The third trimester (weeks 28–40) is the home stretch. Now is the time to finalize your birth plan, pack your hospital bag, and prepare your home — and your mind — for your baby’s arrival.
Take a Childbirth Class
Whether in person or online, a class will walk you through the stages of labor, pain-management options (epidural, nitrous oxide, hypnobirthing, water immersion), and what to expect during recovery. Hospital tours are usually included.
Write a Birth Plan
A one-page document outlining your preferences for pain relief, who’s in the room, movement during labor, delayed cord clamping, immediate skin-to-skin, and feeding choices. Hold it loosely — labor rarely goes exactly to plan, and flexibility protects your peace of mind.
Pack the Hospital Bag (by Week 36)
- For mom: ID, insurance card, birth plan, comfortable nightgown, robe, slippers, nursing bras, toiletries, phone charger, snacks, going-home outfit (maternity-sized).
- For baby: Going-home outfit, swaddle blanket, hat, socks, an installed car seat (have it inspected!).
- For partner: Change of clothes, snacks, phone charger, pillow.
Know the Signs of Labor
- Regular contractions getting stronger and closer together (5-1-1 rule: every 5 minutes, lasting 1 minute, for 1 hour).
- Water breaking — note the time, color, and amount.
- Bloody show or loss of mucus plug.
- Lower back pain that comes in waves.
Prepare Your Home
Set up the nursery or co-sleeping area, install the car seat, batch-cook freezer meals for the postpartum weeks, stock postpartum supplies (pads, peri bottle, nipple cream), and arrange help — partner leave, family visits, a postpartum doula, or a meal train.
When to Go to the Hospital
Go to the hospital or birthing center if your water breaks, you have heavy bleeding, contractions follow the 5-1-1 pattern, you feel decreased fetal movement, or you’re concerned for any reason. Trust yourself — staff would always rather check and send you home than miss something.
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