You will often hear the stages of your pregnancy referred to as trimesters, which are three equal time periods of about 13 weeks each.

Weeks 27 to 40 make up the third trimester.

It’s a great idea to sign up for prenatal classes early in your third trimester so you will have time to practice what you learn.

Your baby is going through the final stages of development, growing from just over 2 pounds to upwards of 7 ½ pounds and opening her eyes around week 28.

You are going through some big changes, too. The average weight gain during pregnancy is 25 to 35 pounds, and at the beginning of the third trimester, you should be gaining about a pound a week.

At this point in your pregnancy, you might have the uncomfortable feeling that the baby is going to “fall out” or you might have the sensation of tingling, pressure, or numbness in the pelvic region. These are common feelings related to pressure the baby exerts as it gets bigger and as it moves lower in the birth canal, and you can lie on your side to help decrease pressure.

On the emotional side, you might be feeling a little nervous about the birth and might experience mood swings as the delivery day approaches. This is very normal, and you shouldn’t be afraid to talk to your partner or your healthcare provider about how you are feeling.