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You made it through the first trimester’s infamous morning sickness. Maybe you even had a relatively smooth second trimester and were starting to feel like yourself again. And then — bam — your third trimester hits, and with it, a wave of nausea you thought was long gone.
It’s not your imagination. Many pregnant people experience nausea in the third trimester, sometimes even vomiting or a sudden onset of symptoms that feels eerily similar to early pregnancy [*]. The problem? No one talks about it nearly as much.
Whether you’re feeling queasy, dry heaving, or even throwing up late in pregnancy, this guide breaks down why it’s happening, what to expect, and how you can feel better — backed by science and spoken with empathy.
Yes, and it surprises a lot of people. First-trimester nausea is typically driven by a surge in hormones like human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estrogen, peaking around 9 to 10 weeks of pregnancy. By the second trimester, hormone levels usually stabilize, and nausea fades [*].
But by the third trimester — especially after week 28 — you may notice a new or returning wave of queasiness. In some cases, this may be mild and occasional. For others, it’s persistent and even includes vomiting.
Anecdotal evidence (like Reddit posts and parenting forums) shows that many pregnant people experience this, but don’t realize it’s common. Scientifically, it makes sense: your body is changing rapidly in preparation for labor, and the physiological shifts can absolutely affect your digestion, hormones, and sense of well-being [*].
While it’s not as universally expected as first-trimester morning sickness, throwing up in the third trimester can be a normal — though uncomfortable — part of late pregnancy [*].
That said, there’s a big difference between occasional nausea and persistent vomiting. The latter could indicate underlying complications, like hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) that never fully resolved, preeclampsia, or gastrointestinal issues unrelated to pregnancy [*].
In most cases, occasional vomiting is caused by manageable issues like reflux, slowed digestion, or uterine pressure. But if it’s severe or happens alongside other concerning symptoms, it’s essential to check in with your healthcare provider [*].
Let’s take a deeper look at the root causes of third-trimester nausea. These explanations are grounded in anatomy, physiology, and endocrinology — because understanding your body helps you cope.
Even though hormone levels typically stabilize mid-pregnancy, a new wave of changes occurs as your body prepares for birth. Levels of estrogen and progesterone can shift again in the third trimester [*].
Estrogen is known to increase gastric motility and sensitivity, while progesterone tends to relax smooth muscle — including the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the valve that keeps stomach acid where it belongs. When this muscle relaxes, acid reflux becomes more likely, which can trigger nausea, heartburn, and vomiting [*].
Additionally, hormones that stimulate labor, like oxytocin and prostaglandins, may cause gastrointestinal upset as the body starts prepping for delivery [*].
Your uterus is now the size of a watermelon and is taking up precious real estate in your abdominal cavity. That means it's pressing on [*]:
When the stomach is compressed, it doesn’t take much food to feel overly full. Even small meals may trigger gastric discomfort or reflux, especially when lying down. In some cases, pressure can even cause regurgitation of food or bile [*].
Progesterone slows down GI motility throughout pregnancy to help maximize nutrient absorption. But in the third trimester, this slowdown — combined with physical pressure — can result in [*]:
This is why meals that are too rich, greasy, or large can sit in your stomach like a rock. Add to that reduced physical activity late in pregnancy, and your digestion may feel sluggish at best, and completely off at worst.
GERD affects up to 80% of pregnant people during the third trimester [*]. With the stomach squished and the LES relaxed, acid travels more easily into the esophagus [*].
Common symptoms include [*]:
GERD is not only uncomfortable — it can be a major contributor to third-trimester nausea and disrupted sleep.
Pregnancy fatigue in the third trimester is real. Add a decreased appetite, frequent urination, and less fluid intake due to nausea, and you’ve got a perfect storm for dehydration [*].
Even mild dehydration can worsen nausea by affecting electrolyte balance and lowering blood pressure. If you’re tired, dizzy, or lightheaded, this can make your nausea even more intense [*].
Although rare, nausea and vomiting in the third trimester can be red flags for serious conditions like preeclampsia (affecting 5–8% of pregnancies) or HELLP syndrome, a severe liver-related complication [*][*].
These require immediate medical attention.
Watch for these warning signs [*]:
In some cases, yes — nausea in the third trimester can be your body’s way of preparing for labor [*].
As your due date nears, your body increases production of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that soften the cervix and stimulate uterine contractions [*]. These same compounds can affect the digestive system, leading to [*]:
Some birthing people report nausea or vomiting just before active labor begins. So, while it’s not a universal labor sign, it can be part of the picture — especially when combined with other pre-labor symptoms like [*]:
Nausea doesn’t usually happen in isolation. Here are a few related symptoms you might also experience:
These are major culprits in late-pregnancy nausea. As the uterus pushes the stomach upwards, acid moves more easily into the esophagus [*].
To reduce heartburn and acid reflux, eat smaller meals, avoid acidic/spicy foods, and sleep with your upper body elevated.
Slower transit time means stool takes longer to move, resulting in constipation, which can cause bloating and feelings of nausea [*].
To reduce constipation and bloating, increase your fiber intake (fruits, veggies, whole grains), hydrate, and stay gently active.
Nausea often suppresses appetite, but so can hormones and the physical limitations of your stomach. Even favorite foods might suddenly be unappealing [*].
Surprisingly, food aversions can return late in pregnancy. This may be due to hormone fluctuations or an over-sensitive gag reflex [*].
Your emotional state can impact your gut. With the uncertainty of labor looming and possible fears about parenting, it’s no wonder some of that anxiety ends up in your stomach [*].
Thankfully, you’re not powerless. Here are some remedies — many safe, simple, and backed by science — that can bring you relief.
Instead of three big meals, try 5–6 smaller ones spaced throughout the day. Keeping a little food in your stomach can actually prevent nausea by stabilizing blood sugar and reducing stomach acid buildup [*].
Common triggers include [*]:
Try journaling what you eat and how you feel afterward to identify your personal culprits.
Research supports the use of ginger for pregnancy-related nausea. It can be taken as:
Peppermint is also soothing. Try sipping peppermint tea, using peppermint essential oil, or sucking on peppermint candies [*].
Drink throughout the day — sip, don’t gulp. Water, electrolyte drinks (like coconut water), and clear broths are all great options. If drinking plain water makes you gag, try adding lemon or cucumber [*].
Sea-Bands or other acupressure wristbands stimulate the P6 (Neiguan) pressure point, which may help reduce nausea [*]. These bands are drug-free and worth trying, especially for motion sickness-type symptoms.
Fatigue worsens nausea. Nap when you can, and sleep propped up if nighttime reflux is an issue.
Most third-trimester nausea is harmless, but call your healthcare provider if you experience [*]:
Your provider may prescribe anti-nausea medications like ondansetron (Zofran) or doxylamine/pyridoxine (Diclegis) if symptoms are severe.
Third-trimester nausea isn’t fun, but it’s often a normal part of your body’s final pregnancy adjustments. From hormonal changes to physical pressure and digestive slowdown, there are a number of reasons your stomach may be turning now.
Luckily, many simple remedies can bring relief. And when in doubt, your provider is there to help — so don’t hesitate to reach out.
You’re almost there. Breathe deep, take it one small meal at a time, and remember: this is temporary. You’ve got this.
If you’re in the thick of the third trimester and feeling sick all over again, the last thing you want is another to-do. But before you cross off the day and settle in with your saltines, here’s a low-effort, high-impact thing to consider: cord blood banking.
We know — one more thing, right? But this one’s actually pretty simple. When your baby is born, there’s a very short window to collect the leftover blood in the umbilical cord. That blood is packed with valuable stem cells that can help treat more than 80 serious conditions.
And no, it doesn’t hurt. You don’t have to do anything during labor except hand the nurse a collection kit. That’s it. No stress and no extra nausea (thank goodness).
You've got enough going on — this is one thing we make easy. Want to learn more? Request a Free Information Kit now — it only takes a few minutes to get started.
DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION ON THIS WEBSITE IS NOT INTENDED TO BE USED AS MEDICAL ADVICE.The materials and information contained on the MiracleCord website is provided for educational and informational purposes only, and is not intended to, and does not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis, and should not be used as such. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. If you are seeking personal medical advice, you should consult with a licensed physician. Always consult with a qualified health care provider regarding a medical condition.
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