If you’ve been wondering what the hardest week of pregnancy is, you’re definitely not alone.
As a maternity photographer and a mom of two myself, I’ve had this conversation with so many expecting mothers. Sometimes it happens during a maternity session while adjusting a dress or helping a mama pose comfortably. Other times, it comes up in quiet conversations about swollen feet, sleepless nights, and the emotional rollercoaster that pregnancy can bring.
The truth is, pregnancy is beautiful. But it can also feel exhausting, emotional, uncomfortable, and overwhelming all at the same time.
And honestly? More moms need to hear that it’s okay to admit that.
Why Pregnancy Can Feel So Different Week to Week
One of the hardest parts about pregnancy is how quickly everything changes.
One week you may feel energized and excited. The next week, you’re wondering how you’re supposed to survive another sleepless night while carrying around what feels like a bowling ball attached to your pelvis.
Every pregnancy is different, and every mom experiences symptoms differently too. Hormones shift constantly throughout pregnancy, affecting your energy levels, emotions, appetite, sleep, and even your confidence.
As both a photographer and a mom, I’ve seen firsthand how unpredictable pregnancy can feel. Some moms tell me the first trimester was the worst week of pregnancy because of nausea and exhaustion. Others say the final month felt the hardest because they were physically uncomfortable and emotionally drained.
There really is no universal answer.
What Is Often Considered the Hardest Week of Pregnancy?
Many moms describe the late third trimester as the hardest week of pregnancy, especially somewhere between 32 and 36 weeks.
By this point, your body is carrying extra weight, sleep becomes difficult, and simple tasks suddenly feel exhausting. You may feel physically done with pregnancy while also feeling anxious about labor beginning soon.
That said, difficult weeks can happen throughout pregnancy.
For some moms, the hardest weeks happen during the first trimester when nausea, food aversions, headaches, and fatigue peak. Others struggle most during the final weeks before labor because of discomfort, swelling, and emotional anticipation.
Pregnancy challenges look different for everyone, which is why comparing experiences rarely helps.
The Emotional Side of the Hardest Week of Pregnancy
Something I don’t think we talk about enough is the emotional exhaustion that can come during pregnancy.
You may feel excited and terrified at the same time.
One minute you’re folding tiny baby clothes and dreaming about meeting your little one. The next, you’re lying awake at night worrying about labor, postpartum recovery, finances, or whether you’re truly ready for motherhood.
As moms, we often carry so much mentally before the baby even arrives.
During my own pregnancies, I remember feeling overwhelmed by all the invisible responsibilities. Preparing for a baby while still managing everyday life can feel incredibly heavy emotionally.
And when sleep deprivation gets added into the mix, emotions tend to hit even harder.
The Physical Symptoms Moms Commonly Experience
The physical symptoms during the hardest week of pregnancy can feel relentless sometimes.
Common struggles many moms experience include:
- Pelvic pressure
- Back pain
- Swelling in the hands and feet
- Extreme fatigue
- Braxton Hicks contractions
- Trouble sleeping
- Shortness of breath
- Hip pain
- Frequent bathroom trips
- Restless legs
I remember reaching that stage where rolling over in bed felt like a full workout. Even getting comfortable on the couch became difficult.
And if you already have children at home? Rest becomes even harder to come by.
My Experience With the Hardest Week of Pregnancy as a Mom of Two
When I was pregnant with my second baby, pregnancy felt completely different than it did the first time.
With my first, I had more opportunities to rest and slow down. With my second, I was chasing a toddler while trying to run a photography business, answer emails, edit sessions, and keep up with daily life.
There were days I photographed beautiful growing families while secretly feeling completely exhausted myself.
I remember one particular week during my third trimester when everything suddenly felt heavy emotionally and physically. My back hurt constantly. I couldn’t sleep comfortably. I felt behind on everything. And emotionally, I was carrying so many worries about balancing two children.
That season changed the way I photograph expecting mothers.
Now, when moms walk into my studio apologizing for being tired or emotional, I understand it differently. I know what it feels like to carry so much mentally and physically at the same time.
Pregnancy doesn’t need to look perfect to be meaningful.
What I Wish Someone Had Told Me
Looking back, there are a few things I really wish someone had reminded me during the hardest week of pregnancy.
It’s okay to slow down.
Rest is productive too.
You do not have to prove how strong you are by doing everything alone.
And maybe most importantly?
You do not have to enjoy every single moment of pregnancy to deeply love your baby and motherhood.
Both things can exist together.
How to Cope During the Hardest Week of Pregnancy
If you’re currently in a difficult season of pregnancy, I want you to know you’re not alone.
Sometimes small changes and support systems can make a huge difference.
Prioritize Rest Without Guilt
Resting during pregnancy is not laziness.
Your body is doing an incredible amount of work every single day.
Sleep when you can. Cancel unnecessary obligations if needed. Let people help you. The laundry can wait sometimes.
As moms, we’re often so used to taking care of everyone else that we forget we deserve care too.
Stay Connected to Your Support System
Pregnancy can feel isolating if you try to carry everything alone.
Talk openly with your partner about how you’re feeling. Reach out to trusted friends or other moms who understand this season. Local support groups throughout the Inland Empire can also provide encouragement and reassurance.
Many moms also find comfort through trusted healthcare providers, midwives, doulas, or prenatal specialists who help them feel supported physically and emotionally.
Simple Comfort Measures That Help
Some simple things that may help during difficult pregnancy weeks include:
- Warm baths
- Staying hydrated
- Prenatal chiropractic care
- Gentle stretching
- Short walks
- Support pillows
- Comfortable maternity clothing
- Rest breaks throughout the day
Sometimes even small moments of comfort can make pregnancy feel more manageable.
If you’re local, you may also enjoy reading:
- Early Pregnancy Symptoms Inland Empire Moms Should Know
- Prenatal Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy
- Birth Plan Inland Empire: 10 Things to Know
- 5 Best Places to Buy Maternity Clothes in the Inland Empire
- Pregnancy Cravings as an Inland Empire Mom
When Should You Call Your Doctor?
Although discomfort is common during pregnancy, some symptoms should always be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Call your doctor if you experience:
- Severe swelling
- Decreased fetal movement
- Severe headaches
- Vision changes
- Signs of high blood pressure
- Intense abdominal pain
- Contractions too early
- Sudden shortness of breath
Most importantly, trust your instincts.
You know your body better than anyone else.
Why This Difficult Season Still Deserves to Be Remembered
As a maternity photographer serving Yucaipa, Redlands, Beaumont, and Inland Empire families, I’ve noticed something beautiful over the years.
Many moms who struggled during pregnancy still later treasure having photographs from this season.
Not because pregnancy was easy.
But because these images remind them of how strong they were.
One day, your child may look at those portraits and see the woman who carried them through sleepless nights, discomfort, fear, and anticipation before ever holding them in her arms.
There’s something incredibly meaningful about that.
A Gentle Reminder for Expecting Moms
Your body is doing something incredible.
You do not need to feel glowing every day to be beautiful.
There is beauty in the hard moments too.
Even in the exhaustion.
In the waiting.
And even in the weeks that feel impossibly long.
FAQs About the Hardest Week of Pregnancy
What is the hardest week of pregnancy?
The hardest week of pregnancy varies for every mom. Many women find the late third trimester most difficult due to discomfort, sleep struggles, and emotional exhaustion, while others struggle more during the first trimester.
Is the third trimester the worst part of pregnancy?
For many moms, the third trimester feels the hardest because of physical discomfort, swelling, pelvic pressure, and anxiety leading up to labor.
When does pregnancy exhaustion peak?
Pregnancy exhaustion often peaks during the first trimester because of hormonal changes and again during the third trimester when sleep becomes more difficult.
Is it normal to cry a lot during pregnancy?
Yes. Hormonal changes, physical exhaustion, and emotional stress can all contribute to increased emotions and crying during pregnancy.
Can stress affect pregnancy symptoms?
Stress can impact sleep, tension, headaches, and emotional well-being during pregnancy. Finding support and rest can help reduce some symptoms.
How can I make the last weeks of pregnancy easier?
Prioritizing rest, staying hydrated, accepting help, wearing comfortable clothing, and maintaining communication with your support system can all help during the final weeks of pregnancy.
Related Resources for Expecting Moms
If you’re preparing for your own motherhood journey, you may also enjoy reading:
- Best Inland Empire Midwives
- Birth Plan Inland Empire: 10 Things to Know
- How to Prepare for Your Maternity Session
- 10 Benefits of Prenatal Chiropractic Care
- Early Pregnancy Symptoms Inland Empire Moms Should Know
- 5 Best Places to Buy Maternity Clothes in the Inland Empire
View Recent Maternity Portraits
If you’re looking for calm, meaningful maternity portraits that focus on connection rather than perfection, I’d love for you to browse my recent maternity work.
My sessions are guided, relaxed, and designed to help you feel comfortable every step of the way.
Reach Out if You’re Planning Your Own Maternity Session
If you’re planning your own maternity session, I’d love to connect with you.
I serve expecting mothers and families throughout Yucaipa, Redlands, Beaumont, and the Inland Empire with studio maternity photography focused on timeless artwork and genuine connection.
You can reach out through my contact form anytime. No pressure. Just a conversation about documenting this meaningful season of your story.