You’re in the third trimester, which lasts from weeks 28 to 40. That means you’re almost ready to meet your baby! This time is fascinating (and a little scary) as you get everything prepared for the big day. You can stay organized and feel a lot less stressed about labor, delivery, and the first few days with your new baby if you have a checklist.
This guide will help you get ready for the baby by making sure you know everything you need to know, from taking care of your health to getting your home ready and thinking about what you might need at the hospital.
Why a Third Trimester Checklist is Useful
The last few weeks of pregnancy are full of happiness, but they can also be hard. You might be tired, uncomfortable, or just a little clumsy. You can use a checklist to:
- Keep things in order and on track.
- Pay attention to the things that are most important for your health and safety.
- Make your home ready for the new member.
- Take care of practical things like money and maternity leave.
- Have more faith when it’s time to give birth.
Use this list as a reliable guide during a time that is likely to be busy and emotional.
Getting Ready for Health and Wellness
1. Go to all of your prenatal appointments
Be sure to go to all of your essential checkups. Your doctor will check your overall health, your blood pressure, and how your baby is growing. Before each appointment, write down any questions you have.
2. Sign up for a class on giving birth and raising kids
It’s always good to go over things you’ve already done. Breathing techniques, what to expect during labor, and how to take care of a baby are some of the things that are usually covered in classes. Check with your hospital or local community center to see what options they have. Many of them also offer classes online.
3. Pay attention to what you eat and drink
Make sure you’re eating healthy foods to stay healthy! During this time, you need protein, iron, calcium, and folate. And don’t forget to drink a lot of water!
4. Take care of common aches and pains
In the third trimester, pain can be terrible. Use soft pillows for support, wear compression socks, or do some light stretches. Before trying anything new, always consult your doctor or nurse.
Getting Your House Ready
5. Get the nursery ready
You don’t need a fancy nursery right away, but getting the basics ready will help you relax. A crib, a place to change diapers, and some storage for baby things are very important!
6. Get a lot of baby supplies
Make sure you have everything you need, like onesies, diapers, bottles, and bath supplies. But don’t buy too many clothes for your newborn because they grow so quickly!
7. Make meals for the freezer
It’s a good idea to prepare some meals ahead of time, as cooking with a newborn can be challenging. Think of soups or casseroles that only need to be heated up. Put easy things like pasta and canned goods in your pantry as well.
8. Clean and organize thoroughly
When the baby comes, it’s easier to live in a clean space. Use a gentle, scent-free detergent to wash baby clothes and bedding, and pay attention to places with a lot of foot traffic.
Preparing for the Hospital and Labor
9. Get Your Hospital Bag Ready
Pack your bag with clothes that are comfortable for you and the baby, as well as toiletries and clothes for the trip home. By week 36, keep it close!
10. Finish Your Birth Plan
Make a list of your preferences for things like how you want to deal with pain and who you want with you during labor. Just keep in mind that things might not go exactly as you planned.
11. Pre-Register at the Hospital
Fill out any forms you need to ahead of time. When it’s time to go, it will make things a lot easier for you.
12. Put in the car seat and check it
Prepare your car seat before the baby arrives. Have a professional check it out after you’ve installed it.
Planning for Money and Life
13. Look over maternity and paternity leave
Check with your boss to determine their rules and obtain any necessary paperwork so you know what to expect.
14. Put Important Papers in Order
Put all the information you need, such as health insurance information and pediatrician contacts, in one easy place.
15. Plan for the Costs of a Baby
Babies cost money, so make a list of what you’ll need for diapers, clothes, doctor visits, and maybe even childcare. A simple budget can help you keep track of everything.
Preparing for Relationships and Emotions
16. Talk to Your Partner
Talk about how you and your partner will raise your kids and what your responsibilities are at home. This helps prevent confusion later on.
17. Make Your Support Network
Having friends and family who can help with meals or kids is a huge help. You should join local parenting groups for more help.
18. Practice Relaxation
The last part can be a bit much. Find something that helps you relax, like writing, meditating, or just resting.
Getting Ready for Baby’s Health
19. Choose a Pediatrician
Now is a good time to look into pediatricians and meet some before your baby comes. Think about their hours of operation and how they care for patients.
20. Learn the basics of infant CPR and safety
Training for emergencies can be beneficial. You can find infant CPR classes at a lot of places, like hospitals and community centers.
21. Look up health and vaccination guidelines
Learn about the vaccinations and screenings recommended for newborns so you are prepared.
List of Things to Do in the Last Few Weeks
Don’t forget these last-minute essentials as your due date approaches:
- Keep your car’s gas tank full and your phone charged.
- Make a list of people you want to talk to, like family and friends.
- If you have older siblings, think about getting them a small gift.
- Make sure someone will take care of your pets while you’re in the hospital.
- If you already have kids, make sure your childcare plans are still good.
Example from Real Life: Smooth Sailing
Sarah, who was having her first child, said that using a checklist helped her feel more relaxed. By 36 weeks, she had taken prenatal classes, made meals, and packed her hospital bag. So, when labor started early at 38 weeks…
Conclusion
Getting ready for your baby’s arrival in the third trimester can be stressful and overwhelming, but having a clear checklist can help you get through it more easily. Every step you take now, from putting your health first and organizing your home to planning for labor and setting up support systems, will help you feel more confident and ready for this exciting new chapter.
Being a parent is a lifelong journey, and the right tools can make a big difference. 🌸
👉 Explore our expert parenting articles to keep going on your journey, and then move on to our ebooks and guides, which are carefully made to give you useful information and tools for pregnancy, birth, and beyond.
