The Motherhood Series, Ep. 9: The Third Trimester: Awareness, Trust, and What Comes Next

The third trimester is often called the “home stretch,” but this season has felt like much more than that. It’s a mix of physical intensity, emotional awareness, and mental preparation. In the back of my mind, I’m remembering the challenges ahead in birth and postpartum but this time, I also know it will be different.

I have a completely new care team, incredibly supportive with the trust of my body and what it was meant to do. The best thing I've been told by my current provider is "absolutely, you can decline anything".

Coming from past birth trauma, hearing that felt like pure empowerment.

When Baby Finally Went Head-Down

For weeks, this baby stayed breech. Each appointment brought the same uncertainty and nervousness.

Then, at my NSTs before and after surgery, we confirmed he was actually head-down. It was like a breath of fresh air, i felt like i could finally relax a bit, which is unusual for me.

The Surgery Saga: Two Dates, One F up

I was originally scheduled for airway surgery at 28 weeks, but I accidentally ate too close to the procedure. My doctors didn’t want to risk aspiration, so we postponed. I felt so dumb, I had schlepped my family two hours away, arranged a puppy sitter, and tried to plan everything perfectly. It was such a disappointment.

On the second date at 29 weeks, Take 2, I followed the fasting instructions to a T. Fasted from 10 pm, had apple juice (up to 12 oz) until 10 am, then nothing until they finally took me back an hour after my scheduled OR time.

It was nerve-wracking, tiring, and hangry…But I’m incredibly thankful to have access to this care. The surgery went well, my breathing opened, and for the first time in forever, I could read a book to my kiddo without stopping for air. That alone felt amazing.

What My Body Has Felt Like This Time

This pregnancy has had its own rhythm:

• More Braxton Hicks, and much earlier than my first

• A baby sitting way lower, adding pressure and heaviness

• Hip pain at night that has me flipping sides constantly

• Sleep that’s 90% repositioning and 10% actual sleeping

• A steady awareness that my body is working hard every second

Starting the Chiropractor at 28 Weeks

Beginning chiropractic care at 28 weeks has been one of my best decisions this trimester. It eased pelvic tension, helped with sleep, and brought relief nothing else touched.

Other moms I’ve talked to start earlier, but I’m a little paranoid and prefer waiting until 28 weeks just in case. Even though nothing really “happens,” that’s the point I feel comfortable.

The Pressure of “Not Enough Time”

This trimester comes with a loud clock. I want to prep a postpartum freezer stash, organize everything, and feel on top of things… but between appointments, recovery, daily life, and a toddler, the weeks keep flying.

It’s urgency mixed with gratitude. I feel both at once.

Awareness, Nervousness, and Trust

These weeks carry a quiet but steady nervousness. Birth is getting close. Postpartum will bring its own challenges.

And still, having a care team I trust changes everything. That trust creates space for peace, confidence, and the reminder that even if things don’t go perfectly, we have support every step of the way.

The Heart of the Third Trimester

This trimester isn’t about perfection.

It’s about preparing in small ways, trusting your body, and giving yourself grace.

Even when things feel rushed, heavy, or uncertain, a quiet unfolding is happening physically, emotionally, and mentally. And somehow, even without feeling “fully ready,” you get there.

Coming Next:

The Motherhood Series, Ep. 10 — Introducing the Homebirth Journey

Next time I’ll share how we began planning our homebirth, the decisions that shaped our approach, and what it feels like to prepare with a team that truly trusts and supports us.

❤️