Third Trimester To-Do

Your guide to getting through the last stages of pregnancy and preparing for baby.

It can get pretty overwhelming, we know. Use this handy guide to keep track of your progress... and to keep your sanity! Click the links for more detailed checklists and Q&As.

Weeks 28-32
[   ] Babyproof house
[   ] Start fetal kick counts
[   ] Prepare birth plan
[   ] Baby shower
[   ] Send thank-you notes for gifts (start one week after shower)
[   ] Cook and freeze meals for after delivery
[   ] Start childbirth class
[   ] Doctor visits (two this month)
[   ] Milestone: Others feel baby move?

Weeks 32-36
[   ] Buy any baby items still needed
[   ] Prepare all baby first aid and emergency items
[   ] Print and fill out emergency sheets
[   ] Get a low-maintenance haircut
[   ] Finish painting nursery
[   ] Get car seat inspected
[   ] Pack hospital bag
[   ] Contact local cord blood bank if interested in donating
[   ] Find out what screening tests your hospital routinely gives newborns
[   ] Speak with doctor about any additional tests you'd like run
[   ] Doctor visits (two this month)
[   ] Group B strep test (week 35-37)
[   ] Milestone: Last day of work
[   ] Milestone: Last week to fly safely (week 35)

Weeks 36-delivery
[   ] Doctor visits (weekly until delivery)
[   ] Non-stress test
[   ] Biophysical profile 

> Entire prenatal to-do checklist

-- Paula Kashtan

May 14, 2009

See More: 3rd Trimester