Use this list to keep track of all your third-trimester tasks, from doing kick counts to making a birth plan and deciding on a baby name.

Activities for your third trimester

Keep track of your baby's movements

Pay attention to your baby's kicks, twitches, and rolls and let your doctor or midwife know right away if you notice a decrease in movement. Less movement may signal a problem, and you'll need testing to check on your baby's condition. Your healthcare provider may recommend that you spend some time each day counting your baby's kicks – find out how to do "kick counts."

Learn about third-trimester prenatal visits and tests

You'll most likely have a checkup every two weeks from 28 to 36 weeks, then switch to once-a-week visits until you deliver. As you and your provider get to know each other better and as your due date draws near, you can expect a mix of regular physical exams, late-pregnancy tests, and discussions about the coming birth.

Find out more about third-trimester prenatal visits.

Consider more classes

In addition to a childbirth class, you may want to consider classes on baby care, breastfeeding, and infant CPR. Many hospitals offer these, and you can also ask your provider or childbirth education teacher for a recommendation.

Prepare for breastfeeding

If you're planning to breastfeed your baby, learn as much as you can about it now. Talk to nursing moms, read articles to familiarize yourself, and consider calling your local La Leche League International chapter or taking a breastfeeding class. The more you know about how to get started and the benefits of nursing, the better.

Choose a doctor for your baby

Get names of pediatricians or family practitioners from friends, co-workers, neighbors, or your prenatal caregiver. Make sure the doctor accepts your health insurance, keeps hours that work with your schedule, and has an office that's convenient for you.

If you can, schedule face-to-face interviews with your top candidates. If it seems too early to be thinking about this, keep in mind that your baby will have his or her first doctor's visit shortly after birth.

Learn more about choosing a doctor for your baby.

Think about big decisions

Would you like to stay home with your baby full- or part-time? If you're having a boy, would you like him to be circumcised? Will you have a religious ceremony after your baby's born? What about banking your baby's cord blood? These are some of the big decisions to think and talk about now.

Assemble your baby gear

This is the perfect job for your partner or a friend who wants to help. Cribs, bassinets, and strollers can be tricky to put together, especially when you're sleep-deprived, so get started now. Swings, mobiles, and monitors usually require batteries, so make sure you have enough on hand. To save money – and help the planet – consider getting rechargeable batteries and a battery charger.

Set up a safe place for your baby to sleep

Whether you plan to have your baby slumber in a crib or bassinet, it's important to follow basic guidelines to reduce your baby's risk of SIDS.

Find out all about making sure your baby's sleeping space is safe.

Talk to your baby

Your baby can hear your voice now, and talking to him or her is a great way to start the bonding process. If having an actual conversation with your bump seems odd, try narrating your daily activities; reading a book, magazine, or newspaper aloud; or sharing your secret wishes for your child.

This is great practice for after your baby's born, too. Talking to babies is one of the best ways to help them develop language skills.

Learn about coping with labor pain

There's no one right way to deliver a baby: Every woman's experience with pain is different and every labor is different. But whether you know you want pain medication during childbirth or a natural birth, it's good to learn about your options now.

Know the stages of labor

For first-time moms, labor takes an average of 15 hours, though it's not uncommon to last more than 20. (For women who've previously had a vaginal birth, it averages eight hours.) The process is divided into three main stages – learn about them so you'll feel prepared for labor and birth.

Create a birth plan

Childbirth is unpredictable, and chances are you won't follow your birth plan to the letter. Still, it's helpful to figure out your preferences beforehand for pain management techniques, who'll be present during delivery, whether your baby will "room in" with you after birth, and more.

Fill out our handy Birth Plan Worksheet and discuss it with your provider.
