Third Trimester Checklist: Week by Week Countdown to Baby (28-40 Weeks)

Why Prepare Week by Week?

"Still 12 weeks to go, no rush."—Then suddenly your due date is next week.

The third trimester flies by, and as your body becomes less mobile, the earlier you prepare, the better.

This checklist spreads tasks across weeks, avoiding last-minute chaos.

Third Trimester Timeline Overview

Weeks	Phase	Key Tasks
28-31	Preparation	Major purchases, classes
32-35	Sprint	Hospital bag, confirmations
36-37	Ready	Final checks, standby mode
38-40	Waiting	Rest, watch for signs

Weeks 28-31: Preparation Phase

Week 28: Launch Purchase Plan

This Week's Focus: Finalize Big-Ticket Items

✅ List all major purchases needed:

Crib/bedside sleeper
Stroller
Car seat
Baby monitor (optional)

✅ Research and compare brands ✅ Watch for sales and deals

Tip: Major items should arrive by week 32 to allow time for assembly and returns.

Week 29: Nursery Planning

This Week's Focus: Space Preparation

✅ Decide where baby will sleep ✅ Clear the room and make space ✅ Check environment:

Temperature control
Blackout curtains
Air purification

✅ Complete any renovations this week

Tip: New furniture needs ventilation time to off-gas.

Week 30: Learning Prep

This Week's Focus: Knowledge Building

✅ Sign up for prenatal classes:

Labor rehearsal
Newborn care
Breastfeeding guidance

✅ Watch feeding videos ✅ Learn about postpartum recovery ✅ Partner should learn too!

Recommended Topics:

Common newborn issues
Baby soothing techniques
Maternal recovery

Week 31: Documents & Paperwork

This Week's Focus: Administrative Prep

✅ Confirm hospital registration is complete ✅ Prepare documents:

ID cards
Insurance cards
Medical records
Marriage certificate

✅ Understand birth certificate process ✅ Learn about registration procedures ✅ Confirm insurance coverage

Weeks 32-35: Sprint Phase

Week 32: Start Hospital Bag

This Week's Focus: Hospital Bag Checklist

✅ Create complete packing list ✅ Organize by category:

Mom's items
Baby's items
Documents
Electronics

✅ Start purchasing items ✅ Get a dedicated bag/suitcase

Hospital Bag Essentials:

Category	Must-Haves
Mom	Pads, nursing bras, clothes, toiletries
Baby	Onesies, diapers, swaddle, hat, socks
Docs	ID, insurance, medical records, credit card
Other	Phone charger, tissues, water bottle, snacks

Week 33: Hospital Final Confirmation

This Week's Focus: Birth Plan

✅ Confirm delivery hospital ✅ Understand admission process:

When to come in
Where's the emergency entrance
What to bring
Partner policies

✅ Confirm visiting rules ✅ Tour the labor ward if possible ✅ Save hospital address and phone

Week 34: Household Arrangements

This Week's Focus: Logistics

✅ Stock up on supplies:

Tissues, toiletries
Cleaning supplies
Common medications

✅ Prepare postpartum meal plans ✅ Freeze some easy meals ✅ Deep clean the house ✅ Arrange pet care (if applicable)

Week 35: Complete Hospital Bag

This Week's Focus: Finish Packing

✅ Hospital bag fully packed ✅ Double-check completeness ✅ Place in visible location ✅ Tell family where it is ✅ Keep backup set in car

Don't forget:

Phone power bank
Partner's change of clothes
Camera
Going-home outfit (loose fitting)

Weeks 36-37: Ready Phase

Week 36: Final Checks

This Week's Focus: Fill the Gaps

✅ Check nursery:

Bed ready
Clothes washed and folded
Supplies in place

✅ Home safety check:

Water heater
Electrical outlets
Sharp objects secured

✅ Install car seat ✅ Test baby monitor

Week 37: Standby Mode

This Week's Focus: Ready to Go

✅ Work handoff complete ✅ Phone always charged ✅ Family on standby ✅ Emergency contacts confirmed

Go to hospital immediately for:

Regular contractions (every 5 min for 1 hour)
Water breaking
Heavy bleeding
Significant decrease in fetal movement

Weeks 38-40: Waiting Phase

Daily Tasks

✅ Track fetal movement daily ✅ Light exercise (walking) ✅ Stay relaxed ✅ Get enough sleep ✅ Attend all prenatal appointments

Mental Preparation

Accept uncertainty
Be ready for early or late arrival
Stay in touch with doctor
Trust your body

Things to Do While Waiting

Binge-watch shows
Chat with friends
Organize baby clothes
Write in a journal
Enjoy your last moments as just the two of you

Quick Checklist

Items Ready ✓

Tasks Complete ✓

Knowledge Ready ✓

Labor and delivery
Feeding basics
Newborn care
Postpartum recovery

Common Questions

Q: Too many things to buy?

A: Prioritize. Baby only needs in week one: a place to sleep, food, clothes, and diapers. Everything else can wait.

Q: Should I work until due date?

A: Recommend stopping 1-2 weeks before to rest properly. Earlier if your commute is difficult.

Q: What if labor starts early?

A: After 36 weeks, usually fine. Have hospital bag ready by week 35 and plan your route—be prepared!

Use Baby Checklist to track your preparation progress with weekly reminders!