR — they catch something really big and you’re glad you went. I can’t tell you all the preeclampsia or other issues that didn’t have too many symptoms but were caught at an appointment and they were able to get help. It’s so important!

Having a hard time making appointments? Talk with your provider about your issues and see what they can do to help!

Here’s a few more posts about providers:

• Tips To Saying No To Your Provider
• 6 Things Your Provider Does At Prenatal Appointments That Are Important
• Considering A VBAC: What To Do
• The Best Providers for Your Baby’s Arrival: A Deep Dive with CNM Juli Pyle
• 5 Things Your Provider Should Get Consent For During Labor

Not Preparing for Postpartum

Oh man, this is a big one. First off — grab my postpartum checklist (because NO ONE wants to send their husband to the store for pads while they’re bleeding):

BUT there’s a whole lot to postpartum than just bleeding. You’re going to have a lot of emotions, and without the proper support you can really feel like a ship going down.

When I took my own prenatal class with my first baby (in 2000) they acted like life would go on like unicorns and rainbows when baby was out. I met the opposite of that head-on and struggled a LOT with so many feelings, emotions and pain.

When I wrote my own prenatal class I expanded it to two full lessons. One where I teach you to get the most to get out of your postpartum stay in the hospital (normally entirely ignored), and one where I give you a very realistic view of what life after baby looks like and what you can do to make it better.

Most of all I give your partner that look at life at that point and give them tips to help out! I create a TEAM instead of “player” and a cheerleader. And for that, thousands of couples have been so grateful!

The Online Prenatal Class for Couples is truly the easy way to get prepared for the rest of your pregnancy, labor, birth AND postpartum. You’ll be SO glad you took it. I can’t wait to see you inside!

Want to do a vibe check before diving into the whole thing with me? — check out my free labor pro tips. It’s your first step toward getting in the driver’s seat of your birth.