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You’re almost done, mama! Congrats!
However, your third trimester isn’t a walk in the park. And you’re probably feeling like your pregnancy is neverending.
Your third trimester isn’t the walk in the park you dreamed of, however, there are a couple of things you have to get done before your baby arrives.
This is an ‘all hands on deck!’ time as your baby can
Don’t forget to create an Amazon Baby Registry. You get a discount for products placed on the registry and have 90 days to return any goods. Plus, you can add products from any site, not just Amazon.
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When does the third trimester start?
Your third trimester starts at week 28 of pregnancy and lasts until you go into labor, which is around week 40 for most woman.
However, it isn’t uncommon for a pregnancy to go into the 41st or 42nd week with little signs of labor approaching.
But you will want to have the things on this to-do list done by your 38th week (tops! aim for earlier if posible) so it’s one less thing to worry about.
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Third Trimester To Do List
Time is of the essence in your third trimester, you don’t want to go into labor and not have some essentials done (like your hospital bag ready to go!).
The last thing you want is to realize you’re missing something right before you go into labor.
Here are some important things to do in your third trimester you don’t want to forget!
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Make a Birth Plan
You don’t want your water to break and realize you don’t have a birth plan in place.
Write down every detail you want for your birth plan.
What hospital will you be going to?
Do you want a water birth?
Will you be playing music during the delivery?
Do you have a playlist?
Will you want an epidural?
Delivery position preferences?
A lot of women trust their doctors (which is important!) but you don’t want to take the backseat on your own delivery.
Have a set plan in place but be prepared to be flexible.
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Install the Baby Car Seat
You’re going to want to make sure your car seat is installed and ready to go a couple of weeks before your due date.
You can’t leave the hospital if your car seat isn’t in place properly and you never know when you’ll go into labor, so it’s best to get this out of the way as soon as possible.
Buy a high-quality baby car seat and get familiar with it beforehand. Read the instructions carefully beforehand, make sure all the pieces are in place, and that the straps are on the smallest settings for your newborn.
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Prepare Your Postpartum Supplies
A lot of moms find themselves on the less prepared side of things during their postpartum recovery.
A couple of thing you’ll want to make sure
- Postpartum pads – it’s likely you’ll bleed for a couple of weeks postpartum. These pads are all natural and gynecologist-approved, so you don’t have to worry about leakage or accidents.
- Acetaminophen – will help ease perineal pan and body aches
- Peri Bottles – Showers are a luxury during your first baby, you’re going to need these peri bottles in your bathroom
- Disposable Underwear – so you don’t ruin your good panties
- Epsom Salts – for sitz baths
- Nursing Bra – invest in a couple of comfy nursing bras to get you started
- Heating Pad – can help with aches and pains, especially in your breast
- Witch Hazel Pads – helps ease vaginal pain and hemorrhoids
- Stretchy Pants – get comfortable in your stretchy pants
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Finally Decide On Your Baby’s Name
SO many mama’s end up in the delivery room, not knowing what to name their baby.
You will see woman in the delivery room going through baby name books because they just couldn’t decide beforehand.
Go in knowing what your baby will be called, or at the very least have a top 3 ready. It’s likely you’ll just know what name to give your baby the first time you hold him.
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Buy and Wash Baby Clothes
You want to make sure you wash everything the baby will come into contact with, clothes, blankets, and anything else that will come in contact with the babies skin.
Have your babies clothes washed and folded before the baby arrives.
Make sure to use a gentle, baby-friendly detergent (no dyes or perfumes) so you don’t irritate your newborns skin.
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Consider a House Cleaner
You might not be feeling like your self but the urge to prepare your home for your baby is overwhelming! Nesting is a real thing!
You probably can’t get the house as clean and sparkly as you’d like since you’re huuuuuge, plus you should be prioritizing sleep and rest.
Treat yourself to a house cleaner and get a deep clean the weeks leading up to your pregnancy. I consider myself a Monica(from Friends!) and even I can’t get the house as bright and shiny as a professional.
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Spend Some Quality Time With Your Husband And Kids
Even if this is your 5th child and you’re a pro, the first year of a baby’s life is incredibly demanding.
You’ll want to spend as much quality time with your husband and kids as possible during your third trimester.
Date nights become a luxury for the first couple of months.
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Take a Breastfeeding Class
A breastfeeding class can be so beneficial for both your and your baby. A lot of new moms struggle to breastfeed their baby, especially if it’s their first born.
Even though every baby is different, you will learn a number of tips and tricks that can turn the odds in your favor.
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Attend Your Baby Shower
One of the most tender ways to welcome and celebrate the life of your upcoming baby.
A baby shower can be loads of fun! If a baby shower isn’t your thing, perhaps just have a dinner out with your friends to celebrate a new milestone in your life.
You’ll be sure to get lots of advice from experienced moms, don’t feel silly for taking a notepad! Every little drop of knowledge helps.
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Finish the Nursery
Decide on the color already and get it done! We sometimes put this off until the last minute because we want it to be just right.
You don’t have to get it perfect, just create a nice space that sparks joy and is as functional as it is adorable.
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When it comes to things to avoid during third trimester, definitely don’t stress yourself out for any reason. Make a solid plan and stick to it. You have three months to get everything arranged and ready to go for you little bundle of joy.
What’s on your third trimester checklist?
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Don’t forget to create an Amazon Baby Registry. You get a discount for products placed on the registry and have 90 days to return any goods. Plus, you can add products from any site, not just Amazon.
