Last updated on April 29th, 2025 at 10:17 pm
The third trimester can feel like a mix of excitement, impatience, and maybe a little bit of “how am I going to get everything done?” For me personally I felt like I counted down to the final stretch my whole pregnancy, but then once it was here I was overwhelmed with how soon my baby would be here.
There’s definitely more to do as you get closer to your due date, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. I’ve put together this checklist to help you focus on what’s really important in these last few months, so you can feel more prepared and less stressed.
We’ll go over everything from getting your home ready, to preparing for labor, and all those little things that help make life a bit easier once baby arrives.
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Baby Shower & Registry
1. Have Your Baby Shower
One of the best parts of the third trimester is your baby shower (if you haven’t had it yet). Whether it’s in person, virtual, or something more casual, it’s a chance to celebrate with family and friends who are excited for you to become a mom!
If you’re still in the planning stages, just make sure to hold it sooner rather than later. Babies don’t always stick to their due dates, and I’ve had many moms come into labor and delivery earlier than planned and miss their own baby shower. Somewhere between 28 and 34 weeks is my personal preference of when to hold it but you can do whatever feels right for you.
Need ideas? I’ve shared lots of helpful baby shower tips here:
2. Finalize Your Registry
Even if your baby shower has passed, friends or family may still ask what you need. Make sure your registry is up to date and take advantage of any completion discounts. A lot of baby registry sites offer a percentage off items left on your registry, so it’s worth checking and grabbing any last-minute items you still need.
Related: The Ultimate Baby Registry Guide
3. Write & Send Thank You Notes
It’s easy to put this off, but getting your thank you notes done now is so much easier than trying to tackle them after your newborn has arrived. If gifts have already started coming in, go ahead and write a few now. Keep them short, personal, and just aim to finish before baby arrives.
Need help figuring out what to say? I’ve got plenty of tips and examples to make writing your baby shower thank you notes simple.
Getting Ready for Baby
1. Wash Baby's Clothes and Blankets
I know some people think washing all your baby’s clothes before they’re born is unnecessary, but I’m a big believer in doing it. Babies have such sensitive skin, so it’s worth washing anything fabric that will touch them, like clothes, blankets, swaddles, burp cloths, and sheets.
That said, you don’t have to wash everything right away. I usually recommend starting with just a few outfits in preemie, newborn, and 0 to 3 month sizes until you know how big your baby will be. That way, you’re not wasting time washing clothes they might never wear, and you can still return or exchange anything that doesn’t fit.
Use a gentle, fragrance-free detergent that won’t irritate their skin. Don’t waste your money getting a detergent that is only made for babies, and that is fragrance and dye free like a Tide Free and Gentle works just fine. You can always switch detergents later if you find your baby is sensitive to the one you choose.
2. Sterilize Bottles, Pacifiers, and Pump Parts
Now’s also the time to sterilize anything that’ll go in baby’s mouth or touch their food – bottles, pacifiers, pump parts, etc. You can use a bottle sterilizer, boil water on the stove, or use microwave sterilizing bags depending on what you have.
Make sure everything is clean, dry, and organized so it’s ready when you need it.
3. Set Up the Nursery
If you’re planning to have a nursery, now’s the time to put your vision together. Whether it’s a full room or just a dedicated corner of your room, having a space ready can help you feel more prepared when baby gets here. Get the crib and/or bassinet set up, organize baby clothes and supplies, and think about what you’ll need close by once baby arrives.
You don’t need everything perfect, just functional. A place to change diapers, somewhere to sit for feedings, and a safe sleep space are really the basics. The rest can come together as you go.
4. Set Up Baby Gear
Now is a good time to pull out any bigger baby items and make sure you know how they work. Things like your stroller, baby carrier, swing, bouncer, and monitor all come with instructions, and sometimes putting them together takes more time than you would expect.
Even if you do not plan on using everything right away, getting familiar with how things fold up, buckle, or charge can save you stress later. Go ahead and wash any removable covers, check batteries, and make sure everything is ready to go when you need it.
You do not have to have every last gadget set up, but the basics you plan to use in the first few weeks are worth setting up now.
5. Check Car Seat Installation
Before baby comes, make sure your car seat is installed correctly. If you’ve never done it before, it can feel a little intimidating, but there’s plenty of help out there. Many local fire stations or police departments will check it for you, and AAA sometimes offers free inspections too.
Once you know how to properly install it, you’ll want to take it out of your car, especially if you’re still a few weeks out. If you get in a car accident of any kind you will have to replace it. It’s best to leave it out until you are actually heading in for an induction or know that labor is likely coming very soon.
Bonus tip: We had an extra car seat base in each of our cars and it made switching back and forth way easier.
6. Choose a Pediatrician
Your baby will need a checkup soon after delivery, so having a pediatrician picked out ahead of time is one less thing to do while you are in the hopsital. Ask around for recommendations from friends, family, or even read reviews online to find the right fit.
Here are a few things to think about:
- Do they accept your insurance?
- Are they close to home?
- Do they offer after-hours care or a nurse line?
- Do they have separate waiting rooms for sick kids?
- Do they have an option for after hours clinic or hold clinics on the weekends?
You don’t have to meet them before delivery, but it’s good to know who you’ll be calling when baby arrives.
Stock Up on Household Essentials
Trust me, the last thing you want to do after coming home with a newborn is run to the store for toilet paper or laundry detergent. Stocking up now means you can just focus on resting and bonding with baby.
Some basics to grab:
- Paper towels, toilet paper, tissues
- Cleaning supplies
- Pantry staples (pasta, snacks, canned goods)
- Toiletries (shampoo, toothpaste, etc.)
- Baby essentials (wipes, diapers, extra onesies)
You don’t need to go overboard, but a little extra can save you from those last-minute store runs.
Birth Preparations
1. Pack Your Hospital Bag
Packing your hospital bag doesn’t need to be stressful, but it’s definitely something you want to have ready by the time you hit 36-37 weeks, just in case baby decides to come early. You don’t need to pack like you are going on an extended vacation, but having a few key items for comfort can make a big difference.
Here’s a quick idea of what to include:
- Comfy clothes for you (think loose-fitting and nursing-friendly if needed)
- Toiletries
- At minimum your own pillow but a blanket too if you want
- Phone charger (the 10ft long cords are the best!)
- Snacks for you and your partner
- A going-home outfit for baby
- Any paperwork or ID you’ll need
I break down exactly what to bring (and what to leave at home) in my Hospital Bag Checklist, including a printable to help you stay organized.
2. Make a Plan for Childcare or Pet Care During Labor
If you’ve got older kids or pets at home, now’s the time to figure out who’s going to help when you head to the hospital. Labor can happen at any time, so having a backup plan gives peace of mind.
Ask yourself:
- Who’s on call to watch the kids or pets, even in the middle of the night?
- Do you need to pack a bag for your older kids, just like you’re doing for yourself?
- Does someone have a key to your house, or know where important things are?
Having a go-to person (or two) lined up means one less thing to worry about when the time comes.
3. Finalize Maternity Leave Plans
If you haven’t already, check in with your workplace about maternity leave policies. Make sure any paperwork is completed ahead of time, especially if your company requires it before you leave.
Things to confirm:
- How much time off you’ll get and whether it’s paid or unpaid
- What your official last day will be, even if it’s flexible depending on when baby arrives
- Any forms you’ll need to submit to HR or your manager now or after birth
Getting this squared away before labor starts helps you focus on your baby, not on paperwork.
4.Take a Prenatal or Childbirth Class
If you haven’t already, now’s a great time to take a class to help you feel more prepared. These classes cover what to expect during labor, different pain management options, and basic newborn care. Some even include a tour of your hospital or birthing center.
Check with your hospital or look for online options if that’s easier for your schedule and make sure to include your partner so you can take the class together.
5. Finalize Your Birth Plan
You don’t need a long, detailed plan, but it’s helpful to think about your preferences for labor and delivery. This can include things like:
- Do you want pain relief, like an epidural?
- Who do you want in the room with you?
- Are there certain things you’d like to avoid or prioritize (like delayed cord clamping or skin-to-skin right after birth)?
- Do you have any preferences for the care of your baby post delivery (bath, medications, rooming in, etc.)?
Talk through your thoughts with your provider so you’re both on the same page. Just keep in mind that birth can be unpredictable, so flexibility helps too. I have a whole post on how to write a birth plan as well as a print out you can use to create your own if you aren’t sure where to start!
6. Know the Signs: Braxton Hicks vs. Real Labor
By now, you’ve probably felt some Braxton Hicks contractions – those tight, uncomfortable squeezes that make you feel like you’re going to pee your pants but don’t do much more. It can be tricky to tell the difference between those and real labor, especially when it is your first pregnancy.
A few quick tips:
- Braxton Hicks are usually irregular, don’t get stronger over time, and go away with rest or hydration.
- Real contractions come at regular intervals, get more intense, and don’t stop when you change positions.
I go into more details on Braxton Hicks vs. Real Labor so you can be prepared when baby time comes.
7. Download a Contraction Timer App
When the real contractions start, it can be hard to keep track of any details about them other than they hurt! A contraction timer app helps you log when they start, how long they last, and how close together they are. This is important information when it comes to deciding whether or not it is time to head to the hospital.
There are plenty of great free options out there, so when you are ready download one and test it out!
Postpartum Prep
1. Stock Up on Postpartum Essentials
Taking care of yourself after birth is just as important as taking care of baby. The last thing you’ll want to do is run out to grab supplies when you’re sore and exhausted, so having some basics at home will make those early days much smoother.
Here’s what I found most helpful:
- Heavy pads or disposable underwear
- Peri bottle (this one is so much better than the hospital version)
- Numbing spray cooling pads
- Epsom salts for sitz baths
- Ibuprofen or Tylenol
- Nursing bras and nipple cream if you’re breastfeeding
- Nursing pads (even if you’re not nursing, your milk still comes in)
The hospital may send you home with some of these items, but I almost always ran out after a few days so it is nice to have a few things on hand at home.
2. Prep Freezer Meals or Stock Up on Easy Food
Cooking is probably the last thing you’ll want to do when you are newly postpartum and adjusting to life with a newborn. Prepping a few freezer meals or even just stocking up on easy food options can be a huge help.
If you like to cook, set aside a day to make big batches of meals you can freeze. Some of my go-tos:
- Lasagna or pasta bakes
- Burritos or enchiladas
- Soups and stews
- Muffins or breakfast sandwiches
If you aren’t into making your own freezer meals, your local grocery store will have plenty of easy options in the freezer section you can make at home. Even just a few will save you on those days when you need something quick.
Want some ideas for meals to prep in your freezer for postpartum? Here’s a full list of Freezer Meal Prep Before Baby to get you started.
3. Set Up a Nursing or Pumping Station
If you are planning to breastfeed, or even exclusively pump, you are going to want all your supplies organized in whatever space you plan to use. Whether it’s in your nursery, bedroom, or living room, having your essentials nearby makes it so much easier.
Here’s what I kept in mine:
- My breast pump and parts
- Water bottle (stay hydrated!)
- Snacks (because nursing hunger is real)
- Burp cloths
- Nipple cream
- Phone charger or headphones for those longer sessions
I know several friends that like to use one of these rolling carts to organize everything at their bedside. Personally I just used a small basket and restocked it everyday but you can do whatever works for you!
4. Order Your Breast Pump
Speaking of breastfeeding, most insurance plans cover a breast pump, but you’ll want to order it in your third trimester so it’s ready when you need it. Sites like Aeroflow or Edgepark make the process really simple. They’ll contact your doctor for a prescription and send it straight to your door.
There are all sorts of pump types available on these sites. And even if your insurance won’t complete pay for a specific pump, chances are it will pay partial cost or even reimburse you for one not available on these sites. If you have your eye on a specific pump don’t hesitate to ask!
Soak Up These Last Weeks
This final stretch of pregnancy can feel long, especially when you’re uncomfortable and counting down the days. But it’s also a really special window of time. Even with all the prep and to-dos, don’t forget to enjoy it a little too.
Schedule Maternity Photos
If you’re thinking about taking maternity photos, now’s the time to schedule them. Most photographers recommend taking them between 28 and 34 weeks when your bump is showing but you’re not too uncomfortable yet.
Don’t worry about having the perfect outfit or the perfect location. Even if you just have a friend snap a few photos on your phone, you’ll be glad to have them later.
Plan a Few Date Nights or Special Time with Older Kids
With so much focus on preparing for baby, it’s easy to forget that this time matters too. These final weeks are a chance to enjoy time with the people you love, whether that’s your partner, your older kids, or just yourself. Life is about to get busier and more demanding, so make time now for connection and rest before your new baby joins the party.
Even something as simple as a planned date night, a special outing with your other kids, or a quiet moment to yourself go a long way in helping you feel emotionally ready for what’s ahead.
Rest When You Can
Everyone loves to tell pregnant women to “sleep now while you can,” which isn’t always helpful when your body aches and you’re up every few hours to pee. Still, finding moments to rest, even short naps or putting your feet up, can really help your energy and mood.
Don’t feel guilty for slowing down. Your body is do so much even when you are sitting down resting.
Final Thoughts on the Third Trimester
The third trimester can feel like the longest and fastest part of pregnancy all at once. You’re tired, uncomfortable, and probably counting down the days—but you’re also so close to meeting your baby.
This checklist isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s here to help you feel a little more prepared and a little less overwhelmed as you finish out this final stretch. So take what’s helpful, skip what’s not, and give yourself permission to rest when you need to.
You’ve already done so much. Trust yourself, trust your body, and take it one day at a time. You’ve got this.
Need more support? These posts can help as you wrap things up:
