Key Takeaways
- The third trimester runs from week 28 to birth (around week 40)
- Appointments become more frequent — every 2 weeks, then weekly after 36 weeks
- Pack your hospital bag by week 36 and finalize your birth plan
- Daily kick counts help you monitor your baby's wellbeing
- Know the difference between Braxton Hicks and true labor contractions
The home stretch is here. The third trimester is a mix of excitement and discomfort as your body prepares for delivery and your to-do list gets real. This checklist walks you through the appointments, the practical prep, and the signs that labor is approaching, so you can head into delivery day feeling ready.
Related: Second Trimester Checklist, Hospital Bag Checklist, and Signs of Labor.
The Third Trimester at a Glance
Weeks 28 to 40 bring the biggest physical changes of pregnancy. Your baby gains most of their birth weight now, your organs get crowded, and sleep becomes harder. It's also when you'll make the final decisions about birth and bring everything together for your baby's arrival.
Appointments & Tests
| Timing | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 28 weeks | Rh immunoglobulin shot if Rh-negative; Tdap vaccine recommended |
| 28–36 weeks | Visits every 2 weeks: growth, blood pressure, urine checks |
| 36–37 weeks | Group B strep (GBS) swab; position check |
| 37–40 weeks | Weekly visits; cervical checks may begin; non-stress tests if needed |
Count the kicks
From around week 28, do a daily kick count. Pick a time when baby is usually active, and time how long it takes to feel 10 movements. Call your provider if movements noticeably slow or stop.
Your Prep Checklist
- By 32 weeks: Finish childbirth classes; wash baby clothes and set up the crib; install the car seat (and get it inspected)
- By 36 weeks: Pack your hospital bag; finalize your birth plan; pre-register at your birth facility; arrange care for pets or older kids
- By 38 weeks: Stock the freezer with meals; set up a feeding station; confirm your support team and backup rides
- Any time: Choose a pediatrician; discuss cord blood banking; prepare a postpartum recovery kit
What Happens to Your Body
- Shortness of breath as the uterus presses on your lungs — easing after baby "drops"
- Swelling in feet and hands; heartburn and frequent urination
- Braxton Hicks contractions become stronger and more frequent
- Trouble sleeping, back pain, and pelvic pressure
- Colostrum (early milk) may leak from your breasts
How Baby Is Growing
Your baby grows from about 2.5 lbs (1.1kg) at 28 weeks to 7–8 lbs (3.2–3.6kg) at term. Lungs mature, fat accumulates, the brain develops rapidly, and most babies move head-down in preparation for birth by around 36 weeks.
Early Signs Labor Is Near
- Lightening: baby drops lower into the pelvis, easing breathing
- Losing the mucus plug or "bloody show"
- Nesting instinct — a sudden burst of energy
- Regular, intensifying contractions that don't stop with rest
- Water breaking — a gush or steady trickle of fluid
When to Call Your Doctor
- Contractions before 37 weeks that are regular and painful
- Your water breaks (note the time, color, and odor)
- Decreased fetal movement
- Severe headache, vision changes, or sudden swelling (preeclampsia signs)
- Vaginal bleeding or constant, severe abdominal pain
See also: Braxton Hicks vs Real Contractions and Preeclampsia Warning Signs.
FAQ
When should I pack my hospital bag?
Aim to have it ready by 36 weeks. Babies can arrive early, and you'll want one less thing to think about if labor starts unexpectedly. Keep it near the door.
How often will I feel contractions before labor?
Braxton Hicks "practice" contractions are irregular, usually painless, and ease when you change position or drink water. True labor contractions grow stronger, longer, and closer together over time.
What if my baby is breech?
Many babies turn head-down on their own by 36–37 weeks. If yours doesn't, your provider may discuss options such as an external cephalic version (ECV) or a planned C-section. Discuss the safest plan for your situation.
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Log symptoms, medications, and temperatures. ParAI's AI helps you spot patterns and know when to call the pediatrician — based on AAP guidelines.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician for concerns about your baby's health or development.
