Third Trimester Pregnancy Must-Haves
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It’s the final countdown! You’ve reached the third trimester and you’ll be meeting your baby soon (!). But before delivery day arrives, you and your growing little one still have some new pregnancy milestones to meet, and with that, some not-so-pleasant pregnancy symptoms.
“Some of the same symptoms are present in both the second and third trimesters,” says Kecia Gaither, M.D., M.P.H, F.A.C.O.G., a double board-certified physician in OB/GYN and Maternal Fetal Medicine, who serves as the Director of Perinatal Services at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln in the Bronx in New York City.
These pregnancy symptoms include things like stretch marks that appear on your abdomen, buttocks or breasts; nasal issues like increased stuffiness or nosebleeds; swelling; varicose veins; and Braxton Hicks contractions. Fatigue may also rear its ugly head again, particularly because of sleep disturbances caused by an enlarged belly, says Dr. Gaither. Other common pregnancy symptoms during the final trimester include heartburn, backaches, frequent urination and shortness of breath.
The good news? There are some helpful products that can alleviate those not-so-fun parts of the third trimester.
What kinds of products do you need during the third trimester?
Chances are you’ve probably already stocked up on many essentials during your first and second trimesters, but there may still be a few lingering items that can help keep you comfortable during these final weeks.
Add comfortable clothing you can wear now and throughout the fourth trimester (a flowy dress and a nursing bra, for example), plus other comfort-makers, like compression tights or socks, a humidifier and a supportive belly band. These products may seem simple, but can offer a world of difference.
How we chose the best third trimester pregnancy must-haves
We did the heavy lifting for you and developed a comprehensive shopping list for the third trimester. We started by scouring the What to Expect community for real moms’ third trimester must-haves to see which items were the most popular for a variety of parents. We then talked with Dr. Gaither to see what her pregnant patients use and love and consulted expert resources from accredited organizations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Mayo Clinic. Finally, we narrowed down our picks to the top-reviewed and best-rated items to help you stay comfy and prepare for baby’s arrival.
Below, check out the pregnancy must-haves you’ll want to keep on hand during the third trimester.
Why Trust Us?
What to Expect is the world’s most trusted pregnancy and parenting brand for a reason. Our product recommendations are based on expert parent insight, advice from medical professionals and feedback from the millions of parents and parents-to-be in our community. Our editors adhere to the highest research and reporting standards and our team of vetted OB/GYNs, pediatricians and other health professionals ensure our recommended products are safe and effective for you and your baby.
Heartburn Relief
Tums Antacid Chewable Tablets
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- Easy to eat
- come in multiple flavors
- no bad aftertaste
- Can be slightly chalky
If you’re feeling the burn these days thanks to changing hormones and body shape shifts, an antacid can help put out the fire traveling from your belly up to your esophagus. Tums are effective, widely available and don't leave behind a gross, synthetic aftertaste, so long as your doctor gives you the green light to take them. (Antacids may contain high sodium levels which can cause you to retain water, and some may have aluminum in them, which isn’t safe during pregnancy. That’s why it’s a good idea to check with your provider first, just to be on the safe side.)
Size: 330 tablets
A Supportive Maternity/Nursing Bra
Hotmilk Forever Yours Contour Nursing Bra
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- Easy to open and close
- straps can convert to racerback style
- Some moms don't like the underwire
Despite its sleek, structured design, this supportive bra is comfortable enough to wear under just about anything every day. It offers plenty of support, too, thanks to thick adjustable straps, six hook and eye closures and underwire that won’t dig into your skin. If you’re planning on breastfeeding once baby arrives, know that it’s a breeze to nurse in, too — it has drop-down cups you can open and close with one hand.
Sizes: 32A-38G
Material: 84 percent nylon and 16 percent elastane outer, 100 percent cotton inner
Panty Liners
U by Kotex Barely There Panty Liners
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- Protective
- truly feel barely there
- Some say they’re too thin
You’ve probably noticed you have more vaginal discharge than you did pre-pregnancy, thanks to increased blood flow and estrogen levels. To help you feel more comfortable, you might want to start using panty liners to protect your clothing and absorb excess moisture. Countless moms-to-be in the What to Expect community depend on the U by Kotex Barely There liners. True to their name, these panty liners feel almost unnoticeable, yet still offer plenty of protection against leaks. They won’t shift around, either.
A Humidifier
Crane Drop Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
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- Quiet
- easy to clean
- auto shut-off feature
- Some wish the tank was larger
Many moms-to-be experience nasal congestion due to swelling mucus membranes and increased blood flow. If a stuffy nose has been plaguing you, a humidifier can be a game-changer. If you don’t already have one, countless What to Expect community parents and moms-to-be recommend the Crane Drop humidifier. It emits plenty of moist air to thin out built-up mucus, but it does so exceptionally quietly. It also has a 1-gallon tank that lasts up to a full 24 hours, limiting the amount of times you’ll have to head to the sink for a refill. Just as importantly, it’s also extremely easy to clean and is made with an antimicrobial material designed to reduce mold and bacteria growth by up to 99.96 percent.
Mist range: 500 square feet
Water tank volume: 1 gallon
A Belly Support Band
NeoTech Care Pregnancy Support Maternity Belt
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- Several sizes to choose from
- adjustable
- comfy
- Can see it under some clothes
This support band goes over and under your baby bump to support your belly, swiftly easing strain on your lower back. This support band is also one of the most size-inclusive bands on the market — it comfortably fits bumps up to 60.5 inches. And, despite the amount of support it offers, it’s not at all stiff and restricting. In fact, the fabric is exceptionally soft and breathable, meaning it’s a comfortable choice year-round, from hot summer days to chilly winter nights.
Sizing: Small, 33 to 40 inches; medium, 38 to 44 inches; large, 42 to 49 inches; XL, 46 to 54 inches; XXL, 52 to 60.5 inches
Compression Socks
Physix Gear Compression Socks
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- Non-slip
- more attractive than your average compression sock
- durable
- Run large and long
- can be hard to put on
Okay, you may feel a little like your grandpa when you pull on compression socks, but the relief is oh-so-good, you won’t care for long. A pair like this gently compresses your ankles and calves to reduce swelling in your legs and feet caused by edema and all that extra fluid your body is retaining for your and baby’s health. Moms-to-be who work on their feet will particularly appreciate a pair.
Sizes: S-M, L-XL, XXL
Material: 70 percent nylon, 30 percent spandex
A Comfortable Outfit
The Nines by Hatch 3/4 Sleeve Tie Waist Maternity Jumpsuit
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- Soft and comfortable
- one-and-done outfit
- Fabric could be thicker
- some wish it didn’t have a zipper
When you get to the third trimester, something as basic as getting dressed in the morning may start to feel like a monumental task. Keep things easy and breezy with this super-soft and comfortable jumpsuit, complete with a stylish faux-wrap detail. The jersey fabric glides over your skin to keep you cool (a must!). It’s a look that works for just about anything, from errands to the boardroom to the store, since you can easily dress it up or down.
Sizes: XS-XXL
Material: 93 percent rayon, 7 percent spandex
Slip-On Shoes
Teva ReEmber Slip-On
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- Cushioned footbed
- quilted outer material
- added antimicrobial treatment
- Only full sizes available
By the end of your pregnancy, even slip-on sneakers may be tricky to get on — especially when you can’t see your feet. If that’s the case, you’ll love this pair from Teva, which has a fold-down back that allows you to wear them as slides without compromising the integrity and structure of the shoe. They’re beyond comfortable for walking in, too, thanks to the foam midsole. They’re also water-resistant and come with a special antimicrobial treatment to help prevent them from getting smelly.
Material: Recycled ripstop, rib knit, microfiber and polyester
- Kecia Gaither, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.O.G., Double Board-Certified OB/GYN and Maternal Fetal Medicine Doctor and Director of Perinatal Services, NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln, Bronx, New York.
- Cleveland Clinic, Heartburn During Pregnancy, January 2021.
- Mayo Clinic, 3rd Trimester Pregnancy: What to Expect, March 2022.
- Nationwide Children’s, Pregnancy Rhinitis: Relief for Ongoing Nasal Congestion Is Possible, April 2016.