Third trimester discomfort is real – here's how to deal

It can be hard to get comfortable during the third trimester of pregnancy: Your back aches (honestly, everything might ache), your baby is kicking your ribs or giving you lightning crotch, and you're really in need of a decent night's sleep (pregnancy insomnia is real).

"The third trimester of pregnancy can be the most exciting one as your baby’s arrival gets close enough to feel real," says New York-based ob-gyn Rebecca Amaru. "But it can be the most physically and emotionally draining trimester, as you deal with aches, pains and sleepless nights and consider the very real transition that is about to take place in your life. All these feelings are both normal and a bit overwhelming. Talk to other pregnant women; most of them will validate your experiences and offer you useful tips from their experiences!"

With that advice in mind, we asked BabyCenter moms to share their best tips for handling the third trimester symptoms that pregnant women often encounter. Their takeaways prove that there are many different ways to ease third trimester discomfort, so don't be afraid to try a few things – whether it's sitting on an exercise ball or taking a warm bath – until you find something that feels good for you.

Use your changing body to your advantage

By the third trimester, especially in the last few weeks of pregnancy, it might start to feel like your baby is officially running out of room in your uterus – kicking your ribs, putting pressure on your pelvis, and causing all kinds of uncomfortable pregnancy aches. At a certain point, simply moving from one position to another becomes awkward.

Dr. Amaru recommends a couple techniques to help with this: "Practice rolling to your side and pushing up with your arm to go from lying to standing so you don't strain your back," she says. "Engage your core muscles as much as possible when sitting, standing and walking to help prevent undue strains on your joints."

Here's what a few moms in the BabyCenter Community did to relieve some of the discomfort:

• "Give your baby (and your lungs) some room by keeping your back straight or slightly arched, instead of slumped forward."
• "Try to relax into the baby's movements as much as possible. Tensing up when they kick only makes you more uncomfortable."
• "If your baby seems like they have their foot in your throat or under your ribs, try sitting [up] straighter or walking around for a while. This usually allows the baby a little extra room to sink down and get comfy and allows you a little more breathing room – literally."
• "Get on all fours and let your belly sag down, moving the baby further away from all the organs they've been sitting on."
• "The kicks to my bladder are the most uncomfortable. I find that if I do Kegel exercises, the baby usually shifts and kicks a less sensitive spot."

Try some props to relieve aches and pains

No harm in trying out some props! BabyCenter moms are big advocates for foam rollers, pregnancy belts, and exercise balls. These are especially helpful if you're on your feet all day and need little relief when you get home.

• "Using a foam roller or tennis ball to relax tight muscles helps with my back pain. Also, wearing good shoes helps."
• "My doctor prescribed a pregnancy belt. It's soft and sturdy, and I can wear it under some clothes. It took away my duck walk [that I did when] it felt like my baby was dropping down to my crotch area. It has helped with my back pain and getting up from a seated position, and I can walk a bit faster. I love it."
• "It's not my baby's activity that makes me uncomfortable – it's his size! I rock my hips from side to side a lot, and I sit on an exercise ball to relieve some of the pressure down below. I also have to change positions about every 20 minutes to keep from getting sore."

Looking for more real talk from people who get it? The BabyCenter app is full of tips, tricks, and unfiltered advice from moms who've been there (and survived third trimester insomnia).

Try pregnancy massage and warm baths

While it's best to avoid soaking in a hot tub while pregnant, warm baths during pregnancy are fine – as long as you don't let the water get too hot and raise your body temperature too high.

• "When my baby has a long aerobics session, I rub my belly because it seems to calm him down."
• "Try taking warm baths at night and getting your partner to rub you down."
• "I trick my husband into giving me a long pregnancy massage by watching TV together – when he gets involved in [the show], I get a good massage!"
• "Letting warm water run down my back in the shower feels great."

Use a pregnancy pillow (or other pillows) for support

At a certain point, sleeping on your side becomes paramount for comfort and safety. Pregnancy pillows are a huge asset in this department; they give you something to wrap your body against that won't overheat you (the way your partner's body might).

Here's what our community had to say:

• "I don't know what I'd do without my huge pregnancy pillow. I honestly can't sleep without it."
• "I sleep with small travel pillows instead of those big bulky pregnancy pillows. They give you that little boost where you need it, and you can roll over easily without messing up the bedclothes or waking your partner."
• "Office furniture is not made for pregnant women. If you have a desk job, get a pillow for your chair that gives you great back support and helps keep your spine straight."
• "I kicked the pregnancy pillow out of my bed and use a regular pillow between my legs. I invested in a really comfortable memory foam pillow, and it's heavenly."

Find the best pregnancy sleeping positions

Heartburn, leg cramps, insomnia – there's an array of reasons that might be preventing you from getting comfortable in bed in the third trimester. While it's best to avoid taking sleeping pills during pregnancy, many BabyCenter moms found luck (and rest!) by trying out these things:

• "If you can't get comfortable in bed, try a different spot. The couch or recliner may be your ticket to a good night's sleep."
• "I keep my house cooled to 69 degrees at night because otherwise I swelter and that keeps me up."
• "Something warm to eat or drink normally puts me to sleep. Milk, especially."

Keep exercising, even into your third trimester

The best kind of exercise during pregnancy is any exercise at all – truly, whatever works for you, as long as you keep it slow and safe. Dr. Amaru recommends also wearing support socks or stockings if possible to help with swelling and improve your blood flow.

• "Spend a lot of time in your local pool! I practically lived in one toward the end [of my pregnancy]. It was the only true relief I got. Swimming takes the weight off your body [because] the water supports your belly and all your joints, and you stay cool (but not too cold) and comfy!"
• "Slow lap swimming! Use a kickboard and it will take your pain away."
• "I love wearing my belly band when I walk on the treadmill."
• "Yoga, yoga, yoga! Prenatal yoga works wonders, seriously."

More ways to handle third trimester discomfort

Don't be afraid to do whatever makes you the most comfortable, even if it seems silly! 

• "As annoying as it is, go to the bathroom often. I feel a lot less pressure and discomfort with an empty bladder."
• "Eating small meals throughout the day reduces heartburn and gas pains, and exercising and drinking plenty of water really helps with the swelling."
• "Get naked in front of the air conditioner!"
• "To stay cool, I keep a small fan with me, or drink water with lots of ice."
• "Wear the comfiest maternity clothes you can find. Being as big as you are in your third trimester is uncomfortable enough – you don't need anything else bothering you."

You're getting close – and yes, it's a lot. But every ache, wobble, and middle-of-the-night pee brings you one step closer to meeting your future bestie. You've got this.