Your emotions

The third trimester can be stressful. You may have fears about giving birth or becoming a parent. And there's lots to do to get ready for your baby. To ease stress, try to find some time to relax. Ideas that may help include:

• Note your thoughts in a journal.
• Play music you enjoy and talk soothingly to your unborn baby.
• Take pregnancy photos to show your child later in life.

You also can ease stress and gain a sense of control by making some key choices, such as:

• Will you take your baby to a pediatrician or a family doctor for healthcare checkups?
• Will you breastfeed or use baby formula?
• If your baby is born male, will you get your baby circumcised? That's a procedure to remove the skin that covers the tip of the penis, also called the foreskin.

Fears about childbirth may become more frequent during the third trimester of pregnancy. How much will it hurt? How long will it last? How will I cope? If you haven't done so already, think about taking childbirth classes. You learn what to expect in these classes. You also meet others who share your excitement and concerns. Talk with others who've had positive birth experiences. And ask your healthcare professional about the choices for pain relief during labor and delivery.

The reality of parenthood may start to sink in as well. You might feel anxious, especially if this is your first baby.

Talk with your healthcare professional if you have lots of anxiety or if you have more anxious feelings than upbeat ones. Your healthcare professional may suggest talk therapy or medicine to help you manage your anxiety.