Third Trimester Essentials: Weeks 28–40 Checklist

You're in the home stretch. The third trimester brings more frequent checkups, a lot of growing (for both of you) and plenty of preparing. Here's what to expect in weeks 28–40 and how to get ready for your baby's arrival.

A quick note: every pregnancy is different. Use this guide as a starting point and follow the advice of your own doctor or midwife.

Appointments and tests

When	What
28–36 weeks	Visits usually every 2 weeks
By 36 weeks	Tdap (whooping cough) vaccine, if you haven't had it yet this pregnancy
32–36 weeks, September to January	RSV vaccine, which protects your newborn in their first months. The other option is an RSV antibody shot for your baby after birth; ask which your provider recommends.
36–37 weeks	Group B strep (GBS) swab
36 weeks to delivery	Weekly visits, often including blood pressure, your baby's position and growth checks

Get to know your baby's movements

By now your baby should have a fairly regular pattern of movement. Learn what's normal for your baby, and ask your provider whether they'd like you to do daily "kick counts." If your baby is moving less than usual, call your provider right away rather than waiting until the next day.

Common third-trimester discomforts

• Shortness of breath as your uterus presses up. It often eases when the baby "drops" closer to delivery.
• Heartburn and trouble sleeping: small meals, an extra pillow and sleeping on your side help.
• Swollen feet and ankles: put your feet up, wear compression socks and stay hydrated. Sudden swelling of the face or hands is different; see the warning signs below.
• Braxton Hicks contractions: irregular tightening that eases with rest, water or a change of position.
• Back and pelvic pain: a support belt, warm (not hot) showers and gentle stretches can help.
• Tight, itchy belly skin as it stretches its most. Keep moisturizing twice daily. Call your provider for intense itching of the palms and soles.

Signs of labor

• Contractions that come at regular intervals, get closer together and don't stop when you rest or change position. Ask your provider when they want you to call or come in; many use a rule like contractions every 5 minutes, lasting 1 minute, for 1 hour.
• Your water breaking, whether a gush or a steady trickle. Note the time and the color, and call your provider.
• Losing your mucus plug or a "bloody show" can happen days before labor or as it starts.

Get-ready checklist

• Install the car seat and have it checked by a certified technician. Hospitals need it to send you home.
• Pack your hospital bag by about 36 weeks. See our hospital bag checklist.
• Choose a pediatrician and let the hospital know who it is.
• Write down your birth preferences and talk them through with your provider.
• Plan your postpartum support: who will help with meals, older children, pets and night feeds.
• Stock up on freezer meals, pads, newborn diapers and wipes.
• Pre-register at your hospital or birth center and know the route.

Third-trimester essentials

• A pregnancy pillow, and a wedge for back support
• Compression socks and comfortable slip-on shoes
• A support belt for back and pelvic pain
• Your fragrance-free belly cream. Keep going twice a day; your skin stretches the most now.
• Nursing bras and a few comfortable button-front tops
• Snacks and a water bottle within reach of your bed

When to call right away

• Your baby is moving less than usual
• Vaginal bleeding, or fluid leaking
• Regular contractions before 37 weeks
• A severe or lasting headache, vision changes, pain under your right ribs, or sudden swelling of your face or hands. These can be signs of preeclampsia.
• Intense itching, especially on your palms and soles
• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher

More in our pregnancy guide

• First trimester essentials (weeks 1–13)
• Second trimester essentials (weeks 14–27)
• Hospital bag checklist
• The fourth trimester: postpartum essentials
• Healthy meals and fruits · Prenatal vitamins · Pregnancy skin care

This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor or midwife about your own pregnancy.