The Ultimate Pregnancy To-Do List for your Third Trimester

You’re two thirds of the way through and your due date is now in sight! In between pregnancy check-ups and going through the nesting process, it’s a good idea to use these final weeks to do some research. This can help you mentally prepare for giving birth, and set your expectations for the weeks ahead.  

Familiarize Yourself with the Labour Process 

Thinking about labour and giving birth is probably one of the most daunting parts of pregnancy for parents, especially first timers. It can help to find out as much as you can about the different stages of labour, types of pain to expect and things you can do to make yourself more comfortable. Babycenter.com has a helpful guide on the stages of labour and delivery.

Create a Birth Plan 

For new parents, it can be difficult to know what a birth plan actually is, never mind what it should include. Essentially, it's a plan that communicates your wishes and goals for before, during and after labour and delivery. Parents-to-be can pen birth plans to put across the 'best-case scenario' version of delivery. Whattoexpect.com offers some helpful tips for writing your birth plan.

Read up on Baby Care

Although you’ve kept them safe in your belly for nine months, when your baby arrives it’s important to establish a bond with your new baby outside of the womb.

New parenthood can feel like a steep learning curve, and it’s common for parents to feel a little at sea when it comes to caring for their first child.  Read our blog, Newborn Baby Bootcamp: Bonding with a Newborn to get some tips and tricks for new parenthood.

Pack your Hospital Bag (and Check COVID-19 Protocols)

 Preparing your hospital bag can be exciting and daunting in equal measure. The good news is, we’ve done some of the legwork for you! Draft up your hospital bag checklist today with the help of our top hospital bag essentials.

You should also read up about your local hospital's COVID-19 protocols, as these differ depending on where you are. Check what the rules are regarding who will be allowed in the delivery room, for example, and what prenatal care will look like.  

Buy and Install your Baby’s Car Seat

For parents who have hospital births, car seats are a pretty fundamental part of getting your baby home safely! It’s a good idea to pick a car seat up in time for baby’s delivery, so you’re all set when it’s time to take your new bundle home. 

Canadian company Clek has a great line of child seats which are compatible with popular stroller brands. They also have a host of innovative features, including a peekaboo window and an SPF 100+ adjustable canopy, so you can travel in confidence with the knowledge that your baby is safe, secure and protected. 

Want to stock up on some other key items before baby arrives? Check out our top 6 baby essentials for new parents.