20 Tips for Staying Comfortable During Your Third Trimester

Okay, let’s talk real life, friend. Third trimester? It’s basically where you transform into a superhero who can survive swollen feet, heartburn from a single sip of water (rude), and random strangers wanting to rub your belly. 😅 Seriously, you deserve a medal just for getting through these last weeks.

When I went through my third trimester, I felt like a penguin with a bowling ball strapped to my belly. Not cute. But I learned a ton about what actually helps you stay comfortable — and I’m here to spill those secrets so you can breathe easier, sleep better, and maybe even smile through the chaos. Ready? Let’s go!

1. Support Your Belly (And Your Back!)

If I could tattoo this on every mama-to-be’s arm, I would. Belly support bands are lifesavers. They help carry some of that glorious baby bump’s weight and reduce back pain.

Pro tip? Pop one on for errands, and you’ll feel like you just shaved off 10 pounds.

2. Switch to Comfy Shoes

Say goodbye to heels, friend. Swollen feet deserve cushy, breathable flats or slip-on sneakers.

Look for wide-toe designs
Prioritize soft insoles
Bonus: easy to put on when you literally can’t see your toes

Ever tried to buckle a sandal at 38 weeks? Don’t do it, trust me.

3. Stay Hydrated Like a Boss

I know, I know — you already pee every five minutes. But dehydration makes swelling worse, and it can even spark contractions.

Keep a water bottle within reach all the time. Maybe decorate it with motivational stickers — I totally did that to remind myself to chug.

4. Elevate Those Tired Feet

Plop those puffy feet on a pillow whenever you can. Elevation reduces swelling and feels so good.

I basically turned my couch into a throne for my last month of pregnancy, and no regrets. 😉

5. Prioritize Sleep (or at Least Try)

Sleep feels like a mythical creature in the third trimester, but pregnancy pillows help.

Wedge one under your belly
Support your knees
Hug one so you don’t roll flat on your back

Ever wondered why you feel like a rotisserie chicken flipping all night? Those pillows can help keep you steady.

6. Snack Smart

Bloating and heartburn are evil twins, FYI. Eating small, frequent meals helps you avoid that “oh wow I might explode” feeling.

Keep healthy snacks in your bag:

Crackers
Nuts
Fresh fruit

Fast, easy, and belly-friendly.

7. Embrace Maternity Leggings

Jeans? Bye. Maternity leggings are the uniform of the third trimester.

Soft
Stretchy
Actually cute with a tunic or oversized tee

I basically lived in mine. Zero shame.

8. Keep Moving (When You Can)

No, you don’t have to run a marathon. But gentle movement can help your mood and circulation.

Short walks
Prenatal yoga
Easy stretches

Even five minutes of movement feels amazing — promise.

9. Pamper Your Skin

That bump stretches, and boy does it itch. Keep a hydrating belly butter or oil on standby.

I used coconut oil because it’s cheap and smells like a vacation.

10. Watch the Salt

Sodium = swelling central. You don’t have to toss out your chips, but just watch the salt to keep your ankles from ballooning.

Ever seen cankles the size of soup cans? Not cute.

11. Cool Off

Hot flashes? Oh, they’re real. Third trimester can turn you into a personal oven.

Carry a mini fan
Dress in layers
Keep a cold compress in the freezer

These saved me when I felt ready to spontaneously combust.

12. Accept Help (Like, Really Accept It)

I know, you’re Wonder Woman. But seriously — if someone offers to carry groceries, let them.

You don’t get bonus points for struggling solo.

13. Stretch Before Bed

A quick stretch routine helps calm restless legs and that delightful hip pain.

My routine was:

Gentle cat-cow
Butterfly stretch
Side lunges

Total game changer, IMO.

14. Go Loose with Your Wardrobe

Tight clothes? Hard pass.

Pick flowy dresses, loose tanks, and soft fabrics that won’t stick to your bump. Comfort = sanity in trimester three.

15. Keep a Stash of Peppermints

Heartburn’s evil cousin — nausea — sometimes pops up again in the third trimester. Peppermints soothe your tummy in seconds.

I had peppermints in every purse, pocket, and car cupholder. 😂

16. Listen to Your Body

If you feel like sitting, sit. If you need to nap, nap.

Ever tried ignoring your body during trimester three? Spoiler: it fights back.

17. Talk to Baby

Okay, this sounds silly, but I swear it helps.

Talking to your baby bump keeps you grounded, helps bond with baby, and makes those weird kicks a little more magical.

18. Keep Your Support Squad on Speed Dial

Third trimester hormones can go from zero to meltdown in 3.5 seconds.

Have a friend or your partner ready for “talk me off the ledge” duty.

19. Schedule a Prenatal Massage

If your budget allows, book a prenatal massage. Those tight hips and sore back will thank you a million times over.

And hey, you deserve a little pampering.

20. Remind Yourself You’re a Rockstar

Look, carrying a tiny human around is hard work. On the days you feel like you can’t, remember you already are.

Say it with me: “I’m growing a whole person. I’m amazing.” Because you are.

Extra Third Trimester Pro Tips

Stay Hydrated

I know I mentioned this, but I’ll repeat it forever: water is your BFF.

Plan Ahead

Pack your hospital bag, sort out freezer meals, and get the nursery ready early so you’re not stressed later.

Laugh a Lot

I mean, you have to, right? Between waddling around, heartburn, and your spouse asking, “Wait, what does a contraction feel like again?” — laughter is key. 😆

My Third Trimester Fails (So You Don’t Repeat Them)

Wanna know the time I tried to put on compression socks while 39 weeks pregnant? Horrible idea. I basically ended up stuck on the couch like a beached whale, begging my husband for help.

Or the time I ate half a pepperoni pizza before bed and then complained about heartburn all night? Don’t be me.