Weeks 28 to 30: tests and vaccines
- Oral glucose tolerance test for gestational diabetes, if not already done.
- Haemoglobin and ferritin recheck — this is when anaemia peaks.
- Anti-D immunoglobulin if you are Rh negative.
- Tdap vaccine between 27 and 36 weeks, to give the baby passive protection against whooping cough.
- Start counting fetal movements daily, at the same time, and learn your baby's normal pattern.
- Book your antenatal classes if you have not — they need several weeks to be useful.
Weeks 31 to 33: plan and decide
- Growth scan, with Doppler if advised.
- Draft your birth preferences: pain relief, mobility in labour, who will be present, delayed cord clamping, skin-to-skin, feeding intention, vitamin K.
- Discuss the plan with your obstetrician — not on the day, now.
- Decide who your birth partner is, and who the backup is.
- Arrange care for older children and pets, with a backup plan for the middle of the night.
- Finalise insurance pre-authorisation and understand what is and is not covered.
- Choose a paediatrician and note their contact details.
Weeks 34 to 35: pack and prepare the home
- Pack the three bags — documents, labour, postpartum, baby.
- Install and check the car seat.
- Plan and drive the hospital route at the time of day you are most likely to travel. Identify a second route.
- Cook and freeze two weeks of meals, or arrange who is cooking.
- Set up the feeding station: chair with back support, cushions, water bottle, snacks, phone charger, light.
- Stock up on maternity pads, nappies, and your own medicines.
- Wash and sun-dry all baby clothes and bedding.
Week 36: the medical conversation that matters most
Book a longer appointment and get explicit answers to:
- What position is the baby in, and what happens if the baby is breech?
- Do you test for Group B Streptococcus, and what is the plan if I am positive?
- At what point in labour should I come in? What number do I call at night?
- What is your policy on eating and drinking in labour, on mobility, on birth positions?
- Who delivers if you are unavailable?
- What are your criteria for induction and for caesarean?
- Will you support delayed cord clamping and immediate skin-to-skin?
- What is the estimated cost for a normal delivery and for a caesarean?
Write the answers down and share them with your birth partner.
Weeks 37 to 40: stay ready
- Weekly appointments, with position and presentation checked each time.
- Keep counting movements daily and report any reduction immediately.
- Keep the phone charged, fuel in the vehicle, and documents in the bag.
- Keep walking daily, and keep up your pelvic floor and breathing practice.
- Learn the signs of labour and the 5-1-1 threshold, and put the emergency list on the fridge.
- Rest. Sleep whenever your body offers it.
Report immediately, at any point
Reduced fetal movement, bleeding, waters breaking, severe headache with visual changes, upper abdominal pain, sudden swelling of the face and hands, fever, or regular contractions before 37 weeks.
The postnatal part of the checklist
Arrange help for the first six weeks — this is the single highest-value preparation you can make. Identify a lactation consultant in advance, know which postnatal recovery programme you will join and when, and tell your partner and family the warning signs of postpartum depression so someone other than you is watching for them.