Ready for labor? Here's your quick-start guide:

• Medical Prep: Finalize your birth plan, schedule weekly prenatal checkups (from week 36), and understand labor stages.

• Pack Hospital Bags: Essentials for you (ID, comfy clothes, toiletries), baby (car seat, outfit), and your support person (snacks, change of clothes).

• Set Up Home: Install the car seat, organize the nursery, and stock up on household basics.

• Learn & Plan: Take birth classes, choose a pediatrician, and arrange post-birth help.

• Stay Healthy: Practice relaxation techniques, eat nutrient-rich foods, and get quality sleep.

Tip: Balance preparation with rest to stay mentally and physically ready for the big day!

7 Ways To Prepare For Birth | 3rd Trimester Easy Birth Prep

Medical and Birth Planning

Prepare for labor with a solid medical plan and clear birth preferences.

Schedule Your Prenatal Checkups

In the third trimester, prenatal visits become more frequent. Coordinate with your healthcare provider to ensure:

• Weekly checkups starting at week 36

• Group B strep screening between weeks 35-37

• A final ultrasound if necessary

• Monitoring of blood pressure and weight

• Checks to confirm your baby's position

Write Your Birth Plan

Create a straightforward birth plan that outlines your key preferences while leaving room for flexibility. Consider the following areas:

Keep the plan focused on your priorities. Share it with your healthcare provider and the staff at your birthing facility to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Know Labor Stages

Understanding the phases of labor can help you feel more prepared:

1. Early Labor: Mild, long-lasting contractions that you can manage at home.

2. Active Labor: Stronger, more regular contractions - typically the time to go to your birthing facility.

3. Transition and Delivery: The most intense phase, leading to the pushing stage and birth.

Choose Pain Management Methods

Explore your pain relief options early so you can make informed decisions. Options include:

Discuss these choices with your healthcare provider. They'll explain what's offered at your chosen facility and any restrictions based on your medical history.

Once you've clarified your preferences, move on to finalizing other labor preparations.

Pack Your Hospital Bags

Start packing around week 35 if you have a high-risk pregnancy, or by weeks 37–38 for most other pregnancies [2]. Check with your hospital to see what they provide, so you don’t overpack [2]. Here’s a guide on what to pack for yourself, your baby, and your support person.

Mom's Hospital Items

A medium-sized duffel bag or suitcase works well for your essentials:

Even though hospitals provide some basics, bringing your own items can make the stay more comfortable [3].

Newborn Necessities

Use the diaper bag you plan to carry after birth to pack your baby’s items. Include:

Hospitals typically provide diapers, wipes, and other basic items. If you plan to formula feed, call ahead to confirm their formula policy.

Support Person's Supplies

Your support person should pack a backpack or overnight bag by weeks 35–36. Here’s what they might need:

Stick to snacks with mild scents, as strong odors like garlic or onion might be overwhelming during labor.

Set Up Home and Baby Items

Install Baby Equipment

Install essential baby gear by carefully following the manufacturer's instructions. Make sure your car seat is securely installed and inspected for safety. When assembling the crib, check that the mattress fits snugly and the structure is stable [1].

Once that's done, organize your baby's room into practical, functional areas.

Set Up Baby's Room

Create specific zones in the nursery for different activities. For feeding or breastfeeding, set up a quiet corner with a cozy chair, a small table for necessities, and proper lighting. Before your baby arrives, wash all their clothes, crib bedding, swaddles, burp cloths, and blankets [4]. Also, stock up on diapers in various sizes and plenty of baby wipes.

Buy Household Basics

Avoid frequent trips to the store by stocking up on household essentials. Focus on items like laundry detergent, garbage bags, and toilet paper. For the kitchen, keep your pantry filled with non-perishable staples such as pasta, rice, beans, tomato sauce, and oatmeal.

Education and Help Planning

Once you've sorted out your medical and physical preparations, it's time to focus on learning and lining up support for the post-birth period.

Take Birth Classes

Birth classes can help you understand what to expect during labor. It's best to sign up for these classes between weeks 28 and 34 of pregnancy. Hospitals and birthing centers often offer them, typically costing $30–$100 per couple [6].

"I think everyone can benefit from a prenatal class. Birth is unpredictable, but knowing what options are available, understanding how the body works during labor and having an idea of what to expect from the whole process can make the experience much less scary."
– Megan Davies, certified childbirth educator and owner of YEG Prenatal [5]

Here are some common birthing class methods to consider:

Once you've gained this knowledge, you'll also want to select a pediatrician whose approach matches your family's preferences.

Select a Baby Doctor

Start looking for a pediatrician between weeks 24 and 32 of pregnancy [7]. Schedule introductory visits to get a feel for their approach and practice style. During these visits, pay attention to:

• Practice Environment

  • Separate waiting areas for sick and well children

  • Clean, child-friendly atmosphere

• Accessibility

  • Office hours, including early morning, evening, or weekend availability

  • Hospital affiliations and emergency procedures

• Communication Style

"There's just so much you don't realize you don't know, and it's much harder to figure out after you have the baby and you're exhausted",
– Chandani DeZure, M.D., pediatrician and member of the BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board [6]

Once you've chosen a pediatrician, you can focus on organizing the help you'll need after the baby arrives.

Plan Post-Birth Help

Start planning for post-birth support early. Create a schedule for family and friends to assist with tasks like:

• Preparing and delivering meals

• Light housekeeping

• Helping with baby care so you can rest

• Running essential errands

If family help is limited, consider hiring a postpartum doula. They can provide professional support with newborn care, breastfeeding guidance, and managing household tasks while you recover.

Health and Mental Readiness

Once you've sorted out your medical, physical, and logistical plans, it's time to prepare both your body and mind for labor.

Learn Calming Methods

Relaxation techniques can help you stay centered and calm during labor. Regularly practicing exercises like focused breathing can make them second nature when the time comes.

Pair these breathing exercises with proper rest and a balanced diet to fully support your labor preparation.

Focus on Sleep and Food

As you approach the third trimester, your body needs extra care and energy. Pregnant women typically require about 450 additional calories each day [9]. Opt for nutrient-rich foods that provide steady energy, such as:

• Protein: Lean meats, eggs, and legumes

• Complex carbs: Whole grains and sweet potatoes

• Healthy fats: Avocados, nuts, and olive oil

• Vitamins: Dark leafy greens and citrus fruits

To improve sleep, set a consistent bedtime, use pregnancy pillows for extra support, keep your room cool and dark, and avoid screens at least an hour before bed. These habits, combined with calming techniques, can help ensure you're physically and mentally ready for labor.

Get Mental Health Support

Tackling labor-related worries early can make a big difference. Many hospitals provide mental health services tailored for expectant mothers. Here’s a helpful perspective:

"The goal of a childbirth education class is to prepare you to confidently make the best informed decision possible, regardless of the circumstances."

Visualizing yourself managing contractions and welcoming your baby can be a powerful tool. This mental preparation can improve your overall labor experience [8].

If anxiety feels overwhelming, reach out to your healthcare provider, explore pregnancy support groups, try prenatal meditation apps, or work with a mental health professional who specializes in pregnancy.

Rita's Pregnancy 101 also offers guided meditation sessions that combine breathing techniques with positive visualization to address common third-trimester concerns and boost confidence for labor.

Conclusion: Ready for Birth

Getting ready for labor is about balancing practical steps with emotional preparation. From packing your hospital bag and installing the car seat to creating a birth plan and building a support network, you've laid the groundwork. As Carrie Duncan, CPM, LDM, puts it: "The mind is the lens with which we perceive sensations and create our own reality" [10].

Here's a quick recap of your achievements:

This checklist shows you're ready in all the key areas. Education and mindset play a big role, too. As Callai Nagle explains, "When your goal is an unmedicated birth, your mindset in labor is pivotal" [10].

Now it's time to focus on rest, keep stress in check, and stay in touch with your support team. Trust the work you've done and stay open to the journey ahead.

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