The Ultimate Third Trimester Checklist: Getting Ready for Delivery
Feeling the 'nesting' urge? This comprehensive E-A-T guide breaks down your third-trimester checklist: medical prep, hospital bag essentials, and mental readiness for your delivery day.
Welcome to the home stretch! The third trimester (Weeks 28-40+) is a time of rapid growth, intense preparation, and eager anticipation. While your energy may be waning, you're likely feeling the powerful, instinctual urge to "nest"—to prepare your home for your new arrival.
This phase can feel overwhelming. Your to-do list is long, your body is achy, and your brain is juggling a million "what-ifs." The key to managing this final leg of the journey is to break it down into manageable, actionable steps.
This guide is your ultimate checklist. We've organized everything you need to do, from critical medical preparations to packing the perfect hospital bag, so you can move toward your due date feeling confident, prepared, and in control.
Table of Contents
- Part 1: How Much Time is Left? Anchor Your Timeline
- Part 2: Medical & Physical Prep (E-A-T)
- Part 3: The "Nesting" Checklist: Home & Baby Prep
- Part 4: The Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist (Affiliate)
- Part 5: The Final Countdown: Labor & Emotional Prep
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Part 1: How Much Time is Left? Anchor Your Timeline
Before you dive into the list, the first question is "When?" Knowing your due date is the anchor for all your planning. If you're 30 weeks, you have time to research. If you're 37 weeks, it's time to pack your bag.
Your First Step: Check Your Due Date
Your timeline is everything. Get a clear estimate of your due date to help you prioritize your tasks.
Part 2: Medical & Physical Prep (E-A-T)
These are the non-negotiable health tasks for your third trimester.
- 1. Attend Your Checkups (They're More Frequent Now): Your appointments will likely move to every two weeks from week 28 to 36, and then every week from 36 weeks until delivery. These are vital for monitoring your blood pressure (for preeclampsia) and the baby's position.
- 2. Get the Group B Strep (GBS) Test: Around weeks 36-37, your doctor will perform a simple, painless swab. GBS is a common bacteria that is harmless to you but can be serious for the baby during delivery. If you test positive, you'll simply receive IV antibiotics during labor to protect the baby.
- 3. Understand Cervical Checks (Optional): Your provider may offer to check your cervix in the final weeks. This is to check for dilation (opening) and effacement (thinning). You have the right to decline these, as they are not a good predictor of when labor will start (you can be 3cm dilated for weeks!).
- 4. Monitor Fetal Movement: This is your most important daily task. Your baby should have a consistent pattern of movement. If you notice a significant decrease in movement, do not wait. Drink cold juice, lie on your side, and count kicks. If you don't feel 10 movements in 2 hours, call your doctor or midwife immediately.
- 5. Wear Compression Socks: Swelling (edema) is normal, but it's uncomfortable and can increase your risk of blood clots (DVT).
- Affiliate Idea: A good pair of graduated compression socks is a lifesaver for long days on your feet or for the hospital stay.
Part 3: The "Nesting" Checklist: Home & Baby Prep
Channel that nesting energy into these practical, high-priority tasks.
- 1. Install the Infant Car Seat (YMYL): This is the one item you cannot leave the hospital without. Do not just buy it—install it. Have it inspected at a local fire station or certified car seat safety technician to ensure it's at the correct angle and properly secured.
- 2. Prepare Freezer Meals: This is the #1 tip from veteran moms. You will not have the time, energy, or desire to cook for the first two weeks. Spend a weekend making and freezing easy-to-reheat meals like lasagna, soups, and chilis.
- 3. Set Up Your "Stations":
- Diaper Station: Stock a changing table or basket with diapers (newborn and size 1), wipes, and rash cream.
- Feeding Station: Whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, create a comfortable corner with a chair, burp cloths, a water bottle, and snacks for you.
- Postpartum "Mom" Station: Set up a basket in your bathroom with all your postpartum essentials (see hospital bag list below).
- 4. Wash Baby's Clothes: Wash all onesies, sleepers, and swaddles in a hypoallergenic, dye-free baby detergent to remove any irritants from the manufacturing process.
- 5. Sanitize Your Gear: Sterilize all bottles, pump parts, and pacifiers according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Part 4: The Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist (Affiliate)
Pack your bag between weeks 35 and 37—you never know if the baby will decide to come early!
For Mom (The Most Important Bag)
| Item | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Documents | 1 | ID, Insurance Card, Birth Plan (3 copies) |
| Phone & Charger | 1 | Get an extra-long (10ft) charging cord. |
| Comfortable Robe | 1 | For walking the halls and feeling human. Shop Robes |
| Slippers / Flip-Flops | 1 pair | For the floor and the hospital shower. |
| Postpartum Essentials | 1 kit | The hospital provides these, but many prefer their own. |
| Shop Postpartum Recovery Kits | ||
| (Includes: Peri bottle, mesh underwear, perineal spray, ice packs) | ||
| Nursing Bra/Tank | 2 | For comfort and easy feeding. |
| Going-Home Outfit | 1 | Crucial Tip: Pack your 6-month maternity clothes, not your pre-pregnancy jeans. |
| Toiletries | 1 set | Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, lip balm (hospital air is dry). |
For Baby
- Installed Car Seat: (Yes, it's on the list again. It's that important.)
- Going-Home Outfit: Pack one in "Newborn" size and one in "0-3 Months" just in case.
- Beanie/Hat: To keep them warm on the ride home.
For Your Partner
- Change of Clothes
- Phone Charger
- Pillow & Blanket (The hospital cot is not comfortable).
- Snacks & Water Bottle: Labor is a marathon for them, too.
Part 5: The Final Countdown: Labor & Emotional Prep
1. Finalize Your Birth Plan
A birth plan is not a rigid script; it's a communication tool. Use it to discuss your preferences with your doctor and partner before you're in active labor.
- What are your preferences for pain management (epidural, nitrous oxide, unmedicated)?
- Who do you want in the room?
- What are your preferences for immediate postpartum (skin-to-skin, delayed cord clamping)?
2. Know the Signs of Labor
- Losing Your Mucus Plug: Can happen days or even weeks before labor.
- Braxton Hicks vs. True Contractions: True labor contractions get Longer, Stronger, and Closer Together. They don't go away when you change positions.
- The 5-1-1 Rule: This is the standard guideline to go to the hospital: Contractions are 5 minutes apart, last for 1 minute, and have been happening for at least 1 hour.
- Water Breaking: If you have a big gush or a slow, steady leak, call your doctor. They will likely want you to come in.
3. Plan for Your Postpartum
Who will be your support system for the "Fourth Trimester"? Arrange for help now, whether it's family, friends, or a postpartum doula.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When is the best time to pack my hospital bag? A: A great goal is Week 36. This gives you a full week before you are considered "Full Term" (37 weeks) and eliminates any last-minute panic.
Q: I have a C-section scheduled. Do I still need to pack all this? A: Yes! You will still need all the items for "Mom" (especially a comfortable robe and loose going-home outfit that won't rub your incision). You'll also be in the hospital for 3-4 days, so the extra-long phone charger and snacks are even more important.
Q: Why are compression socks recommended for the hospital? A: You will be given a lot of IV fluids during labor, which can cause significant swelling in your feet and legs after birth. Compression socks help improve circulation, reduce this swelling, and prevent blood clots (DVT) from the long periods of bed rest.
QDo I really need to bring my own postpartum supplies? Won't the hospital provide them? A: The hospital will provide mesh underwear, giant pads, and a peri bottle. However, many women find the ones they buy themselves (like adult diapers or more comfortable mesh underwear) are far superior in comfort and function. It's a personal preference.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for informational, lifestyle, and planning purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always follow the guidance of your doctor or midwife regarding your health, the signs of labor, and when to go to the hospital.
About the Author
Abhilasha Mishra is a health and wellness writer specializing in women's health, fertility, and pregnancy. With a passion for empowering individuals through evidence-based information, she writes to make complex health topics accessible and actionable.