Third trimester pregnancy in Australia

Prepare for what matters to you

As birth gets closer, the practical questions can become very real. Which number do you call when labour starts? What should your support person know? And what actually needs doing before the baby arrives?

There is no prize for having everything finished. Focus on staying connected with your maternity team, understanding the signs that need attention and making a workable plan for birth and the days afterwards. Leave room for rest, questions and changes of mind.

Reading as birth approaches

Discuss your birth preferences

Pregnancy, Birth and Baby explains how a birth plan supports conversations with your care team.

Read the guide →

Diabetes care beyond birth

If you have gestational diabetes, ask about your ongoing care and post-birth testing plan.

Read the guide →

Plan for postpartum comfort

Compare underwear styles, fit and care before packing for hospital and the first weeks at home.

Read the postpartum guide

Your baby and body: week 28 until birth

Your baby: Weight and body fat increase while the brain and lungs keep maturing. Many babies settle head down as birth approaches, but not all do; your team will check position and discuss options. Your baby is more curled up now, so movements may feel different. Their usual pattern should continue right up to and during birth. Less space is not a reason for your baby to stop moving.

Your body: A growing uterus can bring reflux, more frequent trips to the toilet and difficulty getting comfortable. Back or pelvic discomfort and tiredness may increase. Irregular tightenings called Braxton Hicks can occur. Call your maternity unit if tightenings become regular or painful, you think your waters have broken, or you are unsure. Before 37 weeks, possible labour symptoms need prompt assessment. Care focus: start every sleep on your side from 28 weeks and keep your care and birth plans up to date.

Sources: Pregnancy, Birth and Baby — third trimester; baby movements during pregnancy.

Know your baby’s usual movements

Your baby should keep moving right up to birth, including during labour. Movements do not normally reduce because your baby has run out of room. If movement slows, changes from the usual pattern or worries you, contact your midwife, hospital birth unit or doctor immediately. Do not wait until tomorrow or rely on a home Doppler for reassurance. If you cannot reach your care provider, go to the nearest hospital birthing or emergency unit. Baby movements during pregnancy.

Keep the maternity contact number in your phone and share it with your support person. Seek advice again if you remain concerned, even if an earlier check was reassuring.

Settle to sleep on your side

From 28 weeks, start every sleep on your side, including daytime naps. Either side is fine. If you wake on your back, simply turn onto your side again. This advice is about how you settle to sleep, not trying to control every movement overnight. Safer Baby: sleep on your side.

Make your resting space comfortable with what you have. A special pregnancy pillow is not a requirement. If sleep difficulties are wearing you down, describe what is happening at your next appointment so your provider can help you work through it.

Turn birth preferences into a conversation

A birth plan is a way to communicate what matters to you, not a promise that everything will follow a script. Talk with your maternity team about your preferences, what is available at your planned place of birth and what might change if you or your baby need extra care. Birth choices and making a birth plan.

You might discuss who you want with you, how you prefer information explained, pain relief options and any cultural or personal needs. Ask your support person to understand these preferences too, rather than assuming they will know what to say on the day.

When a decision comes up, useful questions include: “Why is this recommended?”, “What are the benefits and risks?” and “What are my alternatives?” Your choices and consent remain important if the plan changes.

Ask when to call and where to go

Before labour begins, ask your maternity team for instructions specific to your pregnancy. Confirm the entrance to use after hours, the number to call and what to do if your waters break. Do not rely on someone else’s contraction timetable, especially if your circumstances or travel distance differ. Third trimester guidance.

Contact your maternity team immediately for possible labour before 37 weeks, bleeding, leaking fluid, severe abdominal pain, fever, a persistent severe headache, visual changes, sudden swelling or pain under your ribs. Severe itching, particularly on your palms or soles, also needs prompt assessment. Changes in your baby’s movements need immediate attention, whether or not you are having contractions.

Pain or swelling in one leg, breathlessness or a racing heartbeat need urgent advice. Contact your maternity team after an injury to your abdomen, even if you initially feel well. Call 000 for collapse, chest pain or severe difficulty breathing. Healthdirect: warning signs during pregnancy.

Heavy bleeding, strong pain or feeling very unwell needs emergency help. Call 000 rather than waiting for a routine appointment. Bleeding during pregnancy.

Prepare for home as well as hospital

Pack around your maternity service’s advice, not an enormous shopping list. Keep essential documents, contact details and the things you want nearby in one accessible place. Check what the hospital supplies before buying duplicates.

Then think beyond the bag. Who can organise food, help with other children or pets, and manage household jobs while you recover? Write down names and specific tasks. If you are parenting without a nearby support network, ask your care team what local services are available before you need them.

Talk about visitors and privacy with the people closest to you. It is easier to say what would feel supportive now than to make every decision while tired after the birth. Your plan can be simple and can change.

Questions for your next maternity visit

What is the plan for my remaining appointments? Which changes mean I should call straight away? How do I contact you overnight or on weekends? What happens if my pregnancy continues beyond my due date? What feeding and recovery support can I access after birth?

You can feel ready for your baby and nervous about birth at the same time. Bring those feelings into the conversation. You deserve clear information and support, not pressure to make late pregnancy look effortless.

This is general information, not personalised medical advice. Your maternity team can advise on your circumstances and any concerns about you or your baby.

Plan your remaining care

Later appointments: Keep attending the visits arranged for your pregnancy. Ask whether repeat blood tests or anti-D treatment are relevant to you. Your team will check your baby’s position as birth approaches. A Group B streptococcus test may be offered depending on your maternity service’s policy. Confirm which results need follow-up and when your next visit is due.

Vaccination check: The maternal RSV vaccine is recommended at 28–36 weeks. Whooping-cough vaccination is recommended at 20–32 weeks of each pregnancy, and influenza vaccination can be given at any stage. If you have missed a recommended window, ask your clinician what is appropriate now. Review your vaccination record and individual recommendations together. Australian Government immunisation guidance.

Beyond your due date: Your due date is an estimate. Agree on a follow-up plan with your maternity team rather than waiting without advice. If you reach 41 weeks without giving birth, discuss the options for induction and ongoing care. Ask about the benefits, risks and timing of each option for your circumstances, and who to contact if concerns arise before the next appointment.

Source: Australian Government — pregnancy care timeline.