It may be hard to believe, but your third trimester of pregnancy is just around the corner! You've probably heard your midwife, doctor, and others talking about Braxton Hicks by now too. And during week 24, you may feel contractions in your uterus and begin to wonder... labor or Braxton Hicks? There's a good chance you're experiencing the Braxton Hicks contractions. They are usually nothing to worry about and most commonly occur in the third trimester to help your uterine muscles prepare for childbirth.

Here is a list of pregnancy symptoms commonly experienced during week 24.

Swelling, or edema, in your ankles and/or feet: some swelling is normal and expected during pregnancy, especially if you are on your feet all day, but it’s best to keep an eye on any sudden changes. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are experiencing swelling, as this could be a warning sign of a dangerous complication called preeclampsia. 

Stretch marks and/or unwanted hair growth: as your baby continues to grow and your body grows to accommodate, your skin may experience stretching, leaving marks and causing discomfort. You may also notice hair growing in places it didn’t grow previously, or growing more aggressively than it did before. You can utilize lotions and creams to soothe irritated skin; but stretch marks are largely genetic and not something you should feel guilty for not “preventing”.  Unwanted hair growth can be shaved or plucked. Waxing may not be advisable during pregnancy and should be explored as an option with caution. 

Thicker hair & stronger nails: this side effect of changing hormones and prenatal vitamins can be most welcome! Enjoy!

Braxton Hicks: also referred to as “practice contractions” Braxton Hicks are your body’s way of preparing for giving birth. They are generally painless, or uncomfortable at most– like subtle period cramps. If you are experiencing severe pain, or the cramping does not stop– seek medical attention.

Bleeding and/or swollen gums: increased blood volume can make ruptures in sensitive places like the nasal membranes and gum line more likely. Dental health is critical during pregnancy, so you should continue to brush and floss– but take care to do so gently!

Interrupted sleep: between getting up to use the bathroom, leg cramps, shortness of breath, and even heartburn– you may be struggling to get a decent amount of sleep during the night. 

Backaches and/or leg cramps: increased blood volume and stress from increasing weight can put pressure on your muscles, causing cramps. Dehydration or low calcium may also be to blame, so check your prenatal vitamin to be sure you are getting enough!

Crazy dreams: vivid dreams can be some of the more interesting pregnancy symptoms. While the cause is unknown it may have something to do with hormones, or the fact that nausea or frequent urination means you are not sleeping as deeply and can remember your dreams more easily. 

I see it, I like it, I want it, I got it... When it comes down to the absolute basics, the nursery list of must-haves is relatively short. You need a place for your baby to sleep and a place where you can store things. There are many ways to create a great nursery, even if you don't have extra space or cash to work with.

For your baby's place to sleep, cribs are standard; but you can choose anything, like a portable mini-crib or a hand-carved, custom-made piece. Beyond cribs, your options include cradles, bassinets, baby hammocks, co-sleepers, and the family bed. Keep your lifestyle, budget, and design preferences in mind as you research the various, numerous choices out there.

Your baby is going to have a lot of stuff, and you'll need somewhere to put it all. Closet shelving, dressers, baskets, and stackable bins are all great options for creating an organized, functional area. Try to group things in a way that makes them readily and easily accessible. For example, store the diapers, wipes, creams, and a few onesies within an arm’s reach of your baby's changing table.

You'll also want to find a good space for your baby's towels, blankets, burp cloths, bibs... and something as simple as a shelf in your linen closet will work as well as a special basket, bin, or piece of furniture will.

Is your space or budget more on the limited side of life? There is no need to spend money on, or create additional space for, a nursery set of multiple, matching pieces. Any standard dresser (the shorter, wider ones) can double as a changing table if you add a changing pad to the top. In fact, here is the truth: you will use a countertop, couch, bed, or blanket spread out on the floor as a changing area at some point, because they all get the job done. And you don't need a swanky glider and ottoman. Any chair can be sat in to snuggle with your baby. Park your rump on the couch or find an old recliner and re-cover its fabric. You can even use a bouncy exercise ball, which some babies find soothing.