Third Trimester Checklist: What to Focus on Before Baby Arrives

The third trimester is a strange and beautiful stretch of time. Everything starts to feel real in a deeper way—baby kicks are stronger, appointments are more frequent, and there’s this quiet (and sometimes not-so-quiet) awareness that life is about to change. A lot.

I’ve learned that the third trimester isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about preparing thoughtfully, pacing yourself, and creating as much calm as you reasonably can before birth and postpartum take center stage. A checklist can help keep things from swirling around in your head at 3 a.m., especially when energy is lower and emotions are higher.

This third trimester checklist is meant to be practical, gentle, and realistic. Not everything here needs to be done. Not everything will be done. And that’s okay. Think of this as a guide—not a test.

Download the free third trimester checklist here!

Understanding the Third Trimester

The third trimester typically begins around week 28 and lasts until birth. During this time, your body is working overtime, your baby is growing rapidly, and your mental load can quietly double. Even if things are going smoothly, it’s common to feel a mix of excitement, impatience, anxiety, and exhaustion all at once.

This is also the trimester where preparation becomes less abstract. It’s no longer “someday.” It’s soon. That’s why breaking things down into categories can make everything feel more manageable.

Medical & Health Prep

Attend all prenatal appointments

Appointments usually increase during the third trimester, and while they can feel repetitive, they’re important. These visits monitor baby’s growth, your blood pressure, positioning, and overall well-being.

Discuss birth preferences

Whether you’re planning a medicated birth, unmedicated birth, scheduled induction, or cesarean, this is a good time to talk through scenarios with your provider. You don’t need a rigid plan—but understanding options can help you feel more grounded.

Complete recommended tests

This may include:

• Group B Strep screening
• Additional ultrasounds if indicated
• Blood work or monitoring depending on your situation

Ask about signs of labor

Knowing what’s normal (and what isn’t) can reduce unnecessary stress. Ask when to call, when to come in, and what early labor might look like. I found that even with my subsequent pregnancies, I still felt better knowing the signs of labor from my OBGYN than left to just remember what they were from the previous births.

Take care of your body

This trimester often brings:

• Back and hip discomfort
• Swelling
• Shortness of breath
• Heartburn
• Fatigue

Gentle movement, hydration, magnesium (if approved), supportive shoes, and rest can make a big difference. You’re going to feel so swollen and ready to pop but resting a lot and wearing comfortable clothing can help.

Baby Prep Essentials

Wash and organize baby clothes

You don’t need every outfit washed—just the basics:

• Newborn and 0–3 month sleepers
• A few onesies
• Socks and hats

Use fragrance-free detergent and keep things simple. I liked using Dreft for my babies.

Set up the sleeping space

Whether baby will sleep in a bassinet, crib, or bedside sleeper, make sure it’s:

• Assembled
• Safe
• Free of extras (no blankets, bumpers, or pillows)

It’s easy to think a crib should be cozy with blankets, stuffed animals, and pillows but trust me, you want it bare of any extras to help prevent any emergencies. With my boys, they had tight sheets without any gapping, and that was it. They’d go to sleep in their swaddles.

Install the car seat

This is one of those “do it early” items. Install it ahead of time and, if possible, have it checked by a certified technician.

Stock diapering supplies

You don’t need a warehouse, just enough to get started:

• Newborn or size 1 diapers
• Wipes
• Diaper cream
• A changing area (it can be simple)

Prepare feeding supplies

Whether breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or combination feeding:

• Wash bottles and pump parts
• Have formula on hand if needed
• Set up a comfortable feeding spot

Home Preparation

Create a postpartum-friendly space

Think about where you will spend most of your time after birth. Make sure you have:

• Water bottles
• Snacks
• Phone chargers
• Comfortable pillows
• Easy access to essentials

This was a game changer for my third baby. I loved making a sweet space for us in those first few newborn weeks after he was born and brought home. I look back on it with fondness.

Deep clean—or don’t

Some people love a pre-baby deep clean. Others prefer outsourcing or doing the bare minimum. Both are valid. Focus on:

• Bathrooms
• Bedding
• Kitchen surfaces

Everything else can wait. Or, hire someone!

Meal prep (with flexibility)

Freezer meals are helpful, but even simpler options count:

• Frozen breakfast items
• Easy lunches
• Pantry staples

You don’t need a month’s worth—just a cushion.

38 Make-Ahead Meals for Busy Families: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Ideas

Arrange help if possible

This might mean:

• A partner taking time off
• A family member checking in
• A friend dropping meals

Even small support can be meaningful. I found that asking help from my closest family and my spouse was all I needed, but depending on your needs, you may need an even bigger support system.

Hospital or Birth Center Checklist

Pack your bag early

A good rule of thumb is to have bags ready by 34–36 weeks. You just never know when the baby will decide to make his/her appearance and you’ll want to be ready.

For you:

• Comfortable clothes
• Toiletries
• Slippers or socks
• Phone charger
• Going-home outfit

For baby:

• One or two outfits
• Blanket (for photos or car ride)

For partner/support person:

• Snacks
• Comfortable clothes
• Chargers

Bring important documents

• ID
• Insurance card
• Birth preferences (if you have them)

And, you can pack the bags as you go if packing all at once sounds overwhelming. That’s what I did. I packed my essentials and the baby things, plus documents over a few days. Just a thought if you have so much to pack and it’s stressing you out.

Packing for the Hospital: 1st Time Mom Guide

Mental & Emotional Preparation

Acknowledge the emotional shifts

The third trimester can stir up fears, doubts, and unexpected emotions. This doesn’t mean anything is wrong—it means you’re human.

Talk things through

Whether it’s with a partner, therapist, or trusted friend, talking about:

• Birth fears
• Postpartum expectations
• Parenting concerns

can ease mental load. And it’s Okay if you have fears or are stressed out. So many pregnant mothers, especially in that last trimester when it’s all becoming very real, have fears and overwhelm. I know I did. Don’t be afraid to talk to somebody about your emotions.

Lower expectations

You don’t need to “soak up every moment.” You don’t need to feel blissful. You don’t need to document everything. Permission to just be is powerful.

Postpartum Planning

Prepare for physical recovery

Have postpartum supplies ready:

• Pads or disposable underwear
• Comfortable clothing
• Sitz bath supplies (if recommended)

This is really important. Especially if you’re a new mom, you may not be aware how much you’ll need once baby comes.

Plan for rest

Sleep will be fragmented. That’s normal. Think about:

• Sleeping in shifts
• Letting non-essential tasks go
• Prioritizing healing

Know the signs of postpartum mood changes

Baby blues are common. Postpartum depression and anxiety are also common—and treatable. Knowing symptoms ahead of time makes it easier to reach out if needed.

Work, Life & Logistics

Finish work tasks or leave plans

If applicable:

• Set up out-of-office responses
• Wrap up projects
• Communicate boundaries

Handle paperwork

This might include:

• Birth certificate info
• Insurance updates
• Pediatrician selection

Prepare siblings (if applicable)

Simple conversations, books, and reassurance go a long way.

Gentle Self-Care in the Third Trimester

Rest without guilt

Your body is doing something extraordinary. Rest is productive.

Do small things that feel grounding

This might be:

• A warm shower
• Stretching
• Quiet music
• Journaling

Celebrate getting this far

The third trimester is not easy. Reaching this point deserves acknowledgment.

A Final Thought

A third trimester checklist isn’t about controlling the outcome—it’s about creating a sense of readiness and peace where you can. Some things will go according to plan. Some won’t. What matters most is that you’ve taken time to care for yourself, prepare thoughtfully, and give yourself grace.

You don’t need to do everything on this list. You don’t need to do it perfectly. You’re already doing something incredibly important—showing up, day by day.

And that’s more than enough.