Third Trimester Journey: Navigating Weeks 28-32 of Pregnancy

Welcome to the captivating and often exhilarating final stage of pregnancy! Embarking on the third trimester is a monumental milestone, bringing with it a whirlwind of emotions, physical transformations, and the undeniable realization that baby’s arrival is just around the corner. As I begin sharing my experiences from this pivotal phase, I find myself wrestling with a mix of awe and a healthy dose of apprehension. My belly continues its remarkable expansion, signaling a body ready to embrace its new role, yet mentally, I confess, I’m still catching up to the impending reality of motherhood.

The concept of balance has always been central to my life, and this pregnancy is no exception. While our home is steadily accumulating all the essential supplies for our little one, my confidence in this uncharted territory feels surprisingly fragile. My deepest desire is to provide this child with everything they could possibly need, a hope that sometimes feels overwhelming in its scope. Perhaps “everything” is an unrealistic ideal, but it fuels a profound determination within me to focus on the mental and emotional preparations for this journey. My aim is to cultivate a serene mindset, hoping it will alleviate the natural nerves and anxieties that accompany such a blessed event.

So, come along as I share an intimate look into the past month of my pregnancy, detailing the developments, challenges, and joys from weeks 28 through 32. If you’ve missed any of my earlier updates, you can always catch up on previous recaps of this incredible journey.

Pregnancy Recap: Weeks 28, 29, 30, 31, 32

Week 28: Baby G is the Size of an Eggplant

Symptoms:

The most prominent symptom this week was the significant stretching of my belly as it diligently made room for Baby G’s continued growth. This expansion, while a clear sign of progress, also brings with it new sensations and adjustments.

The official commencement of my third trimester at Week 28 felt like a seismic shift, prompting a genuine moment of “freak out!” With only three months remaining until our baby’s arrival, the sheer volume of tasks ahead—from house preparations and nursery setup to managing life’s general demands—can feel incredibly daunting. Yet, I’m committed to taking it one breath at a time, focusing on managing the overwhelm with mindfulness and intention.

This particular week was packed with significant appointments and events. Bret and I attended our second birthing class, which proved to be an enlightening experience. We delved into various positions and techniques designed for pain management during labor. Some of these positions appeared quite dynamic and active, while others seemed surprisingly straightforward. We’re still keeping an open mind regarding our birth plan, understanding that flexibility will be key as we approach an experience with so many unknowns.

Beyond the birthing class, I faced my glucose test—a rite of passage for many pregnant women—and had another ultrasound. Successfully chugging the glucose solution was an accomplishment in itself, but the timing of my ultrasound provided a rather amusing insight. The technician noted that our baby was “jumping up and down” with enthusiasm. I can only imagine the sugar rush Baby G was experiencing; it felt as though I’d consumed an exorbitant amount of sugary treats! Despite feeling a bit wired, the appointment went smoothly. Baby G is developing beautifully, the fibroid isn’t posing any issues, and the baby’s head is already in a downward position, indicating a readiness for what’s to come. At this point, it truly feels like all we can do is wait.

The very next day, I traveled to Kansas City for a weekend filled with back-to-back baby showers. It was truly heartwarming to be surrounded by the incredible women in my life, many of whom are seasoned mothers and promise to be an invaluable support system for our family. The first shower, hosted by my wonderful sisters-in-law, Arin and Sarah, took place at La Bodega, a charming Spanish tapas restaurant. The “Taco ‘Bout a Baby” theme was perfectly executed with a stunning spread of food. Baby G was absolutely showered with love and gifts, a testament to the warmth of our growing family network.

The second shower was a delightful brunch hosted by my G-Phi sorority sisters at The Oliver on the Plaza. There’s nothing quite like a gathering of cherished friends, complete with delectable sugar cookies, fresh doughnuts, and an abundance of invaluable advice from experienced mothers. Between the nine of us, our sorority sisterhood will soon boast an impressive fifteen children, creating an incredible network of support and shared experiences.

Week 29: Baby G is the Size of an Acorn Squash

Symptoms:

Baby G continued to be incredibly active this week. It feels as though our little one is constantly enrolled in a Tae-Bo class within my womb! The moment I pause, I’m met with a flurry of kicks, jabs, and rapid movements. I’m truly beginning to wonder how I’ll navigate these final months feeling like a human punching bag, albeit a very loved one.

The beginning of Week 29 brought with it a cascade of thoughts and feelings that left my head spinning. After the joyous baby showers, the sheer volume of items to organize, prepare, and gather became overwhelmingly apparent. Getting ready for a baby, it turns out, is no small feat. While I am incredibly thankful for the outpouring of love and generous gifts for Baby G, the abundance of new items left me feeling a little disoriented, unsure where to begin with everything. This sense of overwhelm quickly snowballed into bigger questions: How will I handle childbirth? How will I manage caring for a newborn? The mental spiral was real.

Thankfully, Mr. B and I had our third birthing class the very evening I returned from Kansas City. This session included a comprehensive hospital tour and an in-depth discussion about epidurals and other pain management options. The hospital tour, in particular, did wonders for my nerves, providing a tangible sense of what to expect. Seeing Mr. B’s genuine excitement and hearing his plans for supporting me comfortably during labor was a tremendous relief. Furthermore, hearing encouraging stories, especially from many of you, about positive experiences with epidurals, significantly lessened the daunting prospect of childbirth.

Week 30: Baby G is the Size of a Zucchini

Symptoms:

This week, I’ve noticed a definite change in my feet – they seem to have grown, or perhaps widened. Many of my usual sandals and shoes are now fitting quite snugly, which is a minor annoyance as I find myself living in tennis shoes most days. While comfortable, they certainly aren’t the most glamorous footwear choice!

The start of Week 30 brought a quiet yet significant milestone: I officially entered the “thirties” of pregnancy. This means we are now just 10 short weeks away from meeting Baby G – an exciting and somewhat surreal thought! My 30-week prenatal appointment went exceptionally well. Baby G’s heartbeat was strong and steady, my iron levels were healthy, and I received clearance for our upcoming trip to Maine, which was a huge relief for our babymoon plans.

This week also marked our final birthing class. Mr. B and I both felt a touch of sadness at its conclusion, as these classes have been not only incredibly informative but also a great source of comfort. Sharing this unique journey with other expectant parents, realizing we were all navigating similar questions and anxieties, created an invaluable sense of community. It was wonderful to have that “baby tribe” for a brief period. In our last session, we covered topics such as what a newborn looks like immediately after birth, standard tests given to infants, and essential postpartum care for mothers. A particularly interesting tidbit we learned was about delaying the cutting of the umbilical cord; even a minute’s delay is believed to provide the baby with an extra boost of vital nutrients and blood, a fascinating concept.

Aside from working on more maternity leave content, my primary focus was gearing up for our babymoon to Maine. Traveling in the later stages of pregnancy naturally brought some concerns about swelling, increased fatigue, and general aches. I knew this trip would be a stark contrast to our usual, fast-paced vacations where we try to cram in every possible activity. However, I was absolutely ready to embrace a slower pace, relax, and simply savor the moments with Mr. B.

Week 31: Baby G is the Size of an Asparagus

Symptoms:

This week’s primary symptom was undoubtedly the effects of travel! Flying while heavily pregnant definitely took its toll. My back was more sore than I had anticipated, and my ankles did swell noticeably. Furthermore, incorporating rest periods and lying down became an absolute necessity in between all our adventures. Carrying an extra 20 pounds while sightseeing is certainly no joke!

The beginning of Week 31 was pure bliss! Waking up in beautiful Maine, I felt an immense sense of excitement to reconnect with Mr. B throughout the week. Our lives had been a whirlwind of work, ongoing house renovations, and intense baby preparations. I cannot overstate how desperately we needed this precious time to simply breathe and be present with each other. Our babymoon was everything we hoped for: we enjoyed a serene sunset cruise in Bar Harbor, visited South Brooksville, a place significant to Mr. B’s family where his great-grandfather founded the Bucks Harbor Yacht Club, indulged in fresh lobster at every meal, played leisurely on the beach, and had countless meaningful conversations about our lives and future. This trip truly embodied the perfect, relaxed pace for pregnancy travel.

Unfortunately, our return journey from Maine took an unexpected turn. We had planned to attend a wedding in New York, but two canceled flights and a grueling 10-hour wait at the airport left us with no choice but to head directly back to Denver. Being over 30 weeks pregnant under such stressful travel conditions was far from enjoyable. It took me a full two days to recover from the physical toll of being confined to a seat for extended periods, unable to elevate my feet or lie down, and breathing stale cabin air. A valuable lesson learned for future travels: perhaps a private flight is in order next time!

Week 32: Baby G is the Size of a Summer Squash

Symptoms:

Shortness of breath has become a noticeable symptom this week, a clear indication that Baby G is claiming more and more space inside. I definitely feel the need to take very deep, deliberate breaths, especially when I’m moving around a lot. Additionally, my belly seems to be expanding at an incredibly rapid pace, almost like a balloon inflating before my eyes.

The start of Week 32 was undeniably challenging. Hello, month eight! I’m navigating a complex mix of excitement and nervousness as I enter this penultimate month of pregnancy. Currently, my focus is firmly set on mentally and physically preparing myself to get past the Labor Day weekend. Having a somewhat defined horizon to aim for truly helps; if I were to solely dwell on surviving until September 30th, the magnitude of it all would be overwhelming.

On a more personal note, and perhaps TMI, I’ve been experiencing some unusual sensations in my pelvic area. It’s not quite like dilation, but more of a pulsing or expanding feeling. Does that make sense to any experienced mamas out there? I don’t believe they are Braxton Hicks contractions, but truthfully, what do I know? There’s also been a subtle, lovely discharge, which suggests my body is definitely undergoing significant changes. Mamas, any insights or thoughts on these sensations would be greatly appreciated!

Beyond these internal shifts, I’ve also observed a growing need to lie down more frequently in the afternoons. By 3 PM, my body sends a clear signal: “Lauren, it’s time for the couch.” Thankfully, Juniper, my wonderful canine companion, is the best snuggle buddy, making these necessary rest periods feel far less lazy and much more comforting.

What I’m Loving Now for Maternity and Nursery:

• Kindred Bravely Nursing Bras: Finding the right nursing bra was quite an extensive process. After trying numerous options, I absolutely fell in love with the Kindred Bravely Nursing Bra. It’s incredibly comfortable and designed for easy access, which I anticipate will be a huge benefit for breastfeeding.
• Spectra S1 Plus Breast Pump: I conducted thorough research on breast pumps, and the Spectra S1 Plus emerged as the clear winner due to its portability and impressive pumping capacity, often allowing for more than 4 ounces at a time. While I considered the Willow, its higher price point and limited storage capacity ultimately led me to choose the Spectra. A major bonus was that my Spectra pump was covered by insurance, which was a tremendous help!
• Babyletto Dresser: I’m incredibly excited about this dresser, especially once our upstairs renovation is complete! It comes pre-assembled, saving us a significant amount of time and effort, and offers ample storage space, which will be essential for organizing baby’s belongings.
• Milkology Online Course: For any first-time mothers (FTMs), I wholeheartedly recommend this affordable $20 course. It provides a comprehensive overview of breastfeeding basics, including proper latching techniques, milk storage guidelines, and pumping essentials. I found it incredibly informative and managed to breeze through it during our flight to Maine.