Third trimester checklist: preparing for birth and beyond

As you enter the final stretch of pregnancy, the third trimester (weeks 28-40) brings a mix of excitement, anticipation, and perhaps a touch of anxiety. This crucial period requires thoughtful preparation for both the birth and the significant life changes ahead. Creating a comprehensive plan now will help you navigate this transformative time with confidence.

Medical appointments and monitoring

Your healthcare visits become more frequent during the third trimester, providing important opportunities to monitor your health and your baby’s development.

During weeks 28-32, you’ll typically have monthly visits, transitioning to bi-weekly visits from weeks 32-36, and then weekly visits from week 36 until delivery. This schedule follows standard guidelines, though as the Mayo Clinic notes, it may be modified based on your individual needs.

Your third-trimester appointments will include several key screenings and tests. The Group B Strep (GBS) test typically occurs between weeks 35-37, and depending on your risk factors, your provider might recommend growth ultrasounds or non-stress tests (NSTs). The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists also recommends screening for depression and anxiety at least once during pregnancy using validated tools, as mentioned in our pregnancy anxiety relief guide.

Between appointments, monitoring your baby’s movements becomes especially important. Set aside time each day to count kicks—your baby should move at least 10 times within a 2-hour period. Any significant decrease in movement warrants a call to your healthcare provider.

Don’t forget to ensure you’re up-to-date on recommended third-trimester vaccines, including Tdap (between 27-36 weeks), seasonal flu vaccine, COVID-19 vaccine, and RSV vaccine as recommended by your healthcare provider.

Hospital or birth center preparation

Planning ahead for your stay at the birth facility can significantly reduce stress when labor begins.

Complete pre-registration paperwork well before your due date and consider taking a virtual or in-person tour of the facility. This is a perfect opportunity to review their policies regarding visitors, photography, and any special requests you might have.

Packing your hospital bag early ensures you won’t be scrambling at the last minute. Essential items for you include comfortable nightgowns or pajamas, 2-3 nursing bras, a going-home outfit (remember you’ll still look about 6 months pregnant), toiletries, and personal care items. Don’t forget commonly overlooked items like lip balm for dry hospital environments, hair ties, flip-flops for the shower, and snacks for after delivery.

For your baby, pack a weather-appropriate going-home outfit and swaddle blankets. Most importantly, ensure your car seat is properly installed before labor begins—this is one detail you don’t want to handle during contractions!

Remember to bring practical items like your insurance cards, ID, birth plan copies, and a phone charger with an extra-long cord, as hospital outlets aren’t always conveniently located.

Mental and emotional preparation

The psychological aspects of birth preparation are just as important as the physical ones. Research consistently shows that comprehensive mental preparation improves birth outcomes and satisfaction.

A study from Cedars-Sinai involving over 14,000 births found that comprehensive prenatal education significantly reduces intervention rates during labor and delivery, as detailed in our birth plan preparation guide. Consider enrolling in our Beginning Pregnancy Course for evidence-based preparation that covers all aspects of birth and early parenthood.

Familiarize yourself with various pain management techniques, including breathing exercises, which have been shown to significantly reduce stress and anxiety during pregnancy according to research highlighted in our third trimester emotions article. Explore relaxation techniques, position changes, and medical options like epidurals or nitrous oxide so you can make informed decisions during labor.

Creating a flexible birth plan helps communicate your preferences while acknowledging birth’s unpredictability. Include your preferences for the environment, pain management, support people present, and the first hour after birth, but also consider contingency preferences if complications arise.

Building your support system

The people surrounding you during labor and the postpartum period can significantly impact your experience. Research consistently shows that continuous support during labor improves outcomes and satisfaction.

Communicate expectations and preferences with your partner or primary support person well before labor begins. Consider hiring a doula—professional labor support that’s associated with a 39% reduction in cesarean rates. If you have other children, create primary and backup childcare plans for labor and prepare them for your hospital stay and the new baby’s arrival.

Also consider arranging for family helpers who can assist with meals, household tasks, and sibling care during the postpartum period. This support network will be invaluable as you recover and adjust to life with your new baby.

Postpartum planning

The “fourth trimester” deserves as much preparation as birth itself. According to our fourth trimester recovery guide, thoughtful planning can significantly improve your postpartum experience.

For physical recovery, stock up on supplies like maternity pads, comfortable underwear, a sitz bath, and a peri bottle. Prepare easy-to-access feeding stations around your home and arrange your living space to minimize stairs if possible. Plan for gradual physical recovery—typically 6-8 weeks for vaginal birth and 8-12 weeks for cesarean delivery.

Postpartum mood disorders affect 10-20% of new mothers, so creating a mental health support plan is crucial. Know the warning signs of postpartum depression and anxiety, identify professional resources before you need them, and schedule regular check-ins with supportive friends or family. The stress management techniques we recommend during pregnancy can often be adapted for postpartum use as well.

Practical preparation makes a tremendous difference in those first weeks. Prepare and freeze meals, set up a meal train with friends and family, and create a list of specific tasks helpers can do. If your budget allows, consider hiring postpartum support.

Whether you’re planning to breastfeed or formula feed, connect with lactation resources before birth, understand normal newborn feeding patterns, and prepare your partner or support people to assist with feeding challenges. Having the right knowledge and supplies ready can make those early feeding sessions much less stressful.

Final checklist (36+ weeks)

As your due date approaches, complete these final preparations:

• Install the car seat and have the installation checked
• Wash baby clothes and prepare a sleeping space
• Finalize work leave arrangements
• Make a contact list for birth announcements
• Ensure your hospital bag is packed and easily accessible
• Prepare your home for your return with clean sheets, a stocked pantry, and easy meals
• Review early labor signs and know when to call your provider

Embracing the journey ahead

This third trimester is more than just a waiting period—it’s a valuable time to prepare for one of life’s most transformative experiences. By addressing both the practical and emotional aspects of birth and postpartum life, you’re creating the foundation for a positive transition to parenthood.

Remember that flexibility is key. Birth rarely follows a perfect plan, but thorough preparation gives you the confidence to navigate whatever path your journey takes. Our Beginning Pregnancy Course offers additional guidance, meditations, and expert advice to support you through this meaningful transition.

Building awareness of your specific needs is the first step toward a confident birth experience. Take this checklist and customize it to your unique situation, then tackle each item at your own pace. Your future self—bleary-eyed but in love with your newborn—will thank you for the preparation you’re doing now.