Hey mama! The third trimester is such an exciting and busy time.
It’s normal to feel a mix of emotions as you prepare for your little one’s arrival.
We’ve put together a friendly checklist to help you get everything in order, so you can feel more relaxed and ready for this incredible journey.
Let’s dive in!
1 – Make a Birth Plan
First up, if you haven’t already, it’s time to put together a birth plan.
Chat with your doctor, midwife, or any other support people to figure out what you want for the big day.
This includes choices about pain management, procedures, medications, and how you want those first moments with your baby to go.
Knowing your options and having a plan can make things feel a lot less stressful when the time comes.
2 – Set Up the Nursery
You’re going to be spending a lot of time here, so have fun with it!
Whether you go all out or keep it simple, setting up the nursery is a big step.
Get the essentials like the crib, dresser, changing station, and a comfy chair for those late-night feedings.
Don’t forget a baby monitor, play mat, and maybe some cute books and toys.
It’s also a good idea to organize things now, like the diaper caddy and bath supplies, so everything’s ready when you need it.
3 – Prepare and Freeze Meals
One of the best things you can do for your future self is to prep and freeze some meals.
Think about your favorite crockpot recipes, soups, and casseroles—things like lasagna, chicken and rice, shepherd’s pie, or a good veggie stir-fry.
Portion them out and freeze them so you can just reheat and enjoy.
You could also look into meal prep services or delivery options to make life a little easier when the baby arrives.
4 – Make a Postpartum Recovery Kit
Your future self will be so grateful for this!
Gather some comfortable underwear (plus some mesh ones) and pads because they’ll be your new best friends.
Grab some nipple cream, breast pads, and nursing bras if you plan to breastfeed.
For managing pain, stock up on heating pads or warm compresses, pain relief meds, and witch hazel pads for perineal relief.
Don’t forget a peri bottle and some cozy socks too!
Must Read: Postpartum Essentials For Moms
5 – Stock Up On Essentials and Grocery Supplies
List the essentials you’ll need for those first few weeks after delivery.
Think non-perishable food items like oats, rice, canned goods, granola bars, etc.
Also, stock up on household supplies, personal care items, and baby supplies.
Ordering online can save you from heavy lifting and long trips to the store.
Just double-check expiration dates so nothing goes bad too soon.
6 – Pack Your Hospital Bags
As you enter your third trimester, it’s a great time to pack hospital bags for yourself, the baby, and your partner.
Start with comfortable clothes, toiletries, snacks and drinks, baby supplies (swaddles, clothes, baby care items, diapers). Also pack important documents, pillows and blankets, and a camera to capture those first moments.
7 – Spend Quality Time With Your Kids
Your new baby will keep you busy, so now’s the perfect time to spend some extra special moments with your older kids.
Plan some fun, pregnancy-friendly outings and picnics, and enjoy bonding as you all get ready to welcome the little one.
Bonus Tip: Plan gifts for your older kids from the baby. Their joy when they receive them will be priceless!
8 – Nesting To-Do Lists
Got some chores hanging over your head? Now’s the time to dive in!
Use that nesting instinct to declutter and organize.
Clean and baby-proof the house, finish your baby registry, order your baby wrap or sling, and prewash baby clothes and sheets.
Get everything ready before your baby arrives.
RELATED: Must-Have Items for Your Baby's First Month
9 – Date Nights With Your Husband
A new baby means fewer moments with your partner, especially at first.
So, make plans for your maternity shoot and some date nights with your husband ASAP.
A little heart-to-heart with your partner can boost your mood like nothing else.
If your health allows, plan a babymoon to enjoy some just-the-two-of-you time. You’ll be glad you did!
10 – Indulge In Self-care
Don’t hesitate to pamper yourself. Book a prenatal massage or a nail appointment.
Get a pedicure. Go shopping if you feel like it.
Even if it feels tough, dress up and take pictures while you’re growing this miracle.
Bonus Tip: Prepare a self-care kit with bath bombs, face masks, a good book, and calming teas for yourself.
11 – Shortlist Your Pediatrician
If you haven’t yet, it’s time to shortlist your pediatrician.
Do some research, and interview potential pediatricians.
Discuss your concerns and preferences regarding proximity, cost, scheduling, etc.
12 – Find A Lactation Expert
If you’re a first-time mom planning to breastfeed, consider booking a lactation consult or class.
If not, find lactation support forums and read tips to navigate feeding challenges once your baby is here.
13 – Set Up A Feeding Station
Whether you choose to breastfeed or bottle-feed, now’s the time to set up your feeding station.
For breastfeeding, get a nursing pillow, a breast pump (if needed), and milk storage bags.
Did you know the initial milk, colostrum, is like liquid gold for your newborn?
If your body starts producing it near the end of your 3rd trimester, you can express and freeze this nutrient-rich colostrum for later use.
If you plan to bottle-feed, make sure you have your preferred bottles, nipples, formula, bottle brush, and drying rack.
Keep all your feeding essentials in a basket or trolley, in a cozy corner where you’ll feed your baby.
Have bibs, burp cloths, water, and healthy snacks for yourself nearby.
14 – Enjoy Your Baby Shower
Have fun and soak up all the love at your baby shower!
Dress up, enjoy the celebration, and let your friends and family shower you with attention.
If you haven’t already, consider making a baby registry at your favorite stores.
And don’t hesitate to ask experienced parents for their practical tips and advice.
15 – Get Moving
Staying active is super important during this time.
You don’t need to go all out, but some gentle exercises like prenatal yoga, light swimming, or even a walk with your partner can help prepare your body for birth.
Don’t forget those daily Kegels to strengthen your pelvic floor!
Just make sure to check in with your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise routine.
16 – Plan Ahead
Think about planning and freezing some meals for those first hectic weeks after the baby arrives.
Decide who you want as postpartum visitors—friends or family who can help out with the baby and household chores.
Setting up a meal train can be a lifesaver, with well-wishers helping with food prep, cooking, and grocery runs.
And if you haven’t yet, pick out going-home outfits for both you and the baby.
17 – Learn About Baby Care
If you’re a first-time parent, it’s totally normal to feel a bit anxious.
Reading up on baby care, understanding their cues, and learning about their needs can be really helpful.
Consider taking a newborn care class where you can practice things like diaper-changing and swaddling.
18 – Rest Whenever You Can
Things are going to get busy once the baby arrives, so rest up now while you can.
Your body is working hard, so try to take naps whenever possible.
If you have older kids, nap whenever they do.
Get some comfy pillows to support your belly and back, and take warm baths to soothe sore muscles.
Try to limit screen time in bed to help you sleep better (as much as your belly allows!).
19 – Plan for Pet Introduction and Care
It’s a good idea to schedule your pet’s check-ups and vaccinations ahead of time.
Make sure you have plenty of their favorite food, supplies, and toys.
Consider asking a friend or family member to help out with your pet during those initial days, or think about hiring a pet sitter.
Look into how to introduce your pet to your new baby. When the baby arrives, start with visual introductions.
Once your pet gets used to the baby’s cries, you can try some supervised meetings.
It might take a bit for your pet to adjust, so be patient and flexible.
20 – Keep Your Loved Ones Close
You’ll need all the support you can get, so stay connected with your loved ones.
Spend quality time with your partner and talk about your hopes and dreams for your growing family.
Hang out with friends, call your family, and soak up all the positive vibes while you wait for your baby to join you Earthside.
21 – Get Comfortable with Baby Gear
Make sure you’re familiar with all the baby gear so you can use it easily once the baby is here.
You’ll need a car seat to bring your baby home, so install it right away and read up on the do’s and don’ts.
Set up the stroller and take it for a test run with a stuffed toy or doll. Learn about safety practices like harnesses, straps, and locks.
If you can, have an experienced parent show you the ropes.
22 – Get Comfy Maternity Clothes
As the third trimester progresses, you might notice your clothes don’t fit quite like they used to.
Treat yourself to some comfortable maternity clothes or get creative with what you already have.
Go for loose, comfy outfits like wrap skirts, t-shirts, and button-down dresses.
Stretchy pants or resized leggings can also be great for accommodating your growing belly.
23 – Finalize Your Baby’s Name
Have you picked out a name for your little munchkin yet? If not, now’s the perfect time to narrow it down.
If you know the gender, start listing your favorites.
If not, make a list for both boys and girls.
Get your partner and older kids involved too—they might have some fun suggestions!
SEE: Baby Name Suggestions
24 – Book a Cleaning Service
The last thing you want to worry about when caring for a newborn is keeping the house clean.
Consider booking a cleaning service, or ask trusted family or friends to help out around the house while you recover.
25 – Set Up a Baby Book or Album
Grab a baby book and start jotting down all those special moments and milestones.
You can even include letters to your baby (if those pregnancy hormones allow it) and add cute pictures.
Trust me, you’ll cherish looking back at these memories when your little one is all grown up.
26 – Plan for Work and Family Leave
If you’re working, it’s a good idea to let your boss know about your maternity leave plans.
Sort out your timeline, create a handover plan for your colleagues, and familiarize yourself with company policies.
Don’t forget to look into childcare options like daycare and prioritize your tasks before you go.
27 – Be Emotionally and Mentally Prepared
Getting ready for a baby is such an emotional rollercoaster.
It’s totally normal to feel excited, nervous, and a bit scared all at once.
But remember, you’re not alone in this—you’ve got your loved ones to lean on. Don’t hesitate to ask for help whenever you need it.
Chat with your family and friends who have been through this before.
They can offer some great advice on caring for a newborn while also taking care of yourself.
Try out some meditation or breathing exercises to keep your anxiety in check.
If you haven’t already, sit down with your partner and figure out how you’ll share the baby duties, look after other kids, manage appointments, and so on.
Making priority lists for important chores can also help you stay organized without feeling overwhelmed once the baby arrives.
28 – Avoid The Following
Now, let’s talk about what to steer clear of.
Avoid any strenuous exercises or activities that could lead to falls.
It’s tempting to Google everything, but try to resist. Stick to trusted sources and ignore unsolicited advice.
Stay away from deli meats, unpasteurized foods, smoking, and drinking.
Have someone else handle cleaning the cat litter to avoid the risk of toxoplasmosis.
Feeling anxious is completely normal. When it gets to be too much, focus on gratitude and lean on your loved ones for support.
29 – Take Care of Yourself
And most importantly, take care of yourself!
Eat healthy foods, stay hydrated, and keep up with your prenatal visits and classes.
Keep track of your baby’s movements, talk to your little one, and don’t forget those prenatal vitamins.
Wrapping Up Third Trimester Checklist
You’ve got this, mama! With your checklist in hand, you’re all set to welcome your little one into the world.
Remember to take things one step at a time, lean on your loved ones for support, and don’t forget to take care of yourself along the way.
Enjoy these last moments of your pregnancy, and get ready for the beautiful adventure of parenthood. Good luck!
More About Preparing for Motherhood:
Push Present Ideas for New Moms
Baby Items You Don't Need To Buy
Bible Verses For A Calm Labor
How To Become A Better Birth Partner For Your Wife