What Should Be on My Third Trimester Checklist? Essential Tips for Antenatal Care

The third trimester of pregnancy is a time of anticipation and preparation. As you approach the final stages of your pregnancy, there are numerous things to consider and organise to ensure a smooth transition to parenthood. Your antenatal care in these last few months is crucial, as it ensures both you and your baby remain healthy and well-prepared for labour. During this time, you will likely have a mix of excitement, nervousness, and curiosity about the birth. Staying organised with a well-thought-out third-trimester checklist will help ease any worries and ensure you’re taking the necessary steps for your health, your baby’s health, and your emotional well-being. From antenatal appointments to preparing your home for the baby, the third trimester is a busy, yet exciting period, and it’s essential to keep up with pregnancy care and the antenatal support you need. In this article, we’ll explore the essential tasks you should include on your third-trimester checklist to help guide you through this critical phase of your pregnancy.

Key Milestones of the Third Trimester

The third trimester spans from week 28 to the end of your pregnancy. During this time, both you and your baby will experience significant changes. These changes provide important guidance for your checklist.

• Baby’s Growth: Your baby will continue to grow rapidly. By week 32, most babies weigh about 4 pounds, and they will continue to grow in both size and weight.
• Physical Changes: You may notice more prominent physical changes, including a larger bump, increased discomfort due to your growing uterus, and potential swelling of your feet and hands.
• Movement: Fetal movements will become more noticeable, and you may begin to feel the baby moving more regularly.
• Preparing for Labour: The third trimester is also the time when you begin thinking about your birth plan, which could include decisions about pain relief options, where to give birth, and the type of support you’d like during labour.

Third Trimester Checklist: Antenatal Appointments and Care

One of the most important aspects of your antenatal care during the third trimester is keeping up with regular antenatal checkups and scans. These visits are essential for monitoring the health of both you and your baby and addressing any concerns before the birth.

1. Regular Antenatal Appointments

Your healthcare provider will continue to monitor your pregnancy care through regular visits. These appointments usually take place every two weeks from week 28 until week 36, after which they are often weekly. At your antenatal clinic or during your pregnancy clinic visits, expect the following:

• Measuring your bump: Your healthcare provider will measure the growth of your uterus to ensure your baby is growing at the expected rate.
• Checking blood pressure: Regular blood pressure checks help to detect any signs of preeclampsia.
• Urine tests: These tests help screen for signs of gestational diabetes or infections.
• Baby’s heartbeat: Listening to your baby’s heartbeat will help confirm that they are healthy and developing well. These visits are also a good opportunity to discuss any symptoms you’re experiencing, such as back pain, swelling, or trouble sleeping, as well as to ask questions about your upcoming labour and birth.

2. Antenatal Scans and Screenings

Depending on your pregnancy, your healthcare provider may schedule additional antenatal scans or screening tests during the third trimester. The most common scan is the growth scan, typically performed between 32 and 36 weeks, to assess the baby’s growth and confirm the baby’s position in the womb. You may also be tested for gestational diabetes (if you haven’t already) and be given the opportunity to discuss any antenatal education that can help you prepare for childbirth.

Nutrition and Health During the Third Trimester

Maintaining proper nutrition is crucial during the third trimester. As your baby grows rapidly, you need to ensure you’re getting the nutrients that will support both you and your baby’s health. This includes staying on top of antenatal vitamins and maintaining a balanced diet.

3. Continue Taking Antenatal Vitamins

Taking the right antenatal vitamins is crucial for both your health and the baby’s development. Continue to take your folic acid, iron, and vitamin D supplements as advised by your doctor. Iron is especially important in the third trimester to prevent anaemia, which is common at this stage due to the increased volume of blood in your body.

4. Focus on Healthy Eating

In addition to your vitamins, ensure that you’re consuming nutrient-rich foods. Aim for:

• Protein: Lean meats, fish, eggs, and legumes support your baby’s growth and help you maintain energy.
• Calcium: Dairy, leafy greens, and fortified alternatives provide the calcium necessary for your baby’s bone development.
• Fibre: Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can help prevent constipation, a common issue during the third trimester.
• Fluids: Stay hydrated to help prevent swelling and ensure adequate amniotic fluid levels. Avoid foods that may pose a risk, such as unpasteurised cheese and undercooked meats.

Physical Health and Fitness During the Third Trimester

As your pregnancy progresses, your body undergoes significant changes, and maintaining your physical health is crucial. Despite the challenges of the third trimester, staying active can help with muscle strength, improve circulation, and prepare your body for labour.

5. Prenatal Yoga and Fitness

Taking part in prenatal yoga or antenatal fitness classes is a great way to stay active during the third trimester. Yoga for pregnancy can help:

• Ease back pain and improve posture, which is particularly important as your centre of gravity changes.
• Strengthen the pelvic floor to prepare for childbirth.
• Increase relaxation and reduce stress, which is beneficial for both mother and baby. If you haven’t already started pregnancy yoga classes, this is a good time to try them, as they can provide both physical and emotional support. Speak to your healthcare provider before starting any new physical activity to ensure it’s safe for you.

Preparing for Labour and Delivery

The third trimester is all about preparing for the arrival of your baby. While you can never fully predict the birth experience, there are several steps you can take to feel more ready and confident.

6. Finalising Your Birth Plan

This is the time to start thinking about your birth plan. Consider discussing with your healthcare provider:

• The type of birth you’d like to have (home birth, hospital birth, water birth, etc.).
• Pain relief options (e.g., epidural, hypnobirthing, or natural methods).
• Your preferences for labour support (partner, doula, midwife).
• Any specific concerns you might have about labour and delivery. A birth plan is not a set of hard rules, but rather a guide to help you feel more in control of your birthing experience. Make sure to also discuss contingency plans in case complications arise.

7. Packing for the Hospital or Birth Centre

It’s a good idea to start packing your hospital bag by week 35. Some items to include are:

• Comfortable clothing, toiletries, and snacks for yourself.
• Baby clothes, blankets, and nappies.
• Birth plan and any medical documents you might need.
• Supportive items like music, your favourite pillow, or any relaxation aids. Make sure your partner or support person is involved in this process to ensure that nothing is overlooked.

Relaxation and Stress Management

While the third trimester can be physically demanding, it’s equally important to focus on relaxation and managing stress. Prenatal massage for pregnancy can help ease muscle tension, alleviate discomfort, and promote emotional well-being. Pregnancy massage benefits include:

• Improved circulation to reduce swelling and discomfort.
• Relaxation to reduce stress and anxiety.
• Relief from back and joint pain, which can be especially helpful as your body adjusts to the growing baby. Consider booking a session with a trained antenatal massage therapist to support your relaxation during this final stretch. The third trimester of pregnancy is an exciting, albeit busy, time filled with both anticipation and preparation. Ensuring that you stay on top of antenatal appointments, continue with your prenatal care, and take time to prepare for labour and delivery will help you feel more confident and ready for the arrival of your baby. Following a thoughtful third-trimester checklist will help keep you organised and supported as you enter this final phase of pregnancy. By focusing on your health, well-being, and emotional support, you can approach this time with the reassurance that you are doing everything you can to ensure the best possible start for both you and your baby.