Third Trimester Pregnancy Must-Haves

checked mark Fact-Checked by Haley Jena
Updated: August 30, 2022
Third Trimester Must-Haves: A black belly band pictured next to a pair of black and pink compression socks

It’s the final countdown! You’ve reached the third trimester and you’ll be meeting your baby soon (!). But before delivery day arrives, you and your growing little one still have some new pregnancy milestones to meet, and with that, some not-so-pleasant pregnancy symptoms.

“Some of the same symptoms are present in both the second and third trimesters,” says Kecia Gaither, M.D., M.P.H, F.A.C.O.G., a double board-certified physician in OB/GYN and Maternal Fetal Medicine, who serves as the Director of Perinatal Services at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln in the Bronx in New York City.

These pregnancy symptoms include things like stretch marks that appear on your abdomen, buttocks or breasts; nasal issues like increased stuffiness or nosebleeds; swelling; varicose veins; and Braxton Hicks contractions. Fatigue may also rear its ugly head again, particularly because of sleep disturbances caused by an enlarged belly, says Dr. Gaither. Other common pregnancy symptoms during the final trimester include heartburn, backaches, frequent urination and shortness of breath.

The good news? There are some helpful products that can alleviate those not-so-fun parts of the third trimester.

What kinds of products do you need during the third trimester?

Chances are you’ve probably already stocked up on many essentials during your first and second trimesters, but there may still be a few lingering items that can help keep you comfortable during these final weeks.

Add comfortable clothing you can wear now and throughout the fourth trimester (a flowy dress and a nursing bra, for example), plus other comfort-makers, like compression tights or socks, a humidifier and a supportive belly band. These products may seem simple, but can offer a world of difference.

How we chose the best third trimester pregnancy must-haves

We did the heavy lifting for you and developed a comprehensive shopping list for the third trimester. We started by scouring the What to Expect community for real moms’ third trimester must-haves to see which items were the most popular for a variety of parents. We then talked with Dr. Gaither to see what her pregnant patients use and love and consulted expert resources from accredited organizations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Mayo Clinic. Finally, we narrowed down our picks to the top-reviewed and best-rated items to help you stay comfy and prepare for baby’s arrival.

Below, check out the pregnancy must-haves you’ll want to keep on hand during the third trimester.

 

Why Trust Us?

Heartburn Relief

Tums Antacid Chewable Tablets

Third Trimester Survival Kit - Tums Antacid Chewables
Buying Options:
Amazon
Amazon
$14
See Now Walmart
Walmart
$17
See Now
Pros: Easy to eat, come in multiple flavors, no bad aftertaste
Cons: Can be slightly chalky

Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

If you’re feeling the burn these days thanks to changing hormones and body shape shifts, an antacid can help put out the fire traveling from your belly up to your esophagus. Tums are effective, widely available and don't leave behind a gross, synthetic aftertaste, so long as your doctor gives you the green light to take them. (Antacids may contain high sodium levels which can cause you to retain water, and some may have aluminum in them, which isn’t safe during pregnancy. That’s why it’s a good idea to check with your provider first, just to be on the safe side.)

Size: 330 tablets

Community Reviews

“Tums helped me a lot in my first pregnancy in the third trimester.”

- emmysecondtime

A Supportive Maternity/Nursing Bra

Hotmilk Forever Yours Contour Nursing Bra

Third Trimester Survival Kit - Hotmilk Forever Yours Contour Nursing Bra in nude/white
Buying Options:
Amazon
Amazon
$50
See Now
Pros: Easy to open and close, straps can convert to racerback style
Cons: Some moms don't like the underwire

Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

Despite its sleek, structured design, this supportive bra is comfortable enough to wear under just about anything every day. It offers plenty of support, too, thanks to thick adjustable straps, six hook and eye closures and underwire that won’t dig into your skin. If you’re planning on breastfeeding once baby arrives, know that it’s a breeze to nurse in, too — it has drop-down cups you can open and close with one hand.

Sizes: 32A-38G

Material: 84 percent nylon and 16 percent elastane outer, 100 percent cotton inner

Community Reviews

“I love the Hotmilk ones…  It’s well worth the money to me though as I wear them night and day due to leaking… I have the underwired ones and love them. I agree I feel better with the extra support underwire give and have never found it uncomfortable throughout pregnancy and feeding.”

- Galwaygirl

Panty Liners

U by Kotex Barely There Panty Liners

Box of 100 U by Kotex Barely There Panty Liners
Buying Options:
Amazon
Amazon
$5 for 100
See Now Target
Target
$7 for 100
See Now Walgreens
Walgreens
$6 for 50
See Now
Pros: Protective, truly feel barely there
Cons: Some say they’re too thin

Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

You’ve probably noticed you have more vaginal discharge than you did pre-pregnancy, thanks to increased blood flow and estrogen levels. To help you feel more comfortable, you might want to start using panty liners to protect your clothing and absorb excess moisture. Countless moms-to-be in the What to Expect community depend on the U by Kotex Barely There liners. True to their name, these panty liners feel almost unnoticeable, yet still offer plenty of protection against leaks. They won’t shift around, either.

Community Reviews

“I really like the Kotex U barely there thin liners. They stay in place without peeling at the edges and I don't even notice them.”

- DemitasseTea

“I love the Kotex U Barely There liners as well. I've used them since the line came out and I've never thought of buying another kind since.”

- ashdb

“I found the unscented ones 'U by Kotex' liners are ones that worked best for me.”

- summermommy29

A Humidifier

Crane Drop Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier

Third Trimester Survival Kit - Crane Drop Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
Buying Options:
Amazon
Amazon
$55
See Now
Pros: Quiet, easy to clean, auto shut-off feature
Cons: Some wish the tank was larger

Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

Many moms-to-be experience nasal congestion due to swelling mucus membranes and increased blood flow. If a stuffy nose has been plaguing you, a humidifier can be a game-changer. If you don’t already have one, countless What to Expect community parents and moms-to-be recommend the Crane Drop humidifier. It emits plenty of moist air to thin out built-up mucus, but it does so exceptionally quietly. It also has a 1-gallon tank that lasts up to a full 24 hours, limiting the amount of times you’ll have to head to the sink for a refill. Just as importantly, it’s also extremely easy to clean and is made with an antimicrobial material designed to reduce mold and bacteria growth by up to 99.96 percent.

Mist range: 500 square feet

Water tank volume: 1 gallon

Community Reviews

“We all have Crane humidifiers, and they have been great. They work well and are easy to clean.”

- germaphobemomma

"I like my crane. Very easy to disinfect"

- babybreath

A Belly Support Band

NeoTech Care Pregnancy Support Maternity Belt

NeoTech Care Pregnancy Support Maternity Belt in black
Buying Options:
Amazon
Amazon
$39
See Now
Pros: Several sizes to choose from, adjustable, comfy
Cons: Can see it under some clothes

Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

This support band goes over and under your baby bump to support your belly, swiftly easing strain on your lower back. This support band is also one of the most size-inclusive bands on the market — it comfortably fits bumps up to 60.5 inches. And, despite the amount of support it offers, it’s not at all stiff and restricting. In fact, the fabric is exceptionally soft and breathable, meaning it’s a comfortable choice year-round, from hot summer days to chilly winter nights.

Sizing: Small, 33 to 40 inches; medium, 38 to 44 inches; large, 42 to 49 inches; XL, 46 to 54 inches; XXL, 52 to 60.5 inches

Community Reviews

“This has been a life saver! I’m 27weeks and have been using it for weeks now!”

- Teegzmc

“Ordered this one and omg it helped so much!”

- Jo26212022

Compression Socks

Physix Gear Compression Socks

Physix Gear Compression Socks in black and pink
Buying Options:
Amazon
Amazon
$12
See Now
Pros: Non-slip, more attractive than your average compression sock, durable
Cons: Run large and long, can be hard to put on

Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

Okay, you may feel a little like your grandpa when you pull on compression socks, but the relief is oh-so-good, you won’t care for long. A pair like this gently compresses your ankles and calves to reduce swelling in your legs and feet caused by edema and all that extra fluid your body is retaining for your and baby’s health. Moms-to-be who work on their feet will particularly appreciate a pair.

Sizes: S-M, L-XL, XXL

Material: 70 percent nylon, 30 percent spandex

Community Reviews

“I got Physix Gear ones from Amazon which are normal sock material rather than like tights. They are still the right grade of compression but much more comfortable.”

- AineKK

A Comfortable Outfit

The Nines by Hatch 3/4 Sleeve Tie Waist Maternity Jumpsuit

The Nines by Hatch 3/4 Sleeve Tie Waist Maternity Jumpsuit in black
Buying Options:
Target
Target
$34
See Now
Pros: Soft and comfortable, one-and-done outfit
Cons: Fabric could be thicker, some wish it didn’t have a zipper

Why We Love It

When you get to the third trimester, something as basic as getting dressed in the morning may start to feel like a monumental task. Keep things easy and breezy with this super-soft and comfortable jumpsuit, complete with a stylish faux-wrap detail. The jersey fabric glides over your skin to keep you cool (a must!). It’s a look that works for just about anything, from errands to the boardroom to the store, since you can easily dress it up or down.

Sizes: XS-XXL

Material: 93 percent rayon, 7 percent spandex

Slip-On Shoes

Teva ReEmber Slip-On

Third Trimester Survival Kit - Teva ReEmber Slip-On in a beige, white and brown colorway
Buying Options:
Zappos
Zappos
$80
See Now REI
REI
$80
See Now
Pros: Cushioned footbed, quilted outer material, added antimicrobial treatment
Cons: Only full sizes available

Why We Love It

By the end of your pregnancy, even slip-on sneakers may be tricky to get on — especially when you can’t see your feet. If that’s the case, you’ll love this pair from Teva, which has a fold-down back that allows you to wear them as slides without compromising the integrity and structure of the shoe. They’re beyond comfortable for walking in, too, thanks to the foam midsole. They’re also water-resistant and come with a special antimicrobial treatment to help prevent them from getting smelly.

Material: Recycled ripstop, rib knit, microfiber and polyester

  1. Kecia Gaither, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.O.G., Double Board-Certified OB/GYN and Maternal Fetal Medicine Doctor and Director of Perinatal Services, NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln, Bronx, New York.
  2. Cleveland Clinic, Heartburn During Pregnancy, January 2021.
  3. Mayo Clinic, 3rd Trimester Pregnancy: What to Expect, March 2022.
  4. Nationwide Children’s, Pregnancy Rhinitis: Relief for Ongoing Nasal Congestion Is Possible, April 2016.