It’s the final push…before your baby arrives, that is! As your due date approaches and you begin preparing for birth, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got everything you need. To make this easier, we have compiled a last-month-of-pregnancy checklist, for all of the tasks to complete before your baby arrives, to ensure a smooth delivery and dazzling debut for your little one. Check off the items on this list so that you can feel rest assured that you are as ready for your baby to come into the world as they are to be in it!
Nest Your Best
A very common practice that can often signal your approaching due date is nesting! This is the natural desire to prepare for birth both mentally and literally, by creating your perfect nest. So, as the urge to organize kicks in, be sure to keep a few things in mind. First, get yourself a baby first aid kit so that you are prepared for any nicks and scabs that may occur. Next, make sure you wash baby’s clothes with newborn safe laundry detergent so that it is all clean and ready to wear before the baby arrives. Finally, make any last minute touches to your nursery!
Packing and Preparing
Preparing for birth means making sure that you are ready when your baby is, even if they arrive early! Start playing around with baby toys and mama gear before your baby comes, to assess the safety and functionality of your equipment in advance. That way you will be prepared to use all of your tools as soon as you need them. With this, it is especially important to get a baby car seat installed and have it inspected to make sure it is safe and ready for your drive home from the hospital. And don’t forget to pack in advance for the birth! Have a go bag ready in case labor starts earlier than anticipated.
Self Care for Mama
As you are nesting, you might want to move around, lift heavy objects, and crawl into spaces to make sure that everything is exactly as you want it. But, keep in mind not to overexert yourself. Be sure to take it easy with the difficult things and ask a partner, friend, or family member for help with the more strenuous tasks. And as you prepare for the baby’s arrival, be sure to prepare for yourself too. Get some prenatal exercise to feel your best. Be sure to consume nutritious meals to keep your energy up and give your baby all of the goodies too. While you can, get all of the extra sleep you want and need, you’ll be glad you did when the baby arrives!
Decisions with Doctors
One of the most important and essential things you can do during your last month of pregnancy is to make decisions with your doctors. As you attend all of your prenatal appointments (either every other week before 36 weeks and every week from 36 weeks until your due date) start asking any questions and begin creating your birth plan. This entails making decisions about how you want your delivery to go. Do you want pain medication? Who will attend and who will cut the umbilical cord? What will you do in case of an emergency? Do you want any additional tests done (beyond the routine) to further screen the health of your baby?
Pediatricians, Please!
Soon after your baby comes into the world, it will already be time to visit a pediatrician. This means you might want to talk to a few to make sure you find the perfect fit and lock down your choice. You are going to want this decided ahead of time so you can be ready for your first appointments when the baby arrives, and have the right number to call with any questions about your baby’s health. Not only will this help you feel prepared and relaxed, but you will join a team, ready to take care of concerns you might have about your baby’s health. As soon as you have your baby in your arms, you will want to know you have a professional to trust on your side!
At Coastal Kids Pediatrics, our team of passionate pediatricians is here to keep your little one as healthy as possible. That means both before and after their birth, as well as throughout their young lives. If you have any questions about the best ways to start preparing for birth during your last month of pregnancy, please feel free to reach out, we are here to help. We wish you a safe, happy, and healthy, third trimester, and cannot wait to meet your newborn!