Trimester Checklistthird Trimester
Third Trimester Checklist
Final preparations and tasks for weeks 28-40+ of pregnancy.
Best to start: Week 28 of pregnancy
Overview
The third trimester is the home stretch! Your baby is growing rapidly, and you're preparing for labor, delivery, and bringing baby home.
Now is the time to finalize all your preparations, pack your hospital bag, and get your home ready for a newborn.
Medical Care
- Attend prenatal appointments every 2 weeks (weeks 28-36)
- Attend weekly appointments starting at 36 weeks
- Get Tdap vaccine (between 27-36 weeks)
- Complete Group B Strep test (35-37 weeks)
- Monitor baby's movements daily (kick counts)
- Discuss birth plan with your provider
- Know signs of preterm labor
- Review when to go to hospital/call provider
- Consider membrane sweep if going past due date
- Discuss induction preferences if needed
Final Baby Prep
- Finish setting up nursery
- Wash all baby clothes, blankets, and bedding
- Install car seat (have it inspected by certified tech)
- Set up changing station
- Stock up on diapers, wipes, and newborn essentials
- Choose coming-home outfit for baby
- Charge all electronics and cameras
- Prepare freezer meals for after birth
- Deep clean house or hire cleaning service
Hospital Preparation
- Pack hospital bag by 36 weeks
- Have infant car seat installed
- Plan route to hospital and backup route
- Time how long drive takes at different times of day
- Know where to park and which entrance to use
- Pre-register at hospital if possible
- Discuss pain management preferences
- Create birth plan (but stay flexible)
- Decide who will be in delivery room
- Plan for pet care during hospital stay
Home Prep
- Set up bassinet or crib
- Stock changing station supplies
- Prepare breastfeeding or bottle feeding area
- Install nightlights
- Baby-proof essential areas
- Stock postpartum recovery items for yourself
- Prepare easy meals or freeze dinners
- Stock household essentials (toilet paper, paper towels, etc.)
- Arrange for help in first few weeks
Work Wrap-Up
- Complete all work handoffs
- Set up out-of-office messages
- Share emergency contact info with team
- Tie up loose ends on projects
- Prepare maternity leave coverage plan
- Understand your return-to-work policies
- Check your final paycheck details
Final To-Dos
- Finalize baby name if not already decided
- Confirm pediatrician appointment for first week
- Review newborn care basics
- Practice using car seat, stroller, baby carrier
- Read books on newborn care
- Discuss postpartum support with partner
- Plan birth announcements
- Set up meal train if friends are offering help
- Rest as much as possible!
💡 Helpful Tips
- ✓Your hospital bag should be packed by 36 weeks in case of early labor
- ✓Practice relaxation and breathing techniques daily
- ✓Rest when you can - sleep will be scarce soon
- ✓Do pelvic floor exercises to prepare for birth
- ✓Stay active but don't overdo it
- ✓Watch for signs of labor: contractions, water breaking, bloody show
- ✓Try not to panic if you go past your due date - very common
- ✓Trust your body - women have been doing this forever
💾 Tip: Use your browser's print function (Ctrl/Cmd + P) to save or print this checklist for easy reference.
This checklist is a general guide. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations based on your specific situation.