Third Trimester FAQ: What’s Normal, What’s Not, and How to Prepare
Release Date: 08/20/2025
Third Trimester FAQ: What’s Normal, What’s Not, and How to Prepare
Mommy Labor Nurse
This week on The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast, we’re diving into a Q&A episode all about the third trimester! These questions came straight from you on Instagram, and I’m so excited to dig into them with more detail than I can fit in a story slide. The third trimester can be a wild ride – full of physical changes, emotional shifts, and so many “is this normal?” moments. Whether you're prepping for labor, feeling the nesting urge kick in, or just dealing with discomforts, this episode is here to support you through it all 💪 We’re covering: What to expect as labor approaches ...
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Second Trimester Deep Dive: What to Expect and How to Get Ready
Mommy Labor Nurse
This week on The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast, we’re doing another Ask Me Anything – and this time it’s all about the second trimester! These episodes are always a hit (and one of my faves to record!) because I get to answer your real questions from Instagram stories – with way more detail than I can fit into a slide. Inside this episode, we’re covering: What’s up with peeing when you sneeze (and what to do about it) Kick counting basics – when to start and how it works Glucose tolerance testing tips and what to expect What to know about placenta previa Do you really need...
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First Trimester Survival Guide: Top Questions Answered by a Labor Nurse
Mommy Labor Nurse
This week on The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast, we’re talking all things first trimester! It’s one of our signature Ask Me Anything episodes – and yes, I love doing these for you guys! Every question in this episode was submitted by my IG fam (hey Insta besties 👋) – and I picked the ones that needed a deeper dive than stories allow. So if you’re navigating those early weeks and wondering, “Is this normal??” – you’re in the right place. Inside the episode, we’re chatting about: How to handle nausea without losing your mind Fatigue hacks that actually help What’s up...
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Natural Induction Methods: What the Evidence Really Says (with Dr. Dekker)
Mommy Labor Nurse
This week on The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast, we’re welcoming a very special guest – the amazing Dr. Rebecca Dekker from Evidence Based Birth®! Rebecca is a PhD nurse, researcher, educator, and fierce advocate for evidence-based maternity care. She’s also the author of Babies Are Not Pizzas and host of the Evidence Based Birth® podcast, which has over 4.5 million downloads 👏 In this episode, we’re digging into the topic of natural labor induction – what works, what doesn’t, and how to tell the difference. Inside the episode: Evidence behind common natural induction techniques ...
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8 Totally Weird Things That Might Happen Right Before Labor Starts
Mommy Labor Nurse
This week on The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast, we’re chatting about labor signs – but not the obvious ones like contractions or water breaking. We’re talking about the weird, lesser-known signs that your body might be getting ready for labor 👀 Because if you’ve ever found yourself googling, “Is ___ a sign of labor?”...you’re so not alone. In this episode, I’m sharing: The most common (but surprising!) symptoms I see before labor begins Why it’s totally normal to feel hyper-aware of every body change in the final weeks What to actually pay attention to as you approach...
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Labor Pain Relief Options (Besides the Epidural!) You Should Know About
Mommy Labor Nurse
IV Narcotics, Nitrous Oxide, and More One of the most common questions I get during hospital shifts? “What other pain meds can I get if I don’t want (or can’t have) an epidural?” While epidurals are the go-to for many, they’re definitely not the only option! In this episode of The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast, I’m diving into: IV narcotics: what they are, how they work, and what to expect Nitrous oxide (aka laughing gas!): how it’s used for labor pain relief Pros and cons of each option Plus a few non-medical pain relief ideas to consider too! Whether you're planning for...
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10 Weird-but-Normal Newborn Habits That Totally Freak Parents Out
Mommy Labor Nurse
This week on The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast, I’m joined by my friend and fellow podcaster Dr. Mona Amin to chat about those quirky, confusing, and totally normal things newborns do in the early days. Dr. Mona is a board-certified pediatrician and parenting expert who’s all about helping new parents feel calm, confident, and informed. Inside this episode, we’re unpacking: Why your baby’s hiccups are nothing to worry about What’s going on with day/night confusion How much (or little!) your baby really needs to eat in those early days And 7 more newborn behaviors that might...
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Kick Counting 101: The Simple Habit That Could Save Your Baby’s Life
Mommy Labor Nurse
Welcome back to The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast! Today we’re talking about one of the most powerful tools you can use to monitor your baby’s well-being in the third trimester: kick counting. I’m joined by Kimberly Isburg from Count the Kicks, an incredible organization that’s helping parents all over the country improve birth outcomes and reduce stillbirth through awareness and education. Kimberly is a mama of two and a passionate advocate for maternal health – and I’m so excited for you to hear her wisdom and warmth. Inside the episode, we’re covering: Why tracking baby’s...
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Curious About Epidurals? Here’s Exactly What to Expect Before You Say Yes
Mommy Labor Nurse
When it comes to birth, epidurals are a big part of the conversation – whether you’re planning on getting one or just want to be informed. Most people know that an epidural can take away labor pain…but beyond that? There’s still a lot of mystery around how it all actually works! In this episode of The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast, I’m diving into: How an epidural is placed (step-by-step!) Whether it hurts to get one What the needle looks like (spoiler: not as scary as you think) Common epidural side effects And yes – we’re talking about walking epidurals, too! These are...
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Hospital Bag Must-Haves + What to Eat (and Avoid!) During Labor
Mommy Labor Nurse
This week on The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast, we’re talking all about what to pack (and not pack!) in your hospital bag for birth – plus we’re covering snacks and eating during labor too 🍿 Let me tell you, for my first birth? Total slacker. I didn’t get serious about packing my bag until wayyy late in the game – and it could’ve backfired big time. For baby #2? Totally prepared! In this episode, I’m breaking it all down: What to pack in four separate bags: labor, recovery, partner, and baby What to leave at home (because clutter = chaos) My go-to list of snacks for labor...
info_outlineThis week on The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast, we’re diving into a Q&A episode all about the third trimester! These questions came straight from you on Instagram, and I’m so excited to dig into them with more detail than I can fit in a story slide.
The third trimester can be a wild ride – full of physical changes, emotional shifts, and so many “is this normal?” moments. Whether you're prepping for labor, feeling the nesting urge kick in, or just dealing with discomforts, this episode is here to support you through it all 💪
We’re covering:
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What to expect as labor approaches
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Tips for easing common third-tri symptoms
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How to prep your body and mind for delivery
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Final to-dos before baby arrives
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And lots more real talk + reassurance
Whether this is your first rodeo or your fourth, there’s something here for every mama navigating those final weeks.
🎁 FREE 3rd Trimester Prep Pack
This checklist was made by a labor nurse (hi, it’s me!) to help you feel calm, confident, and ready as birth day gets closer.
📥 Download the 3rd Trimester Prep Pack
🎓 Want to Feel Totally Ready for Birth?
Our MLN Birth Classes break it all down – from contractions to pushing to postpartum – in a way that’s clear, supportive, and confidence-building.
💻 Explore the MLN All-Access Birth Classes
📲 Join the MLN Instagram Fam
Follow @mommy.labornurse for daily pregnancy tips, birth prep guidance, and real support from a labor nurse who’s been there 💛