You’re in the home stretch. The third trimester can feel like a race against the clock, but most of what matters comes down to a short, calm list. Here’s what to prepare in the final weeks — your bag, your plan, the nursery, and your appointments — without the overwhelm.
What do you actually need to prepare in the third trimester?
Strip it back and the genuine to-dos fit into five groups:
- Hospital bag: packed and ready by the door from around 36 weeks.
- Baby basics: a safe sleep space, nappies, wipes, a few clothes, and a fitted car seat.
- A birth plan: your preferences written down — held loosely, not as a script.
- Logistics: who to call, how you’ll get there, and who’s covering work or other kids.
- Appointments: keep every check-up; they get more frequent now.
That really is the core. Everything else — the perfect nursery, the full freezer of meals — is a nice-to-have you can add only if you have the energy.
When and what should I pack in my hospital bag?
Aim to have your bag ready by around 36 weeks, since babies don’t always wait for the due date. You’re really packing three bags in one: things for you (comfy clothes, toiletries, snacks, phone charger, ID and any paperwork), things for baby (a going-home outfit, a couple of bodysuits, a hat, nappies), and things for your birth partner (snacks, a change of clothes, cash for parking).
Don’t overthink it — most hospitals supply the essentials, and someone can bring anything you forget. Our hospital bag checklist builds a personalised packing list in a minute, so you can tick it off and stop second-guessing.
How do I write a birth plan?
A birth plan is simply your preferences, written down so your team knows what matters to you — not a guarantee of how things will go. Keep it to one page and cover the basics:
- Pain relief — what you’d like to try, and what you’d rather avoid.
- Environment — lighting, music, who you want in the room.
- After birth — skin-to-skin, feeding plans, who cuts the cord.
Hold it loosely. Birth is unpredictable, and the best plan is one that can flex if your team recommends a change. Writing it down is mostly about feeling prepared and having calmer conversations on the day.
Do I need to finish the nursery before baby arrives?
No — and this often comes as a relief. Safe-sleep guidance generally suggests baby sleeps in your room for the early months, so a fully decorated nursery isn’t needed from day one. What you do want sorted:
- A safe sleep space (cot, crib or bassinet) with a firm, flat mattress.
- Somewhere to change baby and store nappies and clothes.
- A few bodysuits and sleepsuits, washed and ready.
- A correctly installed car seat — practise fitting it before the big day.
Start minimal. It’s far easier to add what you need than to declutter a room full of things your baby never used.
What appointments and tests happen now?
Check-ups get more frequent in the third trimester — often every two weeks, then weekly as you near your due date. Depending on where you are, you may be offered:
- A group B strep test (usually around 36–37 weeks).
- Conversations about your birth preferences and what to expect.
- Checks on baby’s growth and position, and your blood pressure.
Your provider will set the exact schedule, so keep every appointment and bring your questions written down — pregnancy brain is real, and a list helps.
How do I sort out the logistics?
A little planning here saves a lot of stress when labour starts:
- Know who to call and save the numbers in your phone.
- Plan your route to hospital or birth centre, and a backup if your partner’s away.
- Sort childcare or pet care in advance if you need it.
- Wrap up work and confirm your leave dates.
- Stock the freezer with a few easy meals if you have the energy — future-you will be grateful.
When might labour be near?
In the final weeks, you might notice baby drop lower, more frequent practice contractions (Braxton Hicks), and a sudden burst of nesting energy. Real labour usually brings regular contractions that get stronger and closer together. If you’re ever unsure, or something doesn’t feel right, call your provider — that’s exactly what they’re there for.
Once your bag is sorted, our hospital bag checklist and our newborn essentials guide cover the rest of what to gather, so you can spend these last weeks resting rather than worrying.
Related reading
This article is for general information only and isn’t medical advice. Always follow your healthcare provider’s guidance for your appointments, tests and birth plan.
