The Emotional Journey of the Last Trimester: Nesting, Guilt, and Preparing for Your Baby’s Arrival

The last trimester of pregnancy is a powerful phase—a mix of emotions that are often hard to describe. For many moms, it’s a unique blend of excitement, anxiety, happiness, and deep concern. This is when you’re almost ready to pop, and you start nesting—preparing the nursery, organizing baby clothes, and creating a space for your baby to come home to. It’s an instinctual part of pregnancy, and it’s especially meaningful when it’s your first baby, though it can be just as intense for those expecting their second or third.

If you’ve found yourself suddenly obsessed with cleaning every corner of your house or folding tiny clothes over and over, you’re not alone. This nesting instinct is natural, and it's your body’s way of preparing you mentally and emotionally for what’s coming next: your baby.

But this time isn’t just about cleaning and organizing. It’s also filled with deep, powerful emotions that go beyond excitement.

The Emotions of the Last Trimester—Especially for First-Time Moms

Happiness, Worry, and Uncertainty
Many first-time moms feel a surge of happiness during this time. You’re so close to meeting the tiny human you’ve carried for months—it's incredible! But right along with that happiness comes a lot of uncertainty. You may wonder if you’re really ready for this. You might ask yourself whether you’ll be a good mother or worry about giving your baby the best life possible. These thoughts are entirely normal, and it’s okay to feel a mix of emotions all at once.

The Desire to Provide the Best
The idea of being responsible for another human being brings a lot of pressure. You want the best for your baby, and as the due date draws closer, you might start worrying about what kind of future you’ll be able to provide. A study by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) found that many moms experience increased levels of stress and anxiety in their third trimester, mainly because of concerns about labor, delivery, and parenting (source: ACOG). These feelings are incredibly common, and it’s essential to acknowledge them without judgment.

Nesting and Deep Emotional Reflection
The nesting phase isn’t just about physical preparations; it’s also about emotional nesting. This is a time when moms often find themselves reflecting deeply on their childhoods, their values, and their hopes for their children. You start to think about all the things you want to pass on, as well as things you want to do differently. This emotional work can feel heavy, but it’s also part of the beautiful journey of motherhood.

The Emotions of the Last Trimester—For Moms Expecting Their Second or Third Child

For moms having their second or third baby, the last trimester can bring entirely new emotions. You’re already familiar with pregnancy and childbirth, but now you’re not just preparing to welcome a new baby—you’re also preparing your existing children for this life-changing event.

The Guilt of Leaving Your Firstborn
One of the most challenging parts of expecting your second or third child is the thought of leaving your firstborn behind while you’re in the hospital. You know the new baby will need you, but you’re also deeply connected to your firstborn and want to protect them from feeling left out or confused. A lot of moms experience intense guilt around this—feeling torn between their children.

A survey conducted by Motherly found that 70% of second-time moms worried about how their firstborn would handle the arrival of a new sibling (source: Motherly). Many moms shared that they spent the last few weeks of their pregnancy trying to soak up as much time as possible with their older children, knowing that things would soon change forever.

One mother shared her story of having her second baby:

“I remember the night before my induction, I sat on my firstborn’s bed for hours, just watching them sleep. I felt so guilty about leaving for the hospital, even though I knew it was for such a wonderful reason. I didn’t want my child to feel left out, and I was worried about balancing my time and attention between two kids. It was a mix of excitement for the new baby and sadness for how things were about to change for my firstborn.”

The Complexity of the Last Few Weeks: Real Emotions from Real Moms

During the last few weeks of pregnancy, many mothers experience both highs and lows. From joy and anticipation to fear and guilt, the emotional rollercoaster can be exhausting but is also a part of becoming a parent. Here are some real experiences shared by moms:

1. Amy, Mom of Two:

   “During my second pregnancy, I was excited, but I felt incredibly guilty leaving my firstborn while I was in the hospital. It was even harder because I knew how much our lives were about to change, and I wanted to make sure my firstborn never felt any less loved.”

2. Emily, First-Time Mom:

   “I remember spending so much time folding and refolding baby clothes in my last trimester. I felt so much joy, but also fear—I was scared I wouldn’t be good enough or that I wouldn’t know how to care for this tiny person. But when my baby was finally born, all those fears didn’t seem to matter as much anymore.”

3. Sarah, Expecting Third:

   “Being in my last trimester with my third baby, I felt completely overwhelmed. How could I divide my attention three ways? How could I make sure no one felt left out? It’s exhausting and beautiful at the same time, and I think that’s the essence of motherhood—constant, powerful emotions that push us beyond what we thought we could do.”

Balancing Emotions in the Last Trimester

The third trimester is undeniably emotional, but there are a few things that can help you navigate it:

1. Talk About Your Feelings
   Sharing your thoughts with your partner, a friend, or even an online community can make a big difference. Knowing you’re not alone can help ease the burden of those intense emotions.

2. Prepare Siblings
   If this isn’t your first baby, try preparing your older children for the new sibling by involving them in small tasks, like packing the hospital bag or choosing an outfit for the baby. This helps them feel included and less likely to feel left out.

3. Nesting as a Way to Feel in Control
   Nesting is not just practical—it’s also therapeutic. By preparing the baby’s room or organizing clothes, you’re giving yourself a sense of control over a situation that can often feel unpredictable.

We Want to Hear Your Story

The last trimester is unique for every mom. Whether you’re feeling the joy of anticipating your first child, the worries of providing the best life for your baby, or the guilt of leaving your firstborn to welcome a new sibling, know that all these emotions are valid.

What was your experience in the last few weeks of pregnancy? Did you feel like you were on an emotional rollercoaster, too? We’d love for you to share your story in the comments below. Let’s connect, share, and support each other through the ups and downs of this journey.

The third trimester is full of complex emotions—excitement, worry, guilt, and joy. But it’s also a time of growth and connection, both with your new baby and with your existing children. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, know that you are not alone. Every mom goes through this, and we are all in it together. Share your thoughts below, and let’s create a space where we lift each other up.