The third trimester of pregnancy is full of anticipation and anxiety as the due date approaches. With doctor visits, packing and running errands that need to be done at the last minute, it's easy to get overwhelmed. The third trimester checklist will help you stay organized and focused on what's important in the last few weeks. From packing up your hospital bag to decorating your nursery room and making your last appointments with your doctor before your baby's birth, this checklist can help you make it all manageable. Whether you're a new mother or a busy mother, a plan can help relieve some of the stress associated with preparing for birth and delivery so you can get the most out of this final phase of pregnancy.
This checklist was put together based on our Baby Feeding & Care Handbook, a free guide we published covering pregnancy, feeding, and newborn care. We've pulled guidance from the handbook into the checklist below, along with our own insights, to help make these final weeks feel a little less overwhelming.
How Long Is the Third Trimester?
Typically, the 3rd trimester will begin at week 28 and end at week 40, but it may extend slightly further if your baby arrives later than the due date. It's the last phase of pregnancy, one of the most physically strenuous, when the baby is growing fast and your body is getting ready to labor. This is when many moms notice appointments begin to happen more often, getting movement a little harder, and the to-do list begins to seem more urgent. It is easier to keep track of all that without getting overwhelmed if you have a checklist to fall back on in the next twelve or so weeks.
12 Third Trimester To-Do List
A lot is going on within these last few weeks, between doctor visits, home prep, and mental gearing up. Here are some things to keep in mind.
Attend All Prenatal Appointments
The frequency of your doctor visits typically increases in the third trimester, starting from monthly to every 2 weeks to weekly until your due date. With your provider keeping an eye on your baby's position, growth, heart rate, blood pressure, and any complications, these appointments are even more critical now. These later visits often include a Group B Streptococcus (GBS) screening around 35 to 37 weeks, one of several checks that get added as you get closer to your due date. Don't skip them even if you are feeling good. They are among the best tools to identify potential problems early on.
Track Your Baby's Movements
At week 28, many providers recommend paying attention to your baby's movement patterns. You don't have to observe all of the movements, but if you are familiar with your baby's normal activity level, you will know when something is not normal. If movement suddenly and persistently decreases, it is a good idea to contact your provider immediately.
Learn the Stages of Labor
If they are not intimidated, they will better understand what early, active and transition labor is. Being familiar with different phases of labor, such as early irregular contractions to the pushing phase, can help you feel better prepared when the day arrives.
Take Childbirth and Baby Care Classes
Childbirth classes teach you about how to handle the pain, breathing techniques and what will take place during the delivery, and baby care classes will take you through feeding, diapering, and safe sleep for your newborn. These are available at many hospitals and birth centers, and can be helpful for first-time parents, both in-person and online.
Decide How You'll Cope with Labor Pain
It's great to have thought about how you want to give birth, so you can have the epidural or try to have a natural birth if you can or if the birth progresses, you can be flexible. Breathing exercises and/or the use of a birthing ball during the last few weeks of pregnancy can also help train your body for the positions and movements that can ease labor pain.
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Finish the Nursery
One of the most important tasks you'll have is taken off your plate once you have your crib put together, your car seat is installed, and all the essential baby gear in place before you deliver. Babies like to arrive early, so it is advisable to get the nursery ready as much as possible by about week 36.
Choose Baby's Pediatrician
Interviewing a couple of pediatricians before delivery lets you ask about their approach to feeding, vaccinations, and after-hours care. It also means you'll have someone to take your baby for the first check-up after you leave the hospital.
Freeze Meals and Stock the Pantry
Those first few weeks after giving birth are not the time for dinner preparations. Having these meals made ahead and plenty of simple foods in the pantry takes one less thing to worry about once baby is home.
Line Up Support
It may be a partner, family member or a postpartum Doula, but having someone to support you during those first few weeks really does make a difference. Consider how you'll receive support with meals, chores, or simply being there when you're on the mend or adapting. It is best to discuss this early because once a good idea is known to friends and family, they will be more than happy to help, whether it's a meal train, some extra older sibling childcare, or simply sitting with you.
Write a Birth Plan
A birth plan is a document where you can express your wishes for birth, such as who you want in the room, how you want to manage any need for change and your pain management preferences. It's not mandatory, but it can be useful to have it available to let your care team know what's important to you and what they can do to make decisions in the moment with less stress.
Prepare for Postpartum Recovery
Preparing recovery products, like pads, pain medication and comfortable clothing, before your baby arrives will ensure your partner doesn't go up and down the road while you are recovering. It's also important to think of what kinds of postpartum support you desire, like maybe you'd want a relationship with a lactation consultant or maybe an arranged follow-up appointment schedule, or perhaps somebody you could ask questions of.
Prepare Your Home and Pets
If you have pets, introducing them to baby items such as the crib, swing or nursery scents can help ease the transition when your newborn arrives. If you have the time, also child-proof your home, install outlet covers and anchor heavy furniture. It is easy to overlook these small details in the hectic third trimester, but you don't want to have to deal with them after the baby is born.
Rest and Practice for Yourself
You might be so busy getting ready for baby that you forget that you're also doing a lot of work. Resting in the third trimester is not an option; it's a must. Plan as much as possible for naps and don't feel guilty about slowing down.
Comfort tools can be the difference in day-to-day comfort. A maternity belly band is helpful when you're walking, running errands or standing for a longer period of time, as it will provide support to the growing belly and alleviate strain on the lower back.
The BumpEase Ergonest Maternity Belly Band is one option with soft, breathable fabric and adjustable straps that grow with your bump.
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As your bump grows, it's more difficult to sleep with a pillow that supports the hips and belly, and a supportive pregnancy pillow can help enhance your sleep by cushioning pressure points like your hips and belly.
If you'll be breastfeeding, this is also a good time to research breast pumps and determine the type that would work with you so you have one ready when you give birth, instead of having to deal with it after the baby arrives. A wearable, hands-free pump is worth a look if you want the flexibility to pump while doing other things. A birthing ball can aid in comfort and labor preparation with gentle stretches or hip circles.
As you get closer to your due date, it is also worth having some recovery essentials ready to go. The Momcozy Labor Hospital Bag essentials kit comes prepared for this stretch of time, allowing you to recoup the essentials without having to click through different websites at the last minute.
A wearable breast pump, such as the Momcozy M5 Smart Wearable Breast Pump, allows you to pump conveniently while you're breastfeeding, and a wireless nursing bra makes early feeding times and skin-to-skin time easier to manage, no extra hassle. Round out your own bag with a nursing cover or wrap, unscented wipes, a going home outfit for yourself, and of course phone chargers, snacks, and any toiletries you would normally use.
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Pack Your Hospital Bag for Your Baby
There's no need to have a lot of items in your baby's hospital bag, but there are some must-have items that will make your baby's initial couple of days a lot easier. Bring a couple of different sizes of pack going home outfits because babies come in all sizes, plus some swaddles, a hat, and mittens. A car seat that is properly installed and ready to use is a must, as the majority of hospitals will not allow you to leave without one. Bring a few of the burp cloths and a light infant blanket as well, as hospital linens do wear out quickly. Also consider bringing some comfort items along with you.
A soft, easy-to-use option like the Momcozy Easy Swaddle Wrap makes those first swaddles simpler to get right, even when you are half-asleep.
If you plan to bottle-feed at all in the hospital, a portable option like the Momcozy Superfast Portable Baby Bottle Warmer can make warming milk or formula quick and consistent, even during nighttime feeds.
For diaper changes, Momcozy Water Wipes are gentle on newborn skin since they're made mostly of purified water. By week 36, the bag should be by the door or in the car, since babies don't always arrive with a perfectly scheduled due date.
Common Third Trimester Experiences
You're experiencing many changes in your body in the last few weeks. There are some changes that you'll just have to deal with when you're getting ready for labor, and other changes that are worth calling your provider about. Here are some of the things that pop up.
Braxton Hicks Contractions
These types of practice contractions typically are mild, irregular, and tend to relax when you change position or rest. They're a way your body gets ready for labor, but it can be difficult at first to realize that they're not the real thing.
Headaches
Headaches are caused by hormonal changes, lack of water and tiredness during the third trimester. Excessive fluids and lots of rest help ease symptoms, but if your headache is sudden and severe, it must always be reported to your provider.
Swelling
Your body retains more water, causing swelling of the feet, legs and hands. Elevating and resting (as much as possible) will decrease some of the pain and swelling, and if it comes on suddenly or increases greatly, it is important to let your health care provider know.
Fatigue
It's not surprising that you're feeling tired, given the added weight, disruptions to sleep, and increased workloads. Listening to your body and resting when you can go a long way here.
Pelvic and Back Pain
It's normal for your pelvic and back pain to become more prominent as your baby drops into position and your ligaments loosen up as your baby prepares to arrive. Some stretching, some belly bands and good posture can help alleviate some discomfort.
Know the Signs of Labor
Your contractions may be getting closer and stronger, your water breaking, and a bloody show are all indications that labor may be beginning. Labor varies from person to person, and talking with your provider before labor starts will help you know what to expect.
What Are Red Flags in the Third Trimester?
Some of the symptoms of pregnancy are common in the third trimester, while others require you to make an urgent call to your provider. They include vaginal bleeding, a marked decrease in fetal activity, severe or persistent headaches, blurred vision, sudden swelling in the face or hands or signs of preterm labor before week 37, including regular contractions, low back pain or a change in the pelvic position that's different from before. Unexplained itching is also worth mentioning promptly, since it can occasionally point to a condition called intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), which your provider can check for with a simple blood test.
You can always second-guess yourself once a symptom has appeared, especially at the end of the day or at the weekend. But providers would prefer not to have a call that doesn't lead anywhere at all rather than have a mom be quiet about something important. Here you should follow your gut instincts. If in any doubt, don't hesitate to contact your provider, don't delay, and definitely do not turn to the Internet to find a solution.
FAQs
What is the hardest week of pregnancy in the third trimester?
For many moms, the last few weeks, especially those that fall between 38-40 weeks of pregnancy, can be the most uncomfortable and physically difficult weeks due to the size of the tummy and the discomfort. This can vary, however, depending on each person's experience.
Which is the toughest month in pregnancy?
The 9th month is the most difficult for almost all of the mothers, with fatigue, swelling and anticipation all coming together at once.
What is the riskiest week of pregnancy?
Some weeks are riskier because of other health factors; that is why third trimester prenatal visits are so important. Don't use general timelines; speak to your provider about what you are at risk for.
What are the "golden weeks" of pregnancy?
It is commonly used to describe the second trimester (Weeks 14-27), which can also be known as the "second trimester golden period," as many moms are more active than they are in the third trimester.
What should husbands not do during pregnancy?
To avoid dismissing uncomfortable feelings, to cancel appointments without consulting, to make decisions about labor and delivery without involving mom in the decision, and other such behaviors can all contribute to a smoother pregnancy.
Is the third trimester the hardest?
Yes, primarily because of the physical size and weight changes and also because of the anticipation of labor, for many moms. Each trimester is different, though.
When should I go to the hospital?
When contractions are regular for 5 minutes, and each one lasts for a minute or so, and have a duration of at least an hour, or the water has broken, it's time to go to the hospital. As always, follow your provider's instructions, as they may be different depending on your pregnancy.
What happens If I Go Past My Due Date?
If you're past your due date, this is not necessarily a cause for concern. Your provider will be more involved and might talk to you about induction when you reach a certain milestone, usually at 41 to 42 weeks.
Conclusion
There's a lot to deal with in the third trimester, but a well-drafted checklist makes the final stretch much more manageable. Whether it's prenatal visits, childbirth education, hospital bag packing, or using a belly band or pregnancy pillow, there are many little things that help you feel truly prepared. Do one thing at a time, listen to your body when it needs a break, and believe you're more ready than you may think.
