The third trimester of pregnancy is such an exciting time—you’re getting closer to meeting your baby! But it’s also physically and emotionally challenging. As your baby grows and your body prepares for labor, new aches, pains, and annoyances can show up seemingly overnight. From back pain and heartburn to swelling and even carpal tunnel syndrome, the final stretch of pregnancy can be intense. Thankfully, there are natural remedies for third trimester symptoms that can help ease the discomfort and help you feel more supported during these last few weeks.
Below, I’m sharing 10 third trimester symptoms (#10 was the worst symptom I had, and it’s not a common one!) and natural ways to find relief.
Disclaimer: I’m not a medical professional—just a first-time mom sharing what helped me and what I’ve learned from research and experience. Always consult your doctor, midwife, or other trusted medical provider before starting any new remedies or treatments during pregnancy.
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1. Heartburn
As your uterus expands, it pushes your stomach upward, making it easier for stomach acid to travel up your esophagus. Hormones like progesterone and relaxin also relax the muscle/valve that normally keeps acid where it belongs.
Natural Remedies:
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals to avoid overfilling your stomach.
- Avoid eating late at night or lying down right after eating.
- Sip ginger tea or chew on a piece of candied ginger—it’s soothing and can help with digestion.
- Eat beets or drink beet juice. (I had beet juice on hand and the two times I got heartburn, I had a few gulps of juice and it went away in 15 minutes! I then drank some preemptively before bed and I like to think it worked.)
- Keep your head elevated when sleeping (I used this wedge pillow during pregnancy and still do!)
2. Back Pain & Pelvic Discomfort
Your growing belly shifts your center of gravity, and the hormone relaxin loosens your joints in preparation for birth—often leading to lower back and round ligament pain. You’re carrying around a lot more weight!
Natural Remedies:
- Use a pregnancy support belt to relieve some of the pressure on your back.
- Practice prenatal yoga or gentle stretching to improve flexibility and posture.
- Take warm Epsom salt baths to ease sore muscles.
- Ask your provider about prenatal chiropractic care or massage therapy (these helped me so much!)
- Use a pregnancy pillow at night to support your hips and spine. (I personally didn’t like traditional pregnancy pillows, so I used this body pillow instead!)
3. Swelling in Feet, Ankles, and Hands
Wow, was I swollen the last few weeks of pregnancy! Your body produces more fluids, like blood, during pregnancy. As circulation slows, fluid can pool in your extremities. Not fun! Especially when your shoes don’t fit anymore.
Natural Remedies:
- Elevate your feet whenever possible to reduce fluid buildup.
- Stay hydrated and use electrolytes! Oddly enough, drinking more water helps reduce swelling.
- Wear compression socks during the day.
- Gentle foot massage or lymphatic drainage (like dry brushing) can be soothing and helpful.
4. Fatigue
All that second trimester energy has gone out the door now. Your body is working hard to support your baby, and poor sleep or carrying extra weight can leave you feeling drained.
Natural Remedies:
- Sneak in a daily nap, even if it’s just 20 minutes. (I wish I took advantage of napping more before Oliver was born.)
- Prioritize nutrient-rich snacks, especially protein and iron-rich foods like eggs, red meat, nuts, or spinach.
- Try magnesium supplements (with your provider’s approval!) to help with energy and muscle recovery.
- Keep up with gentle movement like walking to support circulation and boost energy.
5. Braxton Hicks Contractions
Some women experience lots of braxton hicks, while some hardly do at all. I only experienced them once that I recall and it was due to dehydration. These “practice contractions” help prepare your uterus for real labor. They can be uncomfortable, but they’re usually not painful or regular.
Natural Remedies:
- Change positions—if you’re standing, try sitting down; if you’re lying down, try walking.
- Hydrate well—dehydration can trigger Braxton Hicks.
- Try deep breathing or warm showers to help your muscles relax.
- Track them—just in case they become regular, strong, or closer together.
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6. Insomnia or Trouble Sleeping
Between bathroom trips, baby kicks, and general discomfort, it’s hard to sleep well during the third trimester. And don’t get me started on turning over or getting in and out of the bed. Thankfully, there are some natural remedies for this third trimester symptom.
Natural Remedies:
- Set a bedtime routine—dim lights, stretch, journal, sip tea.
- Try magnesium or calcium-rich snacks before bed like almonds or Greek yogurt.
- Use a pregnancy pillow or wedge to support your belly and back.
- Diffuse lavender essential oil for a calming bedtime environment.
- Listen to guided meditation or relaxation music if your mind won’t slow down.
7. Constipation & Hemorrhoids
I’m very thankful I didn’t experience these! Slower digestion, iron supplements, and pressure on your intestines from your uterus can make things… sluggish.
Natural Remedies:
- Drink plenty of water—aim for at least 8–10 glasses a day.
- Eat high-fiber foods like prunes, chia seeds, whole grains, and leafy greens. I had prunes a lot through pregnancy—I think this helped me stay regular!
- Add a fiber supplement like psyllium husk if needed.
- Try warm water with lemon in the morning to gently stimulate digestion.
- For hemorrhoids, try witch hazel pads and sitz baths for soothing relief. (You can use these to heal postpartum too! Look at my complete list of postpartum healing essentials here.)
8. Itchy Belly & Skin
I remember my belly being so itchy! Your skin stretches rapidly, and dryness or irritation can make you feel itchy, especially on your belly and breasts.
Natural Remedies:
- Apply natural oils like coconut oil, almond oil, or shea butter twice a day.
- Use an unscented moisturizer to avoid further irritation.
- Take lukewarm (not hot) showers and pat skin dry instead of rubbing.
- Wear loose, breathable fabrics like cotton.
9. Stretch Marks
I don’t know how some women don’t get stretch marks on their belly, because I have SO many from my belly button to my pubic bone. I like to call them my “mommy marks” since they represent the amazing job my body did of housing and growing our boy for 9 months.
Natural Remedies:
- Stay hydrated to support skin elasticity from the inside out.
- Massage your belly with vitamin E oil, rosehip oil, or a natural belly butter.
- Dry brushing may help stimulate blood flow and improve skin tone.
- Accept that some stretch marks may be genetic—and remind yourself they’re marks of motherhood!
10. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Pregnancy-Related)
This was the worst symptom I had, and I had it in both hands from about 23 weeks pregnant to about 3 days postpartum. Why it happens? Fluid retention can put pressure on the median nerve in your wrist, causing numbness, tingling, and pain—especially at night. Those first few says postpartum you pee SO much; all that extra fluid finally leaves!
Natural Remedies:
- Wear a wrist splint or brace at night to reduce pressure while sleeping. (I wore this carpal tunnel wrist brace on both hands, but mostly my right hand).
- Gently stretch your wrists during the day.
- Limit repetitive hand movements or take breaks often.
- Elevate your hands when resting to help fluid drain.
- Massage your forearms and wrists to improve circulation.
Final Thoughts
The third trimester can feel like a whirlwind of anticipation, excitement, and discomfort all rolled into one. But you don’t have to suffer through it! These natural remedies for third trimester symptoms are simple, accessible ways to bring your body relief and help you feel more in control as you prepare for labor and delivery.
Listen to your body, be gentle with yourself, and don’t hesitate to talk to your provider if something feels off.
The finish line is near, you’ve got this mama 🤎