Late Pregnancy Essentials: My Third Trimester Favorites + Postpartum Tips
MY PAJAMAS (XXL) | BABY PAJAMAS
Third Trimester
WHAT GOT ME THROUGH
It’s hard to believe my third-trimester days are numbered. I’m in that strange in-between phase where it feels like baby could arrive any day now… but also maybe not for a few more weeks. Who really knows.
I had such a feel-good second trimester that the third slowly but surely crept up on me. I’ve definitely felt myself slowing down a bit… chasing after a toddler probably has something to do with that, but all in all I’m incredibly grateful for a pretty uneventful third trimester. At this stage my focus has really just been on staying positive, staying active, and staying comfortable… whatever that looked like on a given day.
So in today’s post, I’m sharing some favorites that you’ve likely seen me talk about before, but they deserve a little extra love because they’ve truly been the heroes that helped get me through the final stretch.
Before we jump in, I’ve previously shared my first trimester, second trimester, and winter pregnancy skincare favorites. You can also find more posts on nursing bras, traveling while pregnant, and traveling with a baby or toddler under the Motherhood tab of the blog. (Next up: travel tips with two… stay tuned!)
As we get ready to welcome baby girl, here are a few things that helped make the third trimester a little more comfortable.
OUTFIT DETAILS (NON-MATERNITY)
I’ve trusted Ritual vitamins through many different phases of life. I’ve been taking them since 2018. The prenatal has treated me well throughout this pregnancy. I actually enjoy the subtle lemon taste and typically take all of my vitamins at night. Magnesium has also been a must for me. I love this triple-form version, which has helped combat restless legs and overall just helps my body feel a lot more relaxed.
I’ve shared these before, but these pregnancy-safe pore pads have completely transformed my skin during pregnancy. I definitely prefer the stronger version when I’m not pregnant, but these have been doing a great job holding me over until I can switch back. This complexion stick has also been a staple for me, with lightweight, buildable coverage that makes me feel put together without needing a full face of makeup. Most days I’m far too lazy for a full routine, so this is the perfect low-effort solution.
Hydration (both internally and externally) is key during pregnancy, especially in the winter when everything feels extra dry. Baby seems to take all the good stuff! I used this belly oil during my first pregnancy strictly on my belly and hips, and quickly repurchased it this time around. For everywhere else, I love this Bio-Oil lotion. It has a watery texture that makes it really easy to apply quickly, and it absorbs fast, a favorite whether I’m pregnant or not.
I resisted the massive pregnancy pillow this time around and opted for this smaller clamshell-style pillow instead, paired with a regular pillow between my legs to keep my hips aligned. That setup has worked great for me. One unexpected MVP purchase, though? This adjustable rolling stool. I use it all over the house when I’m unboxing packages, organizing, or folding laundry because bending over becomes increasingly impossible when you’ve got no bend left in you. I’m sure I’ll continue using it postpartum, but it has been incredibly helpful these last few months.
Now onto wearable comforts…
If there’s one thing you purchase during pregnancy, for the love of goodness, please make it undergarments that actually fit your current body. You deserve it. These panties have been absolute MVPs. They stretch up to 400%, and I’m fairly certain mine are currently operating at 399%. They’re the only ones that don’t give me a wedgie and remain comfortable all day. I wear the plus size and use code CARALYN15.
Wire-free bras are also non-negotiable in this phase. Everything needs to move, stretch, and adapt with you. I love this one for everyday wear and this one for sleeping, both are lightweight, breathable, and comfortable.
Clothing-wise, I’ve mostly stuck to basics this pregnancy. These soft ribbed tees have been on repeat (I love the longer length), along with these leggings in both the skinny and flare styles for a little variety. My preferred outfit most days? Pajamas and robes. I’ve been stocking up on both. These pajamas are a great find and very size-inclusive, and I also love this robe, which is nearly identical to a much more expensive one I purchased previously.
A Few Maternity Photo Tips
Before we jump into some postpartum advice from this community, I wanted to quickly touch on maternity photos because I recently shared some from this pregnancy and always get a lot of questions about them.
First, don’t feel like you have to limit yourself to traditional maternity clothing. Throughout this pregnancy, I’ve shared a lot of bump-friendly outfits that weren’t actually maternity pieces at all, stretchy dresses, ribbed sets, oversized knits, and other pieces that naturally adapt to a growing belly. Sometimes those end up feeling the most like you.
A few other things that have worked well for me:
Don’t overthink the timing.
Most photographers recommend somewhere around 28–34 weeks, but honestly, it depends on how you’re carrying and how you’re feeling. Pick a time when you still feel comfortable moving around.
Keep the outfits simple.
Snug/bodycon dresses photograph beautifully, but the key is choosing something you feel good in. A neutral color palette tends to photograph really nicely.
Include your family if you’d like.
Some of my favorite photos are the ones with BK and Conrad that we did at home. They capture this moment in our lives in a way that feels really special.
I’ll likely share a more detailed blog post with additional tips and outfit ideas in the future, but hopefully this helps if you’re starting to plan your own session. Leave any questions below!
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Postpartum Tips from the CMK Community:
As I get closer to the finish line, I’ve also been thinking a lot about the postpartum phase. While this isn’t my first rodeo, every pregnancy and recovery is different, and I know many of you have walked this road recently too.
So I put up a question box on Instagram asking for your best postpartum advice, and as always this community delivered. Some of these are things I remember from my first postpartum experience, and others were great reminders or ideas I hadn’t thought about yet. If you’re also approaching postpartum (or supporting someone who is), here are some of the most helpful tips that came through:
Prep easy meals ahead of time.
Anything you can throw in the freezer now will feel like a gift to your future self.
Find something small that’s just for you.
Whether it’s a favorite snack, cozy robe, good coffee, or a comfort show, having something simple to enjoy during long newborn days can go a long way.
Be proactive about postpartum mental health.
Talk to your doctor ahead of time about postpartum depression and anxiety symptoms, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or medication if you need it.
Have resources ready before baby arrives.
Whether that’s a therapist, lactation consultant, pelvic floor PT, or support line like 1-800-TLC-MAMA, having those contacts saved ahead of time can make things easier if you need support quickly.
If you have older kids, protect their routine.
Several moms shared that having one partner focus on maintaining the first child’s normal routine helped ease the transition for everyone.
Limit visitors unless they truly bring you peace.
The early days are tender, it’s okay to prioritize rest and recovery.
Lower expectations.
Your only real job is to recover and care for your baby.
Multiple water bottles around the house.
Hydration is key for recovery and breastfeeding, and having water within arm’s reach helps.
A rolling cart or bedside station.
Stock it with snacks, burp cloths, lip balm, chargers, and nursing supplies so everything you need is nearby.
Don’t skip stool softeners.
This one came through loud and clear.
Accept help when it’s offered.
Meals, laundry, errands, or someone holding the baby so you can shower.
Consider extra support if it’s feasible for your family.
A night nurse, postpartum doula, or extra childcare help can make a big difference for some families.
Get outside when you can.
Fresh air and a short walk can do wonders for your mood.
Remember: your baby has no expectations.
They just need to be fed, changed, and loved.
Thank you to everyone who shared advice, this community is such a wealth of knowledge. I’ll report back after baby girl arrives with what actually helped the most during postpartum this time around.
DRESS (XL) | EARRINGS | BANGLE BRACELETS
Thanks for reading!
Thanks so much for reading and following along during this pregnancy. I’ve really appreciated all of the encouragement, advice, and messages from this community throughout the past several months.
If there’s anything else you’d like to see as we head into postpartum, whether that’s recovery essentials, newborn must-haves, or navigating life with two little ones, feel free to let me know in the comments.
And of course, stay tuned… baby girl could make her appearance any day now.