Pregnancy Countdown Checklist: Must-Dos Before Baby ArrivesPreparing for a baby is exciting, overwhelming, and full of decisions. A clear, step-by-step checklist can turn anxiety into action and help you feel more confident as the due date approaches. This comprehensive pregnancy countdown checklist covers practical, medical, emotional, and logistical tasks to complete from the second trimester through the final days before labor.
Second Trimester (Weeks 13–27): Build the Foundation
The second trimester is often the most comfortable time physically and emotionally — a great window to get foundational tasks underway.
- Choose a healthcare provider and finalize your birth plan basics. If you haven’t already, decide whether you’ll deliver with an obstetrician, midwife, or at a birthing center/hospital. Discuss preferences like labor interventions, pain management, and who will be present.
- Schedule routine prenatal appointments and tests. Attend anatomy scan (around 20 weeks) and any recommended screenings (glucose test, genetic screening follow-ups).
- Start financial planning. Review maternity leave policies, estimate parental leave income, and set a baby budget (gear, nursery, childcare).
- Research and begin prenatal classes. Childbirth education, breastfeeding, and newborn care classes fill up — book early.
- Declutter and prepare your home. Identify where the baby will sleep and clear space. Consider starting a nursery, even if it’s temporary.
- Begin a registry and prioritize must-have items. Focus on essentials: car seat, safe sleep surface, diapers, basic clothing, and feeding supplies.
- Review health and lifestyle habits. Continue prenatal vitamins, avoid harmful substances, and maintain a pregnancy-appropriate exercise routine.
Third Trimester (Weeks 28–40): Get Practical and Tactical
As the due date nears, shift from planning to concrete preparations so you can act quickly when labor starts.
- Finalize your birth plan and discuss it with your provider. Include preferences for induction, cesarean section, pain relief, delayed cord clamping, and immediate newborn care.
- Pack your hospital bag for labor and postpartum. Essentials: comfortable clothes, ID/insurance card, birth plan, phone charger, snacks, toiletries, nursing bras, pads, newborn outfit, and car seat.
- Install and check the infant car seat. Ensure it’s correctly installed and meets current safety standards. Many local fire stations or hospitals offer inspections.
- Prepare your home for baby care. Set up the crib or bassinet, organize diapers and clothing, and stock up on toiletries and cleaning supplies.
- Plan postpartum support. Line up help for the first weeks — partner responsibilities, family support, or hired help for meals and chores.
- Finalize pediatric care. Choose a pediatrician and understand newborn visit schedules and immunizations.
- Practice labor and newborn care skills. Review breathing techniques, positions for labor, breastfeeding latch basics, swaddling, diapering, and bathing.
- Arrange work and childcare logistics. Confirm leave dates and discuss a return-to-work plan if applicable.
4 Weeks Before Due Date: Final Checks
With a month to go, ensure logistics are ready and your body and mind are supported.
- Confirm transportation plans to your chosen birth location. Know the route and alternative routes; stock gas or confirm ride options.
- Check insurance and hospital paperwork. Verify coverage details, pre-registration, and any required forms.
- Finish nursery and baby-proofing basics. Install outlet covers, secure furniture, and create a safe sleep environment per AAP recommendations (room-sharing, firm surface, no loose bedding).
- Make a postpartum recovery plan. Prepare pads, perineal care supplies, and comfortable clothing. Consider a birthing ball, ice packs, or sitz bath items.
- Stock freezer meals and easy groceries. Prepare a few meals ahead and have snacks and staples on hand.
- Confirm pets and older children plans. Arrange who will care for them during labor and after delivery.
2 Weeks Before Due Date: Be Ready for Early Arrival
Babies sometimes come early. Treat these two weeks as arrival-ready time.
- Keep your hospital bag by the door. Include everything for labor and newborn; add last-minute items like phone chargers and toiletries.
- Keep important phone numbers accessible. Provider, hospital, backup driver, pediatrician, and support people.
- Ensure all paperwork is organized. ID, insurance, birth plan, and any medical records.
- Install the car seat if not done. Do a final check on its fit and expiration date.
- Practice rapid packing and route timing. Time the drive to the hospital at different times of day to estimate traffic.
- Monitor signs of labor and call your provider as directed. Know when to go in (contraction frequency, water breaking, decreased fetal movement, bleeding).
Final Week: Mental and Physical Readiness
The last week is about calm, rest, and confidence. Conserve energy and trust your preparations.
- Rest and conserve energy. Sleep when possible; take short, gentle walks unless advised otherwise.
- Review your birth plan and key preferences. Ensure partner/support knows your priorities and how to advocate for you.
- Keep phone, bag, and car keys handy. Place them together in a designated spot.
- Finish any last-minute chores. Wash baby clothes, pack the diaper bag, and simplify household tasks.
- Practice relaxation and breathing. Use visualization, meditation, or breathing exercises to manage labor anxiety.
- Confirm support availability. Re-check that your chosen helper(s) can attend or assist as planned.
Post-Birth Immediate Checklist (First 24–72 hours)
The first days after birth are intense and important for baby and parent health.
- Ensure newborn receives recommended screenings and initial exams. This includes APGAR, newborn metabolic screening, and any hospital-specific protocols.
- Start breastfeeding or bottle-feeding with support. Ask lactation consultants for help with latch and positioning if breastfeeding.
- Confirm postpartum care instructions. Understand warning signs of infection, heavy bleeding, fever, and when to call a provider.
- Register baby and secure birth certificate steps. Complete hospital paperwork and learn your local process for registration.
- Arrange safe transport home. Double-check car seat and have a designated driver.
First 6 Weeks Postpartum: Recovery and Adjustment
The postpartum period is about healing, bonding, and seeking help when needed.
- Attend postpartum checkups. Schedule the 6-week visit (or earlier if needed) for both parent and baby.
- Monitor mental health. Watch for signs of postpartum depression or anxiety and seek help if you notice mood changes, severe anxiety, or inability to care for yourself or baby.
- Continue newborn care schedule. Keep feeding and sleep logs if needed and follow pediatrician guidance on immunizations and wellness visits.
- Establish routines gradually. Flexibility helps; prioritize rest, nutrition, and gentle activity.
- Accept help and set boundaries. Delegate chores, accept meals/gifts, and protect rest time.
Quick Packing Checklist (Hospital Bag)
- ID, insurance card, birth plan
- Phone + charger, wallet, keys
- Comfortable robe/nightgown and socks
- Nursing bras and pads
- Toiletries, toothbrush, lip balm
- Snacks and drinks for partner
- Outfit for baby and going-home blanket
- Infant car seat (installed)
Safety and Legal Checklist
- Install and register car seat
- Prepare a basic first-aid kit and thermometer
- Understand parental leave and legal paperwork
- Consider life insurance and updating wills
Final Advice
Trust your preparation and your body. Prioritize rest, support, and open communication with your care team. Flexibility is key — plans may change, but a clear checklist helps you focus on what matters when baby arrives.
If you want, I can convert this into a printable checklist, a week-by-week timeline, or a hospital bag packing list.
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