10 Things to Do in Your Third Trimester

You're in the home stretch! The third trimester brings all the feels – excitement, anticipation, maybe a little exhaustion and definitely a growing to-do list as you prepare to meet your baby. Your body is working overtime, your nursery needs setting up and suddenly everyone has advice about what you absolutely must do before baby arrives.

Here's the thing: you don't need to do everything, but tackling a few key tasks can help you feel more organized and ready. From getting your space ready to taking care of your body and mind, these simple steps can help you wrap up pregnancy feeling supported and prepared for what's next.

Start by deciding where you'd like to give birth. Whether you're drawn to a hospital setting, considering a birthing center or planning a home birth, each option offers different benefits and considerations.

Schedule time with your provider to discuss your preferences. This conversation should cover everything from pain management options to who you want in the delivery room. Be specific about what matters most to you, whether that's immediate skin-to-skin contact, delayed cord clamping or your partner cutting the umbilical cord.

Remember that flexibility is your friend here. Birth rarely goes exactly according to plan, and that's completely normal! Think of your birth plan as a guide rather than a guarantee. Having preferences gives you a sense of control while staying open to changes helps you adapt when labor takes its own course.

Walking through your birthing space before the big day removes one layer of uncertainty from an already intense experience. Most hospitals and birthing centers offer regular tours for expecting parents – take advantage of this opportunity to get familiar with the environment where you'll welcome your little one.

During your tour, pay attention to practical details. Where do you check in when you arrive in labor? What's the visitor policy? Are there restrictions on support people? Understanding these logistics now means less confusion when contractions have your full attention.

Ask about what's provided versus what you'll need to bring. Some facilities offer everything from diapers to postpartum pads, while others expect you to bring your own supplies. Knowing these details helps you pack appropriately and avoid last-minute scrambles. Even if an in-person tour isn't possible, many locations now offer virtual walkthroughs that can still help you visualize your birthing experience.

That perfectly packed hospital bag brings peace of mind as your due date approaches.

Here's what to bring:

Start with the absolute essentials: your ID, insurance information, any necessary medical paperwork and your birth plan. Keep these documents together in an easy-to-grab folder right on top of your bag.

For You: Pack comfortable clothes that work for labor and recovery. Think soft, loose-fitting pieces that open in front for skin-to-skin contact and nursing. Don't forget a robe for walking the halls during early labor, cozy socks with grips, your own pillow from home and toiletries that make you feel human – dry shampoo and face wipes work wonders when a shower feels impossible.

For Baby: Your little one needs just a few essentials: two or three going-home outfits in different sizes (because you won't know if you're dealing with a tiny peanut or a chunky monkey), a special blanket for photos and the ride home, newborn diapers if your facility doesn't provide them and any special items you want for those first photos.

For Your Partner: Your support person needs supplies too! Pack them a change of clothes, their own toiletries, snacks that don't require refrigeration and entertainment for the waiting periods. Their phone charger is just as important as yours – they'll be your designated photographer and family updater!

Start with assembling your crib or bassinet well before your due date – wrestling with instruction manuals while having contractions is nobody's idea of a good time. Once it's set up, add a firm crib mattress that meets current safety standards. A breathable, non-toxic baby mattress provides peace of mind with safer materials and better airflow for your little one.

Wash all bedding, clothes and fabric items before baby arrives. Use fragrance-free, gentle detergent to avoid irritating sensitive newborn skin. Organize essentials like diapers, wipes and swaddles in easily accessible spots. Consider setting up multiple changing stations if you have a two-story home – those stairs feel much longer when you're recovering from birth!

Start by checking that your chosen seat fits properly in your vehicle. Not all car seats work in all cars, and discovering an incompatibility at 39 weeks pregnant creates unnecessary stress. Once you've confirmed the fit, practice installation several times until you feel confident.

Many communities offer free car seat safety checks with certified technicians. These experts can verify your installation and teach you proper buckling techniques. They'll show you exactly how tight those straps should be (tighter than you think!) and where that chest clip should sit (armpit level, not belly level). If multiple people will be driving baby, make sure everyone knows how to install and use the seat correctly.

Many hospitals and community centers now offer comprehensive programs that include newborn care basics. 

You'll learn practical skills like diaper changing, swaddling and recognizing hunger and sleep cues. These classes also cover postpartum recovery (which includes postpartum sleep!) – information that's incredibly valuable but often overlooked in pregnancy prep.

Partners benefit enormously from these classes too. They'll learn how to provide effective support during labor, understand what's normal versus concerning in recovery and gain confidence in caring for a newborn. Plus, connecting with other expecting parents creates a support network for those early months when everyone's figuring things out together.

The fourth trimester deserves as much preparation as the first three. Stock your freezer with easy, nourishing meals that you can heat with one hand while holding a baby. Think hearty soups, casseroles and pre-portioned smoothie ingredients.

Create a comfortable recovery space in your home. Set up a nursing or feeding station with everything within reach: water bottles, snacks, phone charger, burp cloths and entertainment for those lengthy cluster-feeding sessions. Good lighting matters too – you'll need enough to see during nighttime feeds without fully waking everyone.

Line up your support system now. Whether it's family, friends or hired help, having people scheduled to bring meals, run errands or hold the baby while you shower makes an enormous difference. Don't wait until you're overwhelmed to ask for help – people want to support you, but they need to know how.

Sleep in pregnancy is essential, but can be elusive. A good pregnancy pillow can make the difference between tossing all night and getting real rest. Support your belly, prop yourself at an angle if heartburn is an issue and cushion between your knees to align your hips. Creating a comfortable sleep setup now also helps during postpartum recovery.

Develop a wind-down routine that signals your body it's time to rest. Gentle prenatal yoga, meditation apps designed for pregnancy or even just some deep breathing can help quiet a racing mind. When sleep won't come, rest still counts – lying quietly and practicing relaxation gives your body some recovery time even if your brain won't fully shut off.

Even more than in your first trimester and second trimester, movement in the third trimester is about preparing your body for birth and supporting your comfort. 

Simple activities like daily walks can work wonders for swelling, back pain and energy levels. Even 15-20 minutes of gentle movement makes a difference.

Swimming or water aerobics provide incredible relief when everything feels heavy and uncomfortable. The buoyancy takes pressure off your joints and back while still giving you a good workout. Many pools offer prenatal water classes where you can connect with other expecting parents while staying active.

Listen to your body above all else. Movement should feel good, not painful or exhausting. If something doesn't feel right, stop and check with your provider.

These final weeks of pregnancy are fleeting, even when they feel endless. Take time to document this journey – whether through weekly bump photos, journaling your thoughts or scheduling a maternity photo session.

Spend quality time with your partner or older children before your family dynamic shifts. Plan simple activities that create connection without exhausting you. Maybe it's breakfast dates, movie nights on the couch or reading bedtime stories to older siblings about becoming a big brother or sister.

Take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey you've been on. Your body has grown a whole human being! Feel those kicks and rolls, knowing that soon you'll miss that secret communication between just the two of you.

Figuring out what to do in third trimester can feel overwhelming but remember: you don't have to do everything perfectly. Focus on what feels most important for your family and let the rest go. Every small step you take brings you closer to meeting your little one.

With some preparation, a solid support system and plenty of grace for yourself, you'll enter parenthood feeling as ready as anyone can be. Because here's the secret every parent learns: you're never completely ready, but you're exactly the parent your baby needs.