21 Ultimate Third Trimester Must-Haves (that will save your sanity)

If you’re near or already in your third trimester, you’re no doubt starting to see that it’s no walk in the park, which is why it’s sooo important to have guidance on some third trimester must-haves, coming to you from a labor and delivery nurse who has seen it all.

I’ll tell you straight, mama. As baby gets bigger, you’re going to feel it more. From aches and pains to swollen feet, trouble sleeping, and issues down-under.

That’s why you’ll need some direction on a third-trimester survival kit that can keep you moving and sleeping and comfortable–at least as comfortable as can be.

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Hello Third Trimester!

You’ve been through the early weeks, you’ve taken time to see your little on pregnancy scans.

You’ve slammed through morning sickness to Braxton-Hicks contractions.

Now you’re on the home stretch, looking down to find your toes, only to find a path mostly walked and a freaking terrifying finish line.

Honestly mama, you’ve got this! The third trimester is tough for some and easy for others.

Barring pre-existing conditions and complications, which are rare, labor and delivery can be smooth sailing with the right preparation and medical staffing.

Until then, lady, it’s all about getting ready for that kiddo and keeping yourself comfortable and sane.

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3rd Trimester Essentials at a Glance

Before we get into specifics, let’s take a look at the things you’ll need to tackle with your third-trimester must-haves.

Symptoms We’re Solving For:

• Aches and Pains
• Heartburn
• Hemorrhoids
• Low Energy / Motivation
• Lower Back and Hip Pain
• Shortness of Breath
• Swollen Feet / Swelling
• Trouble Sleeping
• General Discomfort

Things You Need in the Third Trimester

So let’s jump right in! We’ll break down each of these troubling symptoms to ensure that we’re making the VERY BEST experience of your third trimester.

So let’s take a look, mama. Kick back and get your pen ready–these third trimester must-haves are yours for the picking!

Aches and Pains

Acetaminophen

When it comes right down to it, the very best medical recommendations for aches and pains during pregnancy still boil right down to good old acetaminophen. The officials call it paracetamol, but that’s just a fancy way of saying para-acetylaminophenol.

Yeah, Tylenol.

Take advantage of this great generic and keep cost low. REALLY low.

Heartburn

There’s always something to be said for prevention. If you can’t, though, there are a load of homeopathic and over-the-counter remedies.

Alka Seltzer Heartburn Chewables

Alka Seltzer is a tried and tested remedy for heartburn, and acts super quick when ingested in a chewable form. These little guys are a matter of taste, as they tend to be more pleasant going down.

Tums Antacids

Tums are a no-brainer, although some find them less palatable than the Alka Seltzer chews. Both have a chalky nature but I’ve actually come to quite enjoy the taste of Tums. Although maybe that’s a bad thing.

If you don’t judge me, mama, I won’t judge you. The orange are the best.

Papaya (dices, dried)

One surprising find for me was that papaya is actually low in acid despite most tropical fruits being acidic. More than that, it contains enzymes that help with digestion and–you guessed it–works as a natural antacid!

You can get an extract, but I prefer to have the real deal. Keep a baggy of these little guys with you at all times, and you’ll not just have an antacid but a yummy snack and a taste of the tropics!

Keep in mind that there are some studies that suggest unripened papaya can result in uterine contractions, so talk to your doctor first!

Beyond that, consider alternatives like drinking milk or apple cider vinegar, or chewing sugar-free gum to create a barrier against your stomach acids with extra saliva.

Related: 9 Essential Hospital Bag Must-Haves for Labor and Delivery!

Hemorrhoids

Sorry, mama. These little buggers happen.

Not to everyone, mind you, but a lot of us.

The reality is these things sound WAY more gross than they are. They can be uncomfortable but they’re really just swollen blood vessels. If we had given them a cuter name I don’t think they’d have anywhere near the power of us that they do.

Regardless, ain’t nobody wants the itching and burning and aching that can be symptoms of Hemorrhoids. Luckily, there’s hope!

Preparation H Cream

This topical cream has stood up to the test of time and continues to be the number one brand that comes to mind anytime someone says “hemorrhoids”. Which may or may not be a good thing, depending on your perspective.

Preparation H Medicated Wipes

Add some serious convenience to the reliable name of Preparation H. These medicated pads will be application WAY easier and much less messy.

What more could you ask for?

Except maybe just to not have hemorrhoids in the first place. Right?

Tucks Medicated Pads

Tucks is a great option for before AND after baby. The witch hazel that sets these pads apart is awesome on hemorrhoids.

But I know a few ladies who simply never would have survived postpartum healing and breastfeeding if not for these lovely little puppies.

Underwear protection

Your body is going through some crazy changes, as you may have noticed. Your waistline and how underwear fits is no exception.

If you try to stick to the same panties you’ve always worn, you might be OK as long as you carry the baby really high.

On the other hand, if your baby sits low, though, those panties you used to love just might be positively unbearable.

Is this you? If so, take the time to understand your options!

Under the Bump Panties

These clever little panties work with wonders! They sit right under your bump instead of around it, owing to two separate pieces of fabric that cross below baby to leave room for expansion.

Under the Bump Cradle Briefs

Unlike the panties, these low riding briefs will actually cradle the bottom of your bump, giving a minimal amount of support but giving that little one plenty of room to grow!

But panty-wearing while pregnant isn’t all about space, I’m sorry to say.

It doesn’t happen to all of us, mama. But some of us start having little slips the heavier that little one gets on our bladder.

Yup, I mean you might pee yourself.

Not a lot, hopefully.

Still, sometimes it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you find that you have a tendency in this regard, here are a few great options to keep dry without wearing a big puffy diaper. Let’s leave that to the little one, shall we?

Always Discreet Boutique Underwear

These absorbent panties are typically for your period (and they look great despite that!), but they’re also more than enough to handle a little trickle if you sneeze too hard or laugh… basically at all.

They fit discreetly against the skin and leave a very minimal underwear line in all but the tightest of clothing.

Low Energy / Motivation

I dunno about you, mama, but for most mamas I know, there is always this little voice in the back of their head (or maybe at the small of their back) urging them to find a comfy couch and NEVER LEAVE IT.

Especially if it had an ottoman.

Luckily, there are some very simple things you can do to increase your energy while pregnant.

Among all the third trimester must-haves that you might need to invest in, these are some of the easier things to swallow. Literally.

See, whole foods that are rich in some of those lovely little vitals that you and baby both need will actually INCREASE energy, because you will no longer be working so hard to make do on whatever you pick up through the day.

A good healthy supply of protein, fiber, and vitamins and minerals will give your body armor against your little baby’s vampiric tendencies. He or she will get what she needs, make no mistake of that. The question is whether or not you have any left for yourself!

Need some recipe inspiration to help with this? My pregnancy cookbook is full of easy and delicious recipes that are sure to get your energy up by making sure you’re getting the nutrients you need!

And if you’re looking for something more specific, check out these energy boosts for pregnancy. Just be sure to check with your provider to make sure these recommendations are safe for YOU in your pregnancy.

Prenatal Vitamin Supplement Shake

This little shake mix will pack in tons of bio-value for both you and the munchkin. The best thing? This product was developed with a board-certified OB!

Organic Vitamin B12 Sublingual Spray

Going without B Vitamins can be really rough. Low B12 specifically leaves a body feeling anemic,  resulting in weakness and exhaustion.

These little drops are the perfect solution to packing some B12 in QUICK.

Premama Energy Boost

Sometimes the idea of going without an energy drink is enough to put me almost right over the edge. There are limits and tolerances worth discussing with your doctor if you have a particular fondness for something that gives you wings.

If not that, then consider something like Premama Energy Boost, which gives you tons of the things you need to stay alert and upbeat without going down the road to caffeine. Mores the pity.

Lower Back and Hip Pain

Pain in the lower back or hips can be a simple increase to those already chronic blips we typically ignore until our partner takes the time to work them out at night.

Sometimes it’s more than that, though. Regardless of which type it is, the pain can sometimes be debilitating!

There are some therapeutic options worth discussing with your OB or midwife, for sure such as:

• A visit to the chiropractor
• Some extra effort to diagnose underlying issues with your general practitioner
• Targeted exercise to stretch the tendons and strengthen the muscles that might be at fault for your particular shade of discomfort (which you’ll get in a prenatal fitness program!)

Beyond that, there are also a few things you can do to limit the impact these tough aches and pains have on your already run-down self.

Abdominal Waist Belt & Support Brace

It goes without saying (or, I guess I’m saying it anyway, so maybe not), but a nicely sized pregnancy belt and support brace can do LOADS of good for your posture and comfort.

Hiccapop Pregnancy Pillow Wedge

This little wedge-shaped pillow will fit nicely below your bump when you’re laying on your side, giving you the chance to fall asleep in comfort and wake up with one less crick!

Sunbeam Heating Pad Back Wrap

This lovely little wrap includes gel packs that can be cooled or heated to suit your needs. Heat helps promote blood flow and is great for reducing back pain.

If you have an actual strain in the muscle tissue, alternating cool and hot can be just the thing! Talk to your GP about the best ways to make this work for you during pregnancy.

Swollen Feet / Swelling

You can imagine why your feet might swell. I mean, the rest of you is, isn’t it?

Seriously, though, you’re putting more weight on those feet than ever before, and you’re potentially pumping twice as much blood around as usual.

These things will certainly take their toll, and your piggies are no exception!

NatraCure Cold Therapy Socks

If you can stand to take the cold for any length of time, these lovely socks will help you reduce the swelling via cold compress.

Fit King Air Massager

This lovely little device uses airbags to provide a low-impact massage that will surely have you wanting to wear it around instead of shoes.

DMI Ortho Leg Wedge

Like the pregnancy pillow, this wedge designed for your legs will let you elevate your feet comfortably while laying down, giving your feet a chance to decompress a little.

Trouble Sleeping

Sleep can be difficult to find when you need it most. And trust me lady–YOU NEED IT MOST.

Tiredness and exhaustion on top of everything else you’re carrying around can be enough to drive your life to a screeching halt.

Do yourself a favor and give your body all the cues and comforts necessary to ease into a nice, relaxed state of sleep.

Pink Stork Calm Tea

This lovely lavender tea contains natural sleep aids to give you more than just a nice aromatic cup but a powerful dose of all the things the body needs to chill out and find some dreamytime.

Melatonin

Melatonin supplements are a great way to help boost the benefits of sleep for many.

Its effects during pregnancy are pretty speculative–some sources say it’s actually good for your placenta and your baby’s development while others disagree.

Absolutely talk to your doctor before taking it.

General Discomfort

Beyond all of that, sometimes you’re just UNCOMFORTABLE. It isn’t always about pain or pressure or specific areas of the body.

Especially as you progress into the third trimester, it just gets BAD.

For this reason, it’s really always worth considering what other pregnancy relaxation products exist to help you move to term happy and comfortable:

• Invest in a pregnancy pillow for any and every part of your body that is impacted by your baby’s developing form
• Find the perfect bra support for your body type
• Invest in some comfortable shoes–don’t worry about looks
• Be sure you’re getting the right size and type of belly support

Bringing Your Third Trimester Must-Haves Together

Ultimately, mama, you’ve got quite a road in front of you, but remember to look back at everything you’ve accomplished now.

You’ve grown a life from scratch and carried it two-thirds of the way there!

I think it’s really fair to say that you deserve to be comfortable, so take these third trimester must-haves to heart and never forget how much you deserve them.

Happy baby-making, mama.