Welcome to the third trimester! You've entered the final leg of your pregnancy journey. From now until delivery, your baby's main job is to gain weight and mature, while your body begins its final preparations for birth.

During these weeks, your baby is growing rapidly, putting on layers of fat that will help them regulate their body temperature after birth. Their brain is developing at an incredible pace, and they are even starting to exhibit sleep-wake cycles. You might notice distinct periods of activity followed by quiet times when they are likely sleeping.

A fascinating development during this stage is that your baby is "practice breathing." They aren't taking in air, of course, but are rhythmically moving their chest and diaphragm, strengthening the muscles they will need for their first real breath.

For you, this is a time of more frequent check-ups. Your healthcare provider will likely want to see you every two weeks. One of the key tests during this period (usually between 24-28 weeks) is the glucose screening test for gestational diabetes. This routine test checks how your body is processing sugar to ensure both you and the baby stay healthy.

You will also be encouraged to start paying attention to your baby's movements through "kick counts." This involves setting aside time each day to count how long it takes to feel a certain number of movements (often 10). It's a simple yet effective way to monitor your baby's well-being.

You may also begin to experience Braxton Hicks contractions. These are often called "practice contractions" and are your body's way of toning the uterine muscle in preparation for labor. They usually feel like a tightening or hardening of your abdomen, are irregular, and typically go away if you change positions or drink some water. They are different from true labor contractions, which will become stronger, longer, and more frequent over time.