Hey! Are you caught up planning your maternity photoshoot (the amazing part), with your mind full of the poses with your baby bump? 

But hold on! 

Have you prepared your pregnancy checklist for the third trimester? If yes, wonderful! If not, don’t worry;  Cryoviva Singapore, known for cord blood banking, has curated it for you.

But first, briefly explore the changes your babes are experiencing during the third trimester

Your Baby’s Changes During the Third Trimester of Pregnancy

Your baby is going through rapid and remarkable developments. Why? To prepare for life outside the womb:

Physical growth and organ maturation are undergoing:

• Physical Growth

Changes like weight gain and soft body fat accumulate to help regulate temperature right after birth.

• Organ Maturation

Lungs (continue to mature), brain (experience rapid growth), heart (fully formed)

• Sensory and Reflex Development

Eyes (can detect light and focus on nearby objects), hearing (react to sounds and voices), hence speak positive and movement (can suck, grasp and cry). However, the movements are restricted due to limited space.

• Final Preparation

Positioning (turn heads down for birth), sleep cycles (sleep more and waiting to be born), and skin and bones (bones fully form, but the skull remains soft; skin has more fat buildup).

These were some changes that the baby goes through in your womb during the third trimester of pregnancy. However, every pregnancy is different; hence, the baby’s growth and development may differ. Consult your doctor for the changes and development. 

Let’s have a look at our main focus on the third-trimester checklist.

Third Trimester Checklist (The Must-Haves)

The third trimester is a transformative period filled with excitement (can be daunting, though) for both expecting parents. Hence, having a third trimester checklist is something you should not miss.

This checklist will answer the most common query, “What to prepare before the baby arrives?”

• Medical Monitoring and Health Care

• • Prenatal Appointments: In general, visits may increase to every two weeks, then weekly in the last month. However, visits depend on the doctor’s decision, so follow them. This will ensure early detection of potential complications.

• Immunisations: Follow the immunisation chart for your baby right after birth. To ensure your baby’s immune system is strong enough to fight against potential infection.

Also Read: How to balance your pregnancy and career?

• Childbirth Preparation

• Birth Classes: You can join classes to learn stages of labour, coping techniques, birthing positions, role of the partner. Additionally, learn about breastfeeding, newborn care.

• Birth Plan: Discuss with your healthcare provider about pain management choices, preferred delivery positions, support people, and use of medical interventions.

• Baby’s Space and Must-Have Essentials

• Nursery Setup: Ensure that crib meets current safety standards; mattress firm, fitted sheet only.

• Car Seat Installation: Hospital discharge requires a properly installed infant seat.

• Selecting Pediatric Care

• Research and Interviews: Proper interview (ask them about philosophy on antibiotics) and research to select a pediatric care provider for the vaccine schedule and newborn emergencies.

• Preregistration: Contact the pediatric office to register the baby and handle paperwork.

• Hospital and Birth Essentials

• Packing the Hospital Bag: Should include ID, insurance card, birth plan, toiletries, change of clothes, and phone charger. Remember to keep pyjamas or nursing gowns to help you breastfeed comfortably.
• Paperwork and Pre-Registration:  Keep all the hospital papers/documents in a folder for hospital admission, which reduces administrative stress during labour.

• Postpartum Preparation

• Physical Recovery: Make sure to have perineal care products, pads, nipple cream, and support underwear.

• House Readiness: Deep clean high-touch surfaces and declutter. To ensure ease of movement when the baby arrives.

• Family Wellness and Emotional Readiness

• Mental Health: Monitor for symptoms of anxiety or depression (no need to worry). Do not hesitate to seek help early.

• Prenatal Bonding and Relationship Support: Learn how to talk/sing to baby and consider journaling the pregnancy experience. You can also discuss fears, expectations, and plans with your partner.

Also Read: What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag: Beyond the Essentials

Conclusion

As they say, preparing in advance helps you tackle moments that matter most. Welcoming a baby is one such crucial moment that deserves to be perfect. So, keep your third-trimester checklist ready, ensuring that when your little one arrives, you are enjoying the moment and smiling—instead of worrying about missing documents at home.

Additionally, it is equally important to plan beyond the third-trimester checklist, such as making arrangements for cord blood collection.

If you have selected Cryoviva Singapore for cord blood banking, ensure your stem cell collection kit and necessary documents are ready in your hospital bag.

FAQs

• What to prepare before the baby arrives?

It is essential to prepare both your home and yourself before your baby arrives. It includes everything from packing your hospital bag to keeping your home clean.

• What do I need to do in my third trimester?

It’s crucial to know how to monitor your baby’s movements. Additionally,  understand the signs of early labour just in case.

• What is a common symptom during the third trimester?

Every pregnancy is different; however, frequent urination can be one you may be experiencing. Because the baby moves deeper into your pelvis.

• What to avoid in your third trimester?

Alcoholic beverages, cigarettes and drugs are strictly No No.  Additionally, avoid raw or undercooked meat.

• Is your baby fully developed at 30 weeks?

Yes, a fetus is largely developed at 30 weeks. However, they still need to gain weight and refine some functions before birth. The lungs and brain are still maturing.