Managing Third Trimester Emotions: From Excitement to Overwhelm
You’re almost there — the nursery is (mostly) ready, your hospital bag is waiting by the door, and everyone keeps asking, “Are you excited?!”
And you are excited… mostly. But also tired. And sore. And sometimes a little teary for no reason at all.
If that sounds familiar — you’re not alone. The third trimester is an emotional rollercoaster, and it’s totally normal to feel a mix of anticipation, anxiety, and please just get this baby out of me.
Let’s talk about it. 💛
🌸 The Emotional Swirl
The final stretch of pregnancy brings a wild combination of hormones, physical discomfort, and big life changes. You might find yourself feeling:
Joyful one minute, weepy the next.
Nervous about labour (even if you’ve done it before).
Worried about the unknowns — “Will I know what to do? Will I cope?”
Sad about saying goodbye to your bump, pregnancy, or life as it was.
All of it is okay. Truly. It just means you care deeply about what’s coming.
🕊️ Simple Ways to Soothe Your Mind
You don’t need to “fix” your feelings — just soften them.
Talk it out: With your partner, a friend, your midwife — or write it in a journal. Naming your feelings takes away their power.
Slow down: Try a warm bath, a walk, or a quiet cup of tea with your feet up. Sometimes rest is the reset you need.
Breathe: Long exhales calm your nervous system (and your baby feels it too).
Set boundaries: It’s okay to say “no” to visitors, long to-do lists, or advice you didn’t ask for.
Make tiny joyful plans: A favourite meal, a movie night, or a new candle — little things to look forward to while you wait.
🌿 Let Go of the Pressure to “Savour Every Moment”
You’ve probably heard it: “Enjoy every second! It goes so fast!”
And while that’s said with love, it can make you feel guilty for not loving every minute — especially when your back hurts and you can’t sleep.
You don’t have to be glowing 24/7.
You just have to be.
It’s enough to have small, sweet moments — a gentle kick, a quiet cuddle with your bump, a laugh over how you dropped your snack again.
💛 Reframing the Overwhelm
When things feel heavy, try shifting your thoughts from “I can’t handle this” to “My body and mind are preparing for something big.”
Because they are. You’re not falling apart — you’re opening up, physically and emotionally, to bring a whole new person into the world. That’s powerful work.
🌼 A Final Thought
This stage can feel long, but it’s also sacred — a time of in-between, where you’re both yourself and someone new.
So be gentle with your heart. Cry if you need to. Laugh often. Rest as much as you can.
And remember — however you feel today is perfectly valid.
You’re doing beautifully. 💕