Essential Third Trimester To-Do List: What to Prioritize Before Your Baby Arrives

"I just entered my third trimester and suddenly feel overwhelmed by everything I need to do before the baby arrives. Where should I even start?"

This question reflects one of the most common concerns among expectant parents approaching those final months of pregnancy. Creating a comprehensive third trimester pregnancy checklist can transform this potentially stressful time into a manageable, even enjoyable, final stretch of pregnancy.

The third trimester spans from week 28 until delivery (typically around week 40), giving you about three months to prepare. While this might seem like plenty of time, these weeks often fly by quickly, especially as your growing belly and increasing physical discomfort may slow your productivity. A well-organized third trimester checklist helps ensure you'll complete essential tasks before your little one's arrival.

Balancing Medical Care with Practical Preparation

Your third trimester to-do list naturally falls into several categories, with medical care being a top priority. Around week 28, your prenatal visits typically increase in frequency every two weeks initially, then weekly during your final month.

"My healthcare provider mentioned additional screening tests in the third trimester. Which ones should I expect?"

Standard third trimester medical care usually includes checking for gestational diabetes, Group B strep testing, and monitoring your blood pressure for signs of preeclampsia. These appointments also track your baby's health and position, making them crucial components of your third trimester checklist.

While keeping up with medical care, you'll simultaneously need to tackle practical preparations. "I'm feeling physically exhausted but have so much to do. What should I prioritize?" When creating your third trimester pregnancy checklist, focus first on the most time-sensitive tasks:

1. Pre-register at your chosen hospital or birth center
   
   

2. Select a pediatrician (many health care providers offer prenatal consultations)
   
   

3. Pack your hospital bag by week 36
   
   

4. Ensure your baby's car seat is properly installed
   
   

5. Prepare your home's essential baby gear areas
   
   

Managing Third Trimester Symptoms While Getting Things Done

Creating and completing your third trimester to-do list becomes particularly challenging when you're simultaneously dealing with increasing physical discomfort. Common third trimester symptoms include backache, heartburn, swelling, shortness of breath, and fatigue all of which can make productivity difficult.

"I'm trying to set up the nursery, but my back hurts terribly after just 15 minutes of work. Should I push through or rest?"

Listen to your body while tackling your third trimester to-do list. Break tasks into smaller chunks, rest frequently, and don't hesitate to delegate when possible. Some tasks, like nursery preparation, can be divided into stages, perhaps focusing on furniture assembly one day and organizing baby's clothing another.

Third trimester symptoms often worsen as pregnancy progresses, so front-loading your third trimester checklist makes sense. Consider this approach to managing common discomforts while staying productive:

"Some days I can barely get off the couch due to exhaustion. Am I falling behind?"

Remember that rest is a legitimate and necessary part of your third trimester to-do list. Conserving energy and maintaining your health are actually productive choices that benefit both you and your baby.

Planning Your Baby Shower

If you haven't already had your baby shower, the third trimester is typically when this celebration takes place. Many pregnant women schedule their baby shower for the early third trimester when they're still comfortable enough to enjoy the event. Adding baby shower planning (or coordination with whoever is hosting) to your third trimester checklist ensures you'll receive many essential baby care items before your baby arrives.

Your baby registry should include all the necessities for the first few weeks with your newborn. This can significantly reduce the number of items you need to purchase yourself, allowing you to focus on other essential preparations during late pregnancy.

Packing Your Hospital Bag: When and What to Include

One of the most important items on your third trimester to-do list is to pack your hospital bag. "When should I have my hospital bag ready? I'm worried about being caught unprepared." Most health care providers recommend having your hospital bag packed by week 36, though having it ready even earlier provides peace of mind in case of premature labor.

"What exactly should I pack in my hospital bag? I've seen so many different lists online!"

While preferences vary, certain essentials belong in every hospital bag:

• Important documents (ID, insurance information, birth plan)

• Comfortable clothes for labor and recovery

• Personal care items and comfort measures

• Going-home outfits for you and baby

• Phone and charger

• Nursing pads and breastfeeding supplies if planning to nurse

• Snacks and drinks for your support person

When creating your third trimester to-do list, schedule time specifically for hospital bag preparation.

"I packed my bag but keep wondering if I've forgotten something important."

Many parents find it helpful to pack their hospital bag in stages, starting with non-daily items around week 32, then adding toiletries and electronics closer to their due date.

Birth Plan Creation and Communication

Creating a birth plan is another crucial component of your third trimester to-do list. "Is a birth plan really necessary? Won't the health care providers know what to do?" A birth plan isn't about instructing medical professionals—it's about communicating your preferences and priorities for labor and delivery.

"I'm not sure what to include in my birth plan. How detailed should it be?"

Your birth plan should cover pain management preferences, comfort measures, who you want present during delivery (such as a professional labor coach if you're hiring one), immediate postpartum wishes, and contingency preferences if pregnancy complications arise. Many hospitals provide birth plan templates, or you can find them online.

When adding birth plan creation to your third trimester checklist, aim to complete it between weeks 30-34. This timing allows you to discuss it with your healthcare provider before labor begins.

"My doctor seemed dismissive of some parts of my birth plan. Should I concerned?"

Remember that a birth plan is a communication tool, not a rigid contract. Be open to discussing alternatives and understanding why certain requests might be challenging in specific circumstances.

Preparing for the Fourth Trimester

The "fourth trimester" refers to the first three months after your baby's birth—a critical period of adjustment for both you and your newborn. Adding fourth trimester preparation to your third trimester to-do list helps ensure a smoother transition to parenthood.

Consider preparing freezer meals in the last few weeks of pregnancy to sustain you when you're sleep deprived after birth. Arrange for family members or friends to provide support during those first few weeks. Research resources for postpartum support, including lactation consultants if you plan to breastfeed.

"How can I prepare for baby care when I have no experience?"

Consider taking infant CPR and more classes on newborn care. Johns Hopkins Medicine and many other institutions offer online and in-person classes that can help you feel prepared for your new baby's arrival.

Final Preparations: Nursery, Car Seat, and Baby Essentials

As your due date approaches, your third trimester to-do list should include finalizing your baby's physical spaces. Nursery preparation often takes longer than expected, especially if it involves painting, furniture assembly, or organization.

"Do I really need a completely finished nursery before the baby arrives?"

While a picture-perfect nursery is nice, what you truly need is a safe sleeping space and organized essentials. Focus your nursery preparation on safety and functionality rather than aesthetic perfection.

Car seat installation deserves special attention on your third trimester to-do list. "I installed our car seat, but I'm not 100% confident it's correct. What should I do?" Consider having your installation checked by a certified car seat technician many fire stations, police departments, and baby stores offer this service for free.

When it comes to your baby essentials checklist, focus on true necessities: safe sleep space, diapers, wipes, basic clothing, feeding supplies, and first aid items. "I feel like I'm forgetting important baby items. How can I be sure I have everything we need?" Consider referencing a comprehensive baby essentials checklist, but remember that you can always purchase additional items after birth if needed.

Recognizing Signs of Labor

As you work through your third trimester to-do list, educate yourself about signs of labor so you'll recognize when your baby is ready to arrive.

"How will I know if I'm really in labor versus experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions?"

Signs of labor typically include:

• Contractions that increase in frequency, duration, and intensity (unlike Braxton Hicks contractions)

• Rupture of membranes ("water breaking")

• Bloody show (pink or blood-tinged mucus discharge)

• Lower back pain that comes and goes rhythmically

• Feeling of pressure in your pelvis as your baby's head descends

• Early labor symptoms that progress steadily

"I've been having irregular contractions for days. Does this mean labor is starting soon?"

Prodromal labor or "false labor" can be confusing and frustrating. The key difference is that true labor pains get progressively stronger, longer, and closer together, while false labor contractions remain irregular.

Including "learn to recognize signs of labor" on your third trimester to-do list is essential for feeling confident as your due date approaches. Many birth classes provide detailed information about labor progression, helping you distinguish between preliminary symptoms and active labor.

Balancing It All: A Realistic Approach

The most important thing to remember about your third trimester to-do list is that it should serve you, not stress you.

"I'm anxious that I won't get everything done before the baby arrives. Will I be unprepared?"

Focus on genuine necessities: medical care, safe transportation, somewhere for baby to sleep, and basic supplies.

Preparing for labor and delivery doesn't require perfection. Many pregnant women find that letting go of certain expectations provides tremendous relief during the third trimester. Your third trimester pregnancy checklist should reflect your unique priorities and circumstances, adjusting as needed to accommodate your energy levels and physical comfort when carrying extra weight.

Remember that the ultimate goal of your third trimester to-do list is to prepare for your baby's arrival while maintaining your wellbeing. By focusing on essentials, pacing yourself, and practicing flexibility, you'll navigate these final weeks of pregnancy with greater confidence and less anxiety. And don't forget to prepare those birth announcements for when your little one makes their debut!