15 Tasks to Complete During Your Third Trimester - Third Trimester To Do List
Pregnancy is an incredible journey. A common question about pregnancy is what week is the third trimester? The third trimester begins in week 28 of pregnancy and lasts until you give birth. This is usually around the 40th week of pregnancy; although it can happen some time before or after 40 weeks. All in all, the third trimester is about 13 weeks long.
The third trimester is the homestretch of your pregnancy. Your baby (and belly) are growing every day and it’s a time to make final preparations for the baby’s arrival. The last weeks of pregnancy can be exciting and overwhelming all at once. To help with the overwhelm, here is a to do list that will help you get some key tasks done before your new bundle of joy arrives.
1. Choose a hospital with labor and delivery services
First thing’s first, you have to make sure you know where you are going to give birth. Expecting moms have a variety of options for birth options including a hospital, a birthing center or at home. If you plan on having a hospital birth, here is a list of the Best Hospitals in Washington D.C. and its Maryland suburbs.
When deciding which hospital is right for you, it’s always a good idea to schedule a tour. With current COVID-19 protocols, hospitals are offering virtual options. It’s also a good idea to pre-register with the hospital. This way, you won’t have to worry about providing your information (e.g. insurance card, etc). when in labor.
2. Take a birth class
The hospital you choose most likely offers classes to help you prepare for your baby. Classes may include childbirth and baby care, breastfeeding, infant CPR and child safety. To prepare for the birth of your baby, make sure you take a class that focuses on labor and delivery. Understanding what to expect, what signs to look for and the different stages of birth can help to reduce stress and anxiety.
3. Choose a pediatrician
Once your baby is born, he or she will be under the care of a pediatrician for the next 18 years. You want to make sure that you are comfortable with the person that will be taking care of your baby and that you’ll be seeing quite a bit. Do your research before baby is here and potentially have an orientation with your pediatrician. Some pediatricians can come to see you and your baby while you’re still in the hospital. The hospital will have pediatricians on staff, but it’s also nice if your permanent pediatrician can make a quick visit as well.
4. Find a lactation consultant
If breastfeeding will be part of your journey, a lactation consultant can be a great person to help with any questions or issues you may have. Your hospital may have lactation consultants on staff who can help you get started with your breastfeeding journey while you are still in the hospital. Your pediatrician’s office may also have a consultant on staff that you can check in with during your baby’s first check-up a few days after your baby is born. You can also hire a consultant for a more personalized experience.
5. Order a breast pump
If breastfeeding will be a part of your journey, having a breast pump on hand will be useful. Before buying a breast pump, check with your insurance company to see if it’s something that is already covered under your insurance plan. Some plans cover the full cost of a breast pump and milk storage bags.
6. Hire a doula
Your first question might be, what’s a doula? A doula is a trained companion, that can provide emotional and physical support to you and your family during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. Having a doula is not required, but it’s an option that is available if you would like additional support during your pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period.
7. Finalize your birth plan
What is a birth plan? A birth plan is a document that lets your team know what your labor and delivery preferences are for areas like pain management, postpartum care and newborn procedures. It is recommended that you keep your birth plan simple, while outlining your key preferences. For example, do you want a natural childbirth or would you like the assistance of medication for pain management? Do you want to incorporate skin to skin care after birth? Do you plan to breastfeed or formula feed? Are there any specific procedures that you want for your baby (e.g. circumcision)? Once you have your plan finalized, share it with your healthcare provider so they are aware of your preferences.
8. Hire a photographer
Would you like to document your pregnancy journey? As a maternity, newborn and family photographer, I always encourage expecting parents to document the journey before baby arrives. I invite you to read an article I wrote on why maternity photos are important, 3 Reasons Why Every Expecting Mother Needs Maternity Photos. A question you might ask yourself is when should I get maternity photos? I’ve got you covered there as well with another article, When to Take Maternity Photos. In general, schedule your maternity session early and plan to have the pictures taken between 30 and 36 weeks; slightly earlier if you are expecting multiples. If you hire a photographer for your maternity session, they will most likely also be able to take photos of your newborn, once baby has arrived. In this article, I explain When to Take Newborn Photos so that you have a good idea of when you should plan on having photos, depending on the types of photos you want. If you have any questions on hiring a photographer for your any part of you pregnancy journey, please feel free to contact me.
9. Install car seat
An important task you need to complete, is installing your car seat. You won’t be able to leave the hospital without it and you don’t want someone struggling in the parking lot trying to get it in while you and the baby wait in your room. You want to make sure that the installation is done correctly, your baby’s safety depends on it. If you are a resident of Montgomery County, MD the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service offers both in-person car seat checks and remote face-to-face education/guidance on your car seat usage. Learn more on the MCFRS website.
10. Prep baby’s sleeping space
Where will your baby sleep? It is recommended that you put your bay to sleep in a separate, but close-by, safe place to sleep. Whether your baby will sleep in a nursery or in a cradle in your room, do whatever works best for you.
11. Assemble baby gear
When it comes to having a baby, there is so much stuff! Make sure you go through the gear and pick what is essential for you. As I mentioned above, a car seat is mandatory and so is a sleeping space. You’ll also want to have diapers, wipes and diaper rash creams ready. But there is so much more to think about including monitors, strollers, carriers and all sorts of other gear. Make sure to put together your essential items before baby arrives, so you don’t have to worry about it later.
12. Wash baby clothes
Before baby arrives, you will want to make sure to wash some clothes. Don’t wash everything, since you don’t know how big baby will be. Wash some essential items and leave the rest for after your baby arrives and you are sure of your baby’s size.
13. Pack your bag
You never know exactly when your baby will arrive, so you want to make sure you have mom and baby’s hospital bag packed in advance.
14. Assemble baby first aid kit
You hope your baby doesn’t get sick soon after their arrival, but you want to be ready just in case they do. Make sure you have a thermometer, suction cups, baby ibuprofen and anything else that you might need if baby falls sick. There is nothing worse than having to run to the drugstore at 2 am to get some baby ibuprofen for a feverish baby.
15. Baby proof your house
Baby has not yet arrived, why am I talking about baby proofing the house? Because your baby will be crawling around faster than you realize it. Make sure to start baby proofing your house overtime, so when your baby does start moving around, you’ve already started the work of proofing your house.
