The Ultimate Pregnancy To-Do List: Third Trimester

You’re on the home stretch! The last trimester of pregnancy is bursting with contrasts, you’re excited but tired, and you’re always thirsty but find yourself going to the bathroom more than any human ever should! Yes welcome to the first week of the last part of your pregnancy and from counting baby kicks to making your birth plans, readying the nursery to choosing your breast pump, here’s a little guide to point you in the right direction for your third trimester must-do’s!

Keep track of baby’s kicks, twitches and hiccups

Now is the time to pay close attention to your baby’s kicks, twitches, rolls and hiccups and inform your doctor or midwife straight away if you’re concerned or notice a decrease in movement. Fetal Doppler’s can be reassuring at this stage but in all instances consult with your caregiver for advice. Less movement may signal a problem and the quicker it’s addressed the better, your doctor may recommend that you spend some time each day counting baby’s kicks and movements.

Prepare for breastfeeding
If you’ve decided to breastfeed your baby, it’s time to prep! Are you planning on returning to work after baby? Do you want the convenience of an electric breast pump or a manual breast pump? Organize yourself so this beautiful bonding experience benefits both you and baby. Ensure your comfort with a nipple cream, buy yourself a nursing bra and educate yourself about the far-reaching benefits of breastfeeding for both you and your baby.

Read: Could Breastfeeding Keep the Baby Blues At Bay ?

Time to assemble the baby supplies

Cribs, strollers and car seats can be tricky little items to assemble, particularly if you’re sleep deprived so time to get started! Baby swings, mobiles and baby monitors should all be at the ready as your nursery starts to take shape. Stock up on baby grows blankets, nightlights, and make sure to wash any clothes and blankets before baby arrives to remove any potential irritants.

Stock up on household goodies

In the first few weeks after baby has arrived a trip to the local supermarket will not be on the agenda so stock up on the essentials now. Buy in the toiletries, medicines, toilet paper, and frozen food, even extra pairs of underwear and make sure at the top of the list is newborn necessities like nappies, wipes, bottles and sterilisers if you plan to use any of these items.

Labour! How to cope with the pain
Every woman’s experience with pain is different and every labour is as individual as the mother going through it. There are many ways in which to approach the labour process from using aids such as birthing balls to TENS machines that alleviate pain by blocking nerve and pain signals, to pain relief medication and indeed the option of natural childbirth and water births. Keep yourself healthy with a nutritional supplement that supports your energy levels and make confident informed choices now, in respect of how you would like your labour to proceed. This will support a relaxed mum-to-be and remove the fear of the unknown as you embark on the final stages of your third trimester and get ready to welcome your baby!

See the ultimate to-do lists for the first and second trimesters.