The final month of pregnancy is an exciting, sometimes anxiety-inducing time as you anticipate meeting your little bundle of joy. With so much going on, it can be hard to keep track of everything you need to prepare for the arrival of your baby.
From packing your hospital bag to preparing your home and mind for postpartum, a comprehensive pregnancy checklist can help you make the most of the last month and ensure you’re as ready as possible when the big day arrives.
50 Last Month of Pregnancy Checklists
Here is your checklist for the final month of pregnancy:
1. Prepare Your Hospital Bag
One of the most crucial tasks in your last month of pregnancy is packing your hospital bag. Consider packing the following items:
Essentials for You:
Comfortable clothes and slippers
Maternity bras and underwear
Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, etc.)
Snacks and water
Phone and charger
Birth plan (if you have one)
Insurance and ID cards
For Baby:
Baby clothes (onesies, hats, socks)
Diapers and wipes
Baby blanket
Car seat (installed in the car)
Related: 12 Pregnancy Tips For Normal Delivery
2. Install the Car Seat
Installing your car seat ahead of time and ensuring that it is properly secured is an essential safety step to take during your last month of pregnancy.
3. Finalize Your Birth Plan
While it’s important to be flexible during labor and delivery, it’s also helpful to have a birth plan in place. Discuss your preferences with your healthcare provider and create a plan that includes details about pain management options, people in the room during delivery, and any other specific requests or desires you have.
Related: 8 Weird Things About Babies in the First Four Hours After They Are Born
4. Arrange for Help After the Birth
Whether it’s a family member, friend, or hired help, it’s a good idea to arrange for someone to assist with household tasks and childcare in the days and weeks following your baby’s birth.
5. Prepare Your Home for Baby’s Arrival
Organizing your baby’s nursery and ensuring that everything is ready for the big day is another important step to take during your last month of pregnancy.
Things to organize:
Baby’s crib or bassinet
Diaper changing station
Baby clothes and blankets
Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding station
Stock up on baby essentials (diapers, wipes, clothes)
Related: Second Trimester Checklist
6. Stock Up on Household Supplies
Before you go into labor, it’s a good idea to stock up on food, toiletries, and cleaning supplies. This will help ensure that you don’t run out of essentials during those first few weeks of adjusting to life with a newborn.
7. Set Up a Pediatrician Appointment
The last month of pregnancy is also a good time to choose a pediatrician if you haven’t done so already. Schedule an appointment for your baby’s first checkup after delivery.
8. Get Your Prenatal Records Ready
Make sure your prenatal records are up to date and available for emergencies and when you check in at the hospital.
9. Pack a Birth Support Kit
Prepare a small bag for your birth support person (partner, friend, doula) with snacks, a water bottle, extra clothing, and entertainment.
Related: 10 Diaper Bag Essentials Checklist For Newborn
10. Prepare Your Birth Preferences
Whether you’re planning for a natural birth, epidural, or C-section, discussing your birth preferences with your doctor will help ensure that everyone is on the same page and prepared for your delivery.
11. Take a Prenatal Class
If you haven’t already, taking a prenatal class to prepare for childbirth can be helpful. In-person and online classes are available, and they cover everything from labor and delivery to baby care.
12. Create a Financial Plan
Review your finances for expenses related to the baby, update your insurance, and make sure you are financially ready for this new chapter in your life.
13. Keep a Pregnancy Journal
The last month is also a great time to keep a journal of your feelings, experiences, and memorable moments as you approach the end of your pregnancy.
14. Prepare for Postpartum Care
Stock up on postpartum supplies like maxi pads, ice packs, comfortable underwear, and any medications or supplements your healthcare provider recommends.
Related: 7 Tips to Lose Weight During Pregnancy
15. Set Up a Meal Plan for After Baby Arrives
Having a meal plan for after delivery can save you time and stress during those first few weeks. Prepare some frozen meals or ask friends and family to bring meals after the baby is born.
16. Relax and Rest
Rest is key in the final weeks of pregnancy. Napping when possible and getting plenty of sleep at night will be essential for labor and recovery, so make sure you’re taking it easy.
17. Practice Breathing Exercises
Deep breathing exercises and relaxation techniques can help you manage stress and prepare for labor.
18. Get Your Pet Ready for Baby
If you have pets, prepare them for the arrival of a new member of the family. Gradually introduce new routines, sounds, and smells to help them adjust.
19. Take a Belly Cast
Belly casting is an optional but fun activity that some expectant mothers choose to do during their last month of pregnancy. It’s a great way to create a keepsake to remember your pregnancy.
20. Finalize Maternity Leave Plans
Make sure your maternity leave is scheduled and that all paperwork is completed before your due date. Confirm the dates and your return-to-work plan with your employer.
21. Create a Birth Announcement
Designing a birth announcement in advance will ensure you’re ready to share the news with family and friends when your baby arrives.
22. Prepare Sibling Gifts
If you have other children, consider preparing a gift for them from the baby. It will help with the transition and make them feel included.
23. Choose a Birth Photographer/Videographer
If you want to capture the birth, hiring a professional photographer or videographer to document your delivery and the first moments of your baby’s life is an option.
24. Double-Check Your Baby’s Wardrobe
Reviewing your baby’s wardrobe to ensure you have enough newborn clothes, particularly for the first few days after birth, is always a good idea.
25. Arrange for Childcare for Older Children
If you have older children, arrange childcare during labor. Have a trusted friend or family member on standby to help out.
26. Make Sure You Have Access to Support Groups
Look into support groups for new mothers, whether online or in-person, to provide emotional support during the postpartum period.
27. Write Thank-You Notes
Writing thank-you notes for baby shower gifts or other gifts you have received is always a nice gesture.
28. Get Your Body Ready for Labor
Walking, stretching, and doing pregnancy-safe exercises to prepare your body for labor is essential.
29. Prepare for Postpartum Emotions
The final month is a good time to prepare mentally for the emotional rollercoaster you may experience after birth. Educate yourself about postpartum depression and seek help if necessary.
30. Check on Your Emotional Well-being
If you are feeling anxious or overwhelmed, it’s essential to reach out for support. Talk to your partner, friends, or a therapist.
31. Monitor Your Baby’s Movement
Keep track of your baby’s movements during your last month of pregnancy. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any changes or decreased activity.
32. Prepare Your Birth Partner
Have conversations with your birth partner about their role during labor. Make sure they understand your preferences and how they can support you.
33. Take Care of Your Skin
Moisturizing to prevent stretch marks and pampering yourself with some self-care routines will help your skin.
34. Buy Any Last-Minute Baby Gear
Check off any last-minute items that are still needed for the baby’s arrival. Baby monitor, breast pump, or diaper bag are good ideas.
35. Review Pain Relief Options
Discuss pain relief options with your healthcare provider to be aware of what’s available to you during labor.
36. Plan for Baby’s First Outfit
Choose a special outfit for your baby’s first moments. Whether you go with a hospital gown or a cute onesie, make sure you have it ready.
37. Create a Birth Playlist
If you want music during labor, creating a playlist that helps you relax and focus is a great idea.
38. Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water during the final month of pregnancy to help with labor and postpartum recovery.
39. Track Any Unusual Symptoms
Be aware of any unusual symptoms such as swelling, headaches, or blurry vision, and report them to your doctor immediately.
40. Prepare for the Unexpected
Labor may not go exactly as planned, so it’s essential to be prepared for the unexpected. Stay flexible and ready to adapt.
41. Keep Your Phone Fully Charged
Make sure your phone is charged and ready to document those first precious moments with your baby.
42. Get Ready for the Big Day
Practice mindfulness, breathing exercises, or anything else that helps you stay calm and centered as labor approaches.
43. Have a Support System in Place
Make sure you have a strong support system of people for emotional and physical support during labor. Whether it’s a partner, doula, or family, having people you can lean on is essential.
44. Create a List of Important Numbers
Write down important phone numbers for your doctor, hospital, family members, and anyone else you might need to contact during labor.
45. Take Care of Your Teeth and Gums
Don’t forget your dental hygiene during the last month of pregnancy. Take extra care to brush and floss to avoid gum issues during labor.
46. Get Comfortable with Labor Positions
Practice different labor positions to find what might feel best during your contractions.
47. Check Your Birth Center’s Policies
Double-check the policies at your birth center or hospital regarding visitors, pain management options, and other essential details.
48. Organize Your Finances for Baby’s Birth
Review your insurance coverage and be aware of what is and is not covered regarding your labor, delivery, and newborn care.
49. Stock Up on Healthy Snacks
Keep healthy snacks on hand for your hospital bag. They will come in handy during long labor or the first few days postpartum.
50. Celebrate Your Accomplishments
Finally, take a moment to celebrate yourself. The last month of pregnancy is a big milestone, and you should be proud of yourself as you prepare for the next chapter in your life.
The final month of pregnancy is an exciting and sometimes nerve-wracking time. Following this checklist will help ensure that you’re as ready as possible for the arrival of your baby. From packing your hospital bag to preparing your home and mind for postpartum, each step will bring you closer to the most exciting day of your life!
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