The third trimester is a mix of excitement, exhaustion, and near-daily thoughts of “Wait… am I forgetting something?”. Between growing a human and trying to rest, preparation can feel like a lot.
The good news is you don’t need to do everything, just the right things. This third trimester preparation checklist is here to help you feel organised, confident, and supported as you head toward birth and postpartum.
1. Prepare Your Body (and Your Mind)
Your body is doing incredible work right now, so preparation here is about support, not perfection.
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Book in remaining prenatal appointments
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Learn the signs of labour and when to call your care provider
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Consider birth education or refreshers (especially if it’s not your first baby)
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Practice gentle movement, stretching, walking or prenatal yoga
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Prioritise rest (naps absolutely count!)
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Start perineal massage if recommended by your care provider
Mental preparation matters too:
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Talk through birth preferences with your partner or support person
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Practice breathing, affirmations or grounding techniques
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Remind yourself: you don’t need to control birth to be prepared for it
2. Get Your Birth Preferences Organised
Whether you’re planning a hospital birth or home birth, having clarity on your vision for an ideal birth can bring peace of mind.
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Write (or think through) your birth preferences (here’s a handy guide on how to write birth preferences)
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Discuss pain relief options
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Decide who will be in the room with you
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Pack copies of important documents
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Plan transport to your birth location
Remember: preferences are flexible. They’re a guide, not a rulebook.
3. Pack Your Hospital or Birth Bag
Packing early means one less thing to think about later, especially if baby arrives ahead of schedule.
For you:
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Comfortable clothes, underwear and pyjamas
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Toiletries and lip balm
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Phone charger (long cord!)
For baby:
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A few outfits (including something warm)
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Wraps or blankets
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Going-home outfit
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Approved car seat installed and checked
4. Prepare for Postpartum (This One’s Big)
So much focus goes on birth, but the after deserves just as much care.
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Set up a postpartum recovery station (pads, peri bottle, snacks, water)
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Stock the freezer with easy meals
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Organise help for the early weeks if possible
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Learn about newborn feeding options and support
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Line up lactation or postpartum support contacts
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Understand baby blues vs postnatal depression and anxiety
If there’s one thing to prioritise, it’s support. You’re not meant to do postpartum alone.
5. Get Your Home “Good Enough” Ready
You don’t need a perfectly styled nursery, you just need functionality and ease.
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Wash and organise baby clothes
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Set up a safe sleep space
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Create a simple nappy changing area
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Prepare night-time lighting (soft, low light is your friend)
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Make space for you to rest and recover
Lower your standards here. “Good enough” is more than enough.
6. Sort Practical Life Stuff
Future you will be grateful for anything done ahead of time.
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Finalise parental leave and work handovers
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Pay or schedule upcoming bills
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Organise pet or sibling care plans
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Save important phone numbers
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Write a short list of people to notify when baby arrives
7. Do Something Just for You
Before baby arrives, take a moment to honour this version of you.
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Book a massage or gentle self-care treatment
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Go on a slow date or special outing
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Journal or write a letter to your baby
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Rest without guilt
You’re allowed to savour this time.
A Final Reminder
You don’t need to tick off every box to be ready.
You’re already doing the most important thing: growing and loving your baby.
Preparation is about support, not pressure. Trust yourself, take it one step at a time, and know that you are more capable than you realise