To-Do List For Your Third Trimester
The third trimester of pregnancy occurs during months seven, eight, and nine of your pregnancy and is the final stage. It is when you may experience various emotions, including eagerness to meet your baby, worries about moving to motherhood and infant life, and possibly even fright of giving birth.
During these three months, your baby will tend to develop and shift positions in preparation for birth. As a result of your baby's size and movements, it may become increasingly difficult for you to become comfortable.
So, are you looking for your third-trimester to-do checklist so you can learn what exactly you need to do in those last weeks of pregnancy with minimal stress? Don't worry; this article will go through the most critical things to add to your third-trimester to-do list.
1. Observe the Baby's Movements
In the third trimester, your baby moves inside your womb, which might also change as it gets larger. Each child has a distinct pattern of activity.
You'll quickly become familiar with its movements. Call your doctor immediately if you detect anything unusual about its movements or kicks.
2. Prenatal Appointments are Essential
Prenatal visits to your doctor in this trimester are essential to prepare you for labor and the uneventful delivery of your child. You should be aware of the early signs of delivery so that you can call your doctor as soon as you discover them. You'll also need to know how to deal with the terrible agony of childbirth.
3. Measuring Baby’s Growth is Must
Measuring your baby’s development in those last weeks of pregnancy is essential. Your doctor will examine the infant's growth, and if they think you require a thorough examination to see, they might suggest an ultrasound.
4. Never Ignore Some Unsafe Conditions
Some pregnant women encounter harmful conditions like pre-eclampsia. In this illness, the blood pressure gets high, and a woman has a threat of damage to the other organs. So if you face any symptoms like blurred vision, headaches, nausea, bloated hands, etc., directly contact your doctor. Preeclampsia conditions mostly grow in the third trimester.
5. Eat Properly
Your baby is growing fastly in the third trimester and needs more nutrition from you. So you need to eat correctly to ensure your child's healthy development. You should add foods with high levels of iron, protein, and different nutritional elements to your daily meals.
6. Connect with the Infant
Your baby bump is constantly developing, and you must feel the desire to connect with the baby. So you can slide your hand over the shapes of your belly and feel like communing with the baby. Your spouse also can do this to feel the baby’s movements.
Additionally, you can talk to your baby since your child can listen to your voice at this time.
However, it might sound old fashion, but it is the fact that you can connect with your baby better if you start conversing with it. If you don't feel like doing that, you can try to read books or novels loudly. Singing aloud is also an effective method to bond with the baby.
7. Learn About the Labour Stages
If you are giving birth to a baby a second time or a third time, you must already know about childbirth. Though, if you are becoming a mother for the first time, you need to learn about delivery stages and types; it will aid you in getting ready mentally and physically for the event.
8. Make a Birth Plan
Birth plans can differ; some might go for cesarean and some for normal delivery. You must confirm with your doctor how your delivery will occur and make your birth plan accordingly, like prepare a bag with all essentials before moving to the hospital.
9. Understand your Contractions
In the last days of pregnancy, you might start experiencing contractions in your womb. Whenever you feel them, list down how you feel when they come. Also, remark how frequently they arrive.
10. Get Proper Sleep
You need to have enough sleep in the third trimester. If you are not feeling like sleeping at night, try to have a nap during day time. While sleeping, use a soft pillow between your knees and under the belly to feel restful.
11. Buy Baby Essentials Before Delivery
Immediately after your delivery buying, baby-related items might become difficult for you. So you should stock up on necessities like baby food, napkins, diapers, baby wipes, milk bottles, baby clothes, etc.
12. Fit a Baby Seat in a Car
If you are bringing your baby home by car, you must attach a baby seat. Explore the correct infant car seat and check whether your vehicle can adjust easily.
13. Be Ready for Emergency Situation
You should ensure that you are ready for emergencies like you and your partner have all the important numbers on your phone. You should save the number of your doctor or any other staff in case your doctor might not pick up your call.
If you have a kid, make arrangements for them like babysitters or relatives to take care of while you are in the hospital.
14. Obtain Knowledge About Newborn Care
Once your baby is born, you might not get sufficient time to read any books and explore the internet about baby care. Hence, your third trimester is the perfect time to learn about post-pregnancy and baby care.
Additionally, you should also gain knowledge about breastfeeding. Sometimes, it becomes difficult for new moms to breastfeed their infant properly; by reading about it, you get an idea of how to breastfeed correctly.
Bottom Line
I understand that you might go through various good and bad thoughts in those last months of your pregnancy. However, do not stress too much, try to be positive and happy, and enjoy your third trimester.
Further, I hope the tips shared in this to-do list for your third-trimester pregnancy have helped you suitably, and now you must be confident in making your delivery time stress free. Share your feedback about this context and if you have further queries, leave a comment.
