Your Third Trimester Checklist: Preparing for Baby’s Arrival

The third trimester has a way of making everything feel a little more real. Your baby’s kicks are getting stronger, your due date is getting closer, and you may be wondering if you’re truly ready for labor, delivery, and bringing your little one home. The good news? You don’t have to have everything figured out before your baby arrives. Preparing for your third trimester isn’t about checking every box perfectly, it’s about taking one step at a time. Whether this is your first baby or you’re adding another little one to your family, here’s a practical checklist to help you feel more prepared and confident as you approach delivery.

Pack Your Hospital Bag

Most families find it helpful to have a hospital bag packed between 34 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. While every birth is different, having the essentials ready can help you feel prepared if labor begins earlier than expected. Consider packing:

• Comfortable clothes to wear home
• Nursing bras or supportive bras
• Toiletries and personal care items
• Phone charger (an extra-long cord is often helpful!)
• Comfortable slippers or socks
• Baby’s going-home outfit
• Infant car seat (installed before your due date)
• Any important paperwork or insurance information

You don’t need to overpack. The hospital provides many of the basics for both you and your baby.

Install Your Baby’s Car Seat

Your baby can’t leave the hospital without a properly installed rear-facing car seat. Try to have it installed several weeks before your due date so it’s one less thing to think about when labor begins. If you’re unsure whether it’s installed correctly, many communities offer car seat safety checks through local fire departments, hospitals, or certified child passenger safety technicians.

Choose a Pediatrician

One of the most important decisions you’ll make before your baby arrives is choosing a pediatrician. Ask friends or family for recommendations, read reviews, and check which providers are covered by your insurance. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, call your preferred pediatrician to confirm they’re accepting new patients and ask about their process for newborns, including when they recommend scheduling your baby’s first visit.

Learn the Signs of Labor

As your due date approaches, it’s helpful to know the difference between common third-trimester discomforts and the signs that labor may be beginning. Call your OB/GYN or certified nurse midwife if you experience:

• Regular contractions that become stronger and closer together
• Your water breaks or you think you may be leaking fluid
• Vaginal bleeding that’s heavier than light spotting
• A noticeable decrease in your baby’s movements
• Severe headache, vision changes, or significant swelling
• Any symptoms that concern you

If you’re ever unsure, we’d rather you call. We’re here to help you determine the next best step.

Practice Kick Counts

By the third trimester, you’ll become familiar with your baby’s unique movement patterns. Many providers recommend paying attention to your baby’s daily movements beginning around 28 weeks. If you notice a significant decrease in movement, contact your healthcare provider promptly. Your instincts matter, and it’s always okay to reach out if something doesn’t feel right.

Think About Your Birth Preferences

While no two births are exactly alike, spending a little time thinking about your preferences can help you feel more prepared. You may want to consider:

• Who you’d like in the delivery room
• Pain management preferences
• Skin-to-skin contact after delivery
• Feeding plans for your baby

Remember, a birth plan is simply a guide, not a guarantee. Flexibility is important because labor can be unpredictable, and our priority is always the safety of both you and your baby.

Prepare for Life After Delivery

Many parents spend months preparing for labor but very little time thinking about the weeks after birth. Before your baby arrives, consider:

• Preparing a few freezer meals
• Stocking up on household essentials
• Arranging help from family or friends if possible
• Setting up a comfortable feeding and recovery space
• Learning about postpartum recovery and emotional health

Accepting help isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s one of the best gifts you can give yourself during the early weeks with a newborn.

Don’t Forget About Yourself

As your due date gets closer, it’s easy to focus entirely on your growing to-do list. But one of the most important things you can do is continue taking care of yourself. Stay hydrated, eat nourishing meals, get as much rest as you can, and keep attending your prenatal appointments. These visits allow your healthcare team to monitor both you and your baby, answer your questions, and help you prepare for delivery.

We’re Here Every Step of the Way

The third trimester is filled with excitement, anticipation, and sometimes a few nerves. That’s completely normal. At Grace Obstetrics & Gynecology, our physicians and certified nurse midwives are here to guide you through every stage of pregnancy, from your first prenatal appointment through labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery. Whether you have questions about labor, your birth preferences, or simply want reassurance that you’re on the right track, we’re honored to be part of your journey. To schedule an appointment or learn more about our pregnancy care, contact Grace Obstetrics & Gynecology in Fort Worth or Granbury at 817.776.4722 or request an appointment online.