Quick answer: Aim to have your hospital bag packed and ready by around 36 weeks, in case labor starts earlier than expected. Regular, strengthening contractions, your water breaking, and a bloody show are common signs — know your provider’s instructions for when to call or come in.
The home stretch is here! The third trimester checklist helps you tick off everything that matters before baby arrives — so you can relax into those final weeks.
From your hospital bag and nursery to health appointments and nesting tasks, here is your complete third trimester checklist, week by week. 🤰
Third Trimester Checklist: Health & Appointments
Prenatal visits get more frequent now:
- Keep up with more frequent prenatal appointments
- Discuss your birth plan with your provider
- Ask about group B strep and other third-trimester tests
- Learn the signs of labor and when to call
- Finalize pediatrician choice
This is general information, not medical advice — always follow your own provider’s guidance.
Pack Your Hospital Bag
Have your bag ready by around 36 weeks in case baby comes early. Pack items for you, baby and your partner. Our hospital bag checklist walks you through exactly what to bring.
Prepare the Nursery
Get baby’s space ready:
- Set up the crib or bassinet and safe sleep space
- Wash and organize baby clothes and blankets
- Stock diapers, wipes and a changing station
- Install the infant car seat (and get it checked)
Need inspiration? See our nursery ideas.
Stock Up & Meal Prep
Make the fourth trimester easier:
- Freeze easy meals for after birth
- Stock postpartum recovery supplies
- Fill the pantry with one-handed snacks
- Buy newborn feeding and diapering basics
See our postpartum essentials and newborn must-haves.
Logistics & Paperwork
Handle the practical to-dos:
- Confirm maternity leave details with work
- Review insurance and how to add baby
- Preregister at your hospital or birth center
- Line up help for the first weeks
- Install and learn your car seat
Rest, Nest & Prepare Emotionally
Nesting energy is real — use it, but pace yourself. Rest when you can, gently prepare older siblings and pets, take a childbirth or newborn-care class if you like, and spend quiet time connecting with your baby and partner before the big change.
Know the Signs of Labor
Learn to recognize labor signs like regular contractions, your water breaking, or a bloody show, and know when your provider wants you to call or head in. For trusted medical information, the Mayo Clinic labor guide is a helpful read — but always follow your own care team.
Third Trimester Checklist: Final Weeks
In the last few weeks, keep your bag by the door, your phone charged, and your support people on standby. Then do your best to rest and enjoy the anticipation — you are almost ready to meet your little one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do in my third trimester to prepare?
Pack your hospital bag, set up the nursery and car seat, prep meals and postpartum supplies, finalize work and insurance logistics, and learn the signs of labor.
When should I pack my hospital bag?
Aim to have your hospital bag packed and ready by around 36 weeks, in case labor starts earlier than expected.
What tests happen in the third trimester?
Your provider may do a group B strep test and more frequent checkups. Always follow your own care team’s recommendations for your pregnancy.
What are the signs of labor to watch for?
Regular, strengthening contractions, your water breaking, and a bloody show are common signs — know your provider’s instructions for when to call or come in.
Final Thoughts
A good third trimester checklist takes the guesswork out of these final weeks — so tick off the essentials, line up support, and then rest and savor the countdown.
Get ready with our hospital bag checklist and postpartum essentials. 💕
Love It? Pin It for Later
Planning takes more than one sitting. Save this guide to your baby shower board so it is waiting for you when you start buying and building:
