Tips for the 7th and 8th months of your pregnancy (weeks 25-32)

Welcome to the third trimester! Your belly is now unmistakable, your baby is growing rapidly, and the reality of labor is fast approaching. Months 7 and 8 are all about finding a balance between physical strength, mental calm, and smart preparation.

In this blog we explain what is happening to you, what is happening to your baby and give self-care tips to help.

What's happening to you?

• Increasing fatigue: Your body is working hard, your sleep may become more restless, and you may need to urinate more often.
  
  
• More discomforts: Think of back pain, pelvic complaints, swollen feet, heartburn or shortness of breath.
  
  
• Nesting instinct: Suddenly you want everything clean and tidy. Let it happen, but also maintain your peace.
  
  
• Braxton Hicks contractions: Your uterus is already training. This feels like a hard contraction, usually painless and irregular.
  
  
• Emotional surge: You feel tension, joy, perhaps even fear. Everything is allowed.
  

Not everyone's body works the same. While one mom-to-be is struggling with everything, another feels calm and peaceful. Everything is allowed and possible. Listen to your body. You feel what you need.

Also read: 'How do you really help your pregnant partner? Tips for expectant parents'

What's happening to your baby?

Your baby is growing steadily: their lungs are maturing, their brain is developing rapidly, and they're developing a layer of fat. They hear your voice, recognize light and dark, and move freely. The bond is becoming more tangible than ever.

Tips in this phase: Strengthen, slow down & trust

Move mindfully 

• Prenatal fitness or swimming: Keep your muscles flexible and your circulation active. Swimming can help relieve a heavy belly.
  
  
• (Adapted) pregnancy yoga: Good for your pelvis, breathing and relaxation.
  
  
• Pelvic floor physiotherapy: For back or pelvic pain, a specialist can help with specific tips and exercises.

Relax where you can 

• Regular massages: Against tension, cramps and tired muscles.
  
  
• Foot bath with magnesium flakes: Cooling and relaxing.
  
  
• Warm baths or showers: Soothe muscle pain and calm your mind.
  
  
• Comfortable clothing: Soft leggings, airy tops, a comfortable maternity bra — treat yourself to head-to-toe comfort.
  
  
• Pregnancy pillow 2.0: This is the time to rely completely on support.

Mental preparation & rest 

• Childbirth course (with your partner): Whether it is hypnobirthing, yoga or a hospital course – knowledge gives peace of mind.
  
  
• Visualization & Breathing: Practice short moments daily where you focus on your breath and visualize a calm, powerful birth.
  
  
• Mindfulness or meditation: There are helpful apps and podcasts specifically for pregnant women. They can help you cope with stress and anxiety.
  
  
• Writing a birth plan: Think about your wishes regarding childbirth and discuss them with your midwife. Think of it as a guideline, not a script. Ideally, you'll always want to have a birth plan at hand. You can do this, for example, with our digital pregnancy planner.
  

Smart preparations for later 

• Pack your hospital bag (in style): Think comfortable clothes, snacks, your favorite lip balm, and a relaxing playlist. Packing your e-reader is also quite handy. Want a ready-made list? You can find it in our planner .
  
  
• Meal prepping = self-care: Freeze nutritious meals. Think soup, curry, pasta, or oatmeal bars for the postpartum period. Looking for more than 40 recipes? We have a handy tool for that too! Check out our meal planner here.
  
  
• Arrange maternity care: Check that everything has been completed in terms of registration and paperwork.
  
  
• Final nursery check: Make it practical and cozy, without overexerting yourself. The basics are enough.
  

Months 7 and 8 are intense and beautiful at the same time. You're growing towards meeting your baby, literally and figuratively. Give yourself rest, support, and space. You don't have to do everything alone. You're preparing for the most special moment of your life—and you can do that with pride, gentleness, and confidence.

Want to know more about the third trimester? Then read "The Third Trimester – Getting Ready for the Big Meet-Up".

The final steps are in sight. You're almost ready to meet your little one! Enjoy those last magical (though grueling) moments. Lots of love, My Sanctum.