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What's a tired mom-to-be to do? Buy a Snoozer Pillow

The Old Standbys
To minimize the effects of third trimester complaints, you need:

regular doctor visits (throughout pregnancy)

rest periods during the day (with feet up whenever possible)

a good night's sleep

a cool head

patience, and plenty of it

Combine those tried-and-true remedies with these more recent tips for today's moms-to-be:

Light to moderate exercise (modified to your shape and stamina)

Proper nutrition

Water

Attention to body positioning (asleep and awake)

Add in a little TLC and your recipe is complete. TLC that's worth looking into...

Professional Pregnancy Support
Doulas are one-woman-walking-support-systems for moms about to deliver. They are not medical professionals, but are more like professional nurturers for mothers. A doula is trained in caring for an expecting/post partum mother physically (in terms of comfort) and emotionally. They act in concert with family and physicians to make the birthing experience as pleasant as possible. Doulas can not replace your physician, but should work under your doctor's guidelines to keep you comfortable. It is important to note that some doctors will not cooperate with doulas during delivery, so check with your doctor well in advance.

In order to meet your delivery needs, your doula must be someone with whom you are comfortable. The getting to know you stage of this relationship does not start in the hospital. It ideally starts during pregnancy, usually during the last weeks of pregnancy. A doula is like an au pair/close friend rolled into one. One patient called her doula a paid cheerleader. That may be what you're looking for, it may not. Maybe what you need is a paid mother if your own mother is unavailable. A paid angel, perhaps. Doulas fill the role of teacher, coach, and friend. That's what they're paid to do. If you need that support and do not have anyone in your life who can provide it, a doula may be a wonderful option for you.

Your doula can be such support during the discomfort of the third trimester, your extra hands at home a couple of hours a week, your exercise buddy. Going through these times together will bond you for the approaching birth.

Many women feel that their doulas become members of the family. Not only should you be comfortable with the doula, but so should your partner and your children. After all, they are a part of the birth experience, too. Include your spouse and children in time with the doula so that everyone is comfortable with this new person in your life.

During delivery, the doula's job is to help you through delivery and recovery by relaxing you (rubbing your back, wiping your brow, using massage techniques), helping you focus, explaining terminology, acting as your advocate (with everyone from your spouse to your mother to the nurse's aide), and encouraging you. To do all those things effectively, she must know you. To share this experience your doula must know you, your personality, your preferences, your needs. That is why the relationship should start well in advance of the due date.

After delivery, you may have your doula spend time in your home as you, your family, and baby adjust during your recovery period. They are there to assist you with baby care, care of your recovering body, care of your home and family.

Choosing a doula
Be sure to choose a doula who is trained (ask for credentials and check them out), not hostile toward doctors, and who appeals to you as a positive person. After all, she is charged with keeping you as calm and comfortable as possible during a very emotional and physically draining time.

Ask about backup doulas in case your chosen doula is unavailable. What happens if more than one mother goes into labor? Doulas should have a backup system in place. Talk to former customers. Remember, this is a professional relationship. You will be paying this woman for her services and you are entitled to check her out.

How do you find a doula? Ask your obstetrician, birthing class instructor, local chapter of Lamaze (the leading breast feeding support organization), hospital, or poll friends and neighbors.

Doulas are an expensive care option, but one which may be worth the money.

Across the U.S., doulas average $20 per hour for at home care for the weeks before and after birth, and delivery doula costs range from $200 to $800.