You are typically in the third trimester from pregnancy week 28 until birth. Some sources calculate the start from week 27 because pregnancies are divided slightly differently, but as a practical rule of thumb, many use week 28 as the starting point. If you want to be absolutely sure about your own pregnancy, check your due date and your current week in your maternity record or pregnancy app, or ask your midwife at your next visit.

The third trimester usually starts at the transition to week 28 (i.e., once you have completed 27 weeks). This is where many experience the pregnancy changing from "there's still time" to "okay, now we're in the final stretch."

If you're looking for specifics: The third trimester typically covers weeks 28 to 40 (and for some, also the weeks after the due date if labor hasn't started yet). The weeks can feel long or fly by, depending on how your body feels and how much is on your schedule.

In the third trimester, it often makes sense to keep track of:

• appointments with your midwife and any check-ups
• birth preparation and birth plan, if you wish
• when to react to changes such as reduced fetal movement, bleeding, or sudden discomfort (better to call once too often than too little)

Instead of thinking of it as "a long final sprint," it can help to break the period down into smaller chunks: early (week 28 to approx. 32), middle (approx. 33 to 36), and late (37+). This doesn't dictate your experience, but it can make planning easier.

• Weeks 28 to 32: Adjust your daily routine if you get tired more quickly, and prioritize sleep and breaks.
• Weeks 33 to 36: Get the most important "practical things" in order at home, so you don't have to stress later.
• Week 37+: The baby is often considered near full-term, and many pay extra attention to signs of labor and bodily changes.

Many feel more heaviness in their body during the third trimester. The belly takes up more space, and this can affect the back, pelvis, sleep, and breathing. This doesn't mean anything is wrong, but it's a signal that the body is working.

Contact a doctor, midwife, or maternity ward if you, for example, experience severe headache, visual disturbances, sudden swelling, bleeding, severe pain, or if you notice significantly reduced fetal movement. This is not to scare you, but to ensure you are well-prepared and secure if something feels different than usual.

The third trimester often involves making space, both physically and mentally. Small measures can make everyday life more manageable: plan breaks, slow down where you can, and accept that "good enough" is more than enough.

If you feel more strain in your lower back and abdomen, support around your body can be helpful in daily life. Some choose a support belt that can relieve pressure when walking, standing, or doing practical tasks. You can see options in the Support Belts collection or the more specific Maternity Support Belt.

As a specific product, the Maternity Support Belt can help relieve pressure around the abdomen and lower back as your belly gets heavier.

Finally, many also prepare for breastfeeding during this period. Here, it's worth remembering that bras with underwire are not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as they can cause discomfort and, in the worst case, affect the milk ducts. If you're looking for support without metal, a gel-support solution can be a softer alternative. An example is the Gel-Support Maternity Nursing Bra.