Dear Third Trimester of Pregnancy,
Let’s cut to the chase: you can be a real challenge. All expectant mothers eagerly anticipate your arrival, only to find themselves saying, “Surprise! You’ve got a whole 12 weeks left, and brace yourself because your belly is about to explode in size.”
Wait, what? Twelve weeks?! That’s nearly three months—an eternity of sleepless nights filled with acid reflux, frequent bathroom trips, and those lovely Charley horses that strike at the worst times. It’s no wonder you’re not the most popular trimester. You’re the long, drawn-out stretch that tests the patience of even the most optimistic moms. By this point, many of us just want to unwind with friends over a few glasses of wine, longing for a taste of our former selves. Instead, we’re left feeling like a less vibrant version of ourselves, complete with snoring and mood swings. While everyone else is out having fun, there we are, sidelined, as a tiny human inside us performs gymnastics on our bladder.
Twelve more weeks of this?
And the advice comes pouring in: “Take it easy! Rest your feet!” While yes, growing a human is a monumental task and provides a fantastic excuse to indulge, it’s hard to find comfort when you feel like your ribs are being squished by something resembling an oversized cabbage. When lounging becomes an impossible dream, you know you’re in for a rough ride.
Sure, the first trimester was tough with morning sickness, and the second brought its own challenges with painful veins. But at least my clothes still fit then. Enter you, oh glorious third trimester, and now I’m battling my maternity jeans that seem to have shrunk overnight, leaving me with an embarrassing underbelly peeking out of my tops. Yes, you heard me right—my maternity jeans are suffocating my hips!
Now I face the dilemma: do I invest in larger clothes that I’ll only wear for a brief time? But let’s be real, 12 weeks is a long time to feel uncomfortable and insecure about my appearance. So, I splurge on new maternity outfits and justify the expense by recalling the money I’ve saved by avoiding cocktails and sushi for months. And why not treat myself to a nice handbag too? After all, handbags always fit, unlike those pesky jeans.
I could go on about the many physical challenges that arise during these final weeks, but I’ll spare you the details. Let’s just say that sneezing has become a terrifying experience, especially with a bowling ball pressing down on my bladder while I juggle my fourth pregnancy. It’s definitely a thrilling time.
Third trimester, I’m not trying to rush you away. I just want you to move along a bit faster. I’ve navigated your challenges three times before, and while I often doubt when this will end, I know it eventually will. You won’t last forever. But let’s be honest—you are quite the handful. Given my current hormonal state and the new term I’ve coined, “sternutaphobia” (yes, the fear of sneezing is real), you’ll have to wear your title with pride. You are a challenge I both love and loathe, and as much as I hate to admit it, I need you. Because with you comes the promise of finally meeting my baby.
So, here we are, T-minus 90 days. Bring it on—but please, cut me some slack. I’m seven years older now than when we first met.
With love,
An (impatient) mama-to-be who is about to realize that surviving the third trimester may be easier than raising four kids.
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Summary
The third trimester of pregnancy can be a challenging and uncomfortable time. Expectant mothers often find themselves grappling with physical discomforts, body image issues, and the pressure of waiting to meet their babies. Despite the difficulties, this period is a necessary step toward bringing new life into the world.