Last month of pregnancy checklist items that you may not have thought of. Here are the top 20 things to do during your last trimester.

I think I can, I think I can, I think I can… the final (ahem!) push is on until your baby arrives and changes your world forever. While your hormones have probably already brought on some major nesting, your pregnancy brain might leave you feeling like there’s something you’ve forgotten. (And there inevitably is.) Here’s my list of 20 must-dos for the last month of pregnancy.
Last month of pregnancy checklist:
1. Treat yourself to a mani/pedi.
Not only do you deserve some pampering, but your hands will feature prominently in a zillion photos of your new bundle of joy. Plus, you’ll likely be doing a bunch of shuffling around in flip flops post-labor.
2. Pack a “going home” outfit for baby.
You’ll most likely keep your newborn swaddled in (awesome) hospital blankets until you head home, so no need to bring cute outfits for wearing in the hospital, but don’t forget to pack that Instagram-worthy outfit and hat. #Homewardbound!
3. Go on a date…or 6.
It’s tough to predict when you’ll next head out solo with your significant other. Take advantage of the last few weeks by doing things as a couple before your family grows by one or (eek!) more.
4. Upgrade your phone storage.
You are about to become the next Anne Geddes, at least in your world, taking so many photos and videos of your baby that you’ll hit your storage max quickly. Don’t let that video of your baby’s first coo get cut off because you feel too guilty to erase the 75 pictures you took of the first stroller walk. (Online journal apps like Tinybeans can be a lifesaver.)
5. Speaking of photos, research a newborn photographer.
Get some recommendations from friends, then get the low down on fees (there can be a big difference between the cost of having them taken and actually getting them printed). Photographers like to do these in the first two weeks of life, so do the legwork now so you’re not scrambling to hire one in a sleep-deprived, zombie-like state.
6. Ask for a foot rub.
Cankles or not, propping your feet up and having them rubbed will feel ah-mazing. Your significant other or anyone within arms reach of your perch on the couch will do. (You’ve earned it – and it’s pretty hard to turn down a woman who can’t reach her own feet.)
7. Sign up for Amazon Prime.
If you haven’t already, do it now, because ordering baby supplies from your phone and receiving them within two days is one of the greatest conveniences in the modern world.
8. Invest in a nice, new comfy outfit.
Purchase an outfit that is comfortable and makes you feel good (don’t get too ambitious on sizing), and you can wear it leaving the hospital and when visitors swing by. Grab a headband and some dry shampoo too (here’s a fave), since washing and drying your hair will become a luxury.
9. Make new playlists.
You’ll never be so grateful to Steve Jobs for putting 1,000 songs in your pocket than when you’re a new parent. Make a playlist for the hospital, one for car rides or long walks with baby, and one with some soothing, mellow tunes that will keep you and baby relaxed. Your Spotify will be set to Raffi station for the next 6 years, so enjoy your favorites now.
10. Fill up your Netflix queue and download some page-turners to your Kindle.
Newborns nurse or bottle feed 10 to 12 times a day, for 20 to 30 minutes at a time (and that’s once you both get the hang of it… in the earliest days, it can be an hour or more). That’s a lot of time captive in a glider or on your couch, and we survived it by reading the Hunger Games and re-watching 30 Rock and Arrested Development in their entirety.
11. Prepare for the postman.
Another item to add to your last month of pregnancy checklist is to purchase thank you note cards – or sign up for a service like Paperless Post – because there’s usually a torrent of baby gifts after baby is born.
12. Set up your birth announcement.
Whether it’s an Instagram post or physical announcements, figure out what you’re going to write once this kiddo arrives. Minted makes gorgeous baby announcements (with or without photos). They also offer free custom envelopes & recipient addressing so you can have it all locked and loaded before go time. If you use the code PC15, you’ll get 15% off your order.
13. Tinker.
All that gear you bought or received still sitting in its boxes? Set it up and play around with the buttons, straps, and handles. You don’t want to get caught holding a crying newborn while trying to unfold a stroller for the first time with one hand.
14. Stock up on staples.
Head to the grocery store and grab a bunch of non-perishable items like Granola bars, pasta, cereal… even some of that milk in a box. (Bonus points for anything that can be eaten one-handed.) There will be times in the early days when you can’t get out of the house and will need a quick meal. Don’t forget the coffee and wine, obviously.
15. Wash some of the baby’s new clothes.
Leave the tags on the rest, because there’s no way to know what’s going to fit (and for how long). Be sure to use gentle detergent, though no need to get fancy; regular ol’ All Free and Clear is a fave.
16. Get some noise.
Whether its the sound of a fan, the ocean, or even a hairdryer, there’s an app for that, and baby will love it. Even better, invest in a quality sound machine. The sound doesn’t loop like an app does and the sound tends to be richer – my favorite is LectroFan – then print off some of our free do not disturb signs for your door.
17. Research Mommy and Me classes.
They may not seem like your cup of tea now, but in a couple of months, being in a room with other moms in your overtired shoes will feel like a lifesaver.
18. I need somebody, not just anybody…Help!
Make a list of caregivers you’re comfortable with, and let them know they’re on it in case you need emergency coverage in those early weeks.
19. Prep some meals.
Stock your freezer full of healthy meals so you don’t have the added hassle of figuring out what to do for dinner. Skinnytaste has a great freezer and slow cooker section so you can just dump and go when you’re sick of eating pizza.
20. Sleep. Take naps, go to bed at 8pm, sleep until noon… just because you can.
Or at least snooze as long as possible until your bladder forces you out of bed.
What else would you add to a last month of pregnancy checklist?
Let me know in the comments below!
Our next recos: Hospital Bag – What to Pack

Think about the lighting! I ordered a small egg-shaped dim-able nightlight that I could move from room-to-room. It was a game changer to have soft, dim light on while I nursed or changed a diaper in the middle of the night.
Haircut, especially while you can enjoy your beautiful pregnancy hairBefore stocking up the fridge, clean out the fridge and freezer – you will have enough to do without having to deal with no space or gross food findsLoad up on meals/snacks that you can eat with one hand and get yourself a nice, HUGE thermos or glass for water. A ginormous Canadian pint glass with a straw was my lifesaver
Plan something fun but cancel-able to do ON your due date, so that if baby hasn’t come by then you aren’t just sitting around waiting. Also helps in case you would feel disappointed not to have had your baby by your due date – a little something to look forward to.
Make sure you have a safe spot to put baby down in your living area like a pack n play, swing or even just a comfy blanket for the floor. When we brought my daughter home I realized we had no where to put her down when we first got home if I needed to use the bathroom or get a drink.
Add snacks and one handed meals to the list of food prep. Being stuck on the couch nursing or consoling a screaming newborn means you only have one hand for eating. Popcorn, trail mix, oatmeal bars were all great for the instant starving when nursing.
Great point!
Maybe something about prepping for feeding baby. Getting familiar with your pump, wash bottles, create some feeding baskets for areas in your home with burn cloths, snacks, nipple cream, hair ties, etc. etc. I’ve also recently seen a whole baby cart trend where moms are taking a three tier cart on wheels and stocking It with all the essentials (feeding mom and baby, diapers, toys, lotions, etc) and it can be dragged around the house. Genius!
That’s a good one. We have a whole post on that so I’ll loop it in. Thanks!
Someone mentioned pads, I would add ice packs and Advil on hand for pain. I was not expecting that to be so bad in the couple weeks after I gave birth.
Excellent point.
Yup, I agree with a previous commenter – maxi pads are ALWAYS on my poor husband’s “oh yea, I forgot” list 3 days after baby arrives. Add a leisurely Target stroll to your last month list and get the brand of pads you like and also SNACKS. Freezer meals are great but one-handed, indulgent snacks that you don’t usually buy yourself? That’s a whole other form of self care after baby gets here. My fave are Zebra Cakes!
Zebra cakes are amazing.
Add buying things such as paper products, cleaning supplies, etc that you want around in case you don’t want to leave the house for a few weeks AND you don’t want a bunch of dishes to clean up. Make a list of things people can do for you (cool, clean, deliver groceries, hang out with your other kids) so that when they ask what they can do you don’t respond with the default “oh nothing” when really you need help with (insert thing).Coordinate plans with caretakers of your other children if school/daycare pickup is necessary or what the kids’ schedul might look like while you are at the hospital Talk with your SIL about your birthing plan AND decide what snacks you want at the hospital. Don’t forget to buy those things!
Brilliant.
Take a few extra zippered pajamas to the hospital in case your baby has sensitive skin. My nurse noticed my baby was starting to break out and said the newborn blankets and swaddles are washed in the same strong detergent as the rest of the hospital linens, which many babies are sensitive to. I was so glad I had packed a couple of extra outfits! I also wish I would have known to have some really large pads on hand before delivery. I assumed I would get a lot of large pads from the hospital and then figure out what I needed later. I hadn’t prepared for my water to break and then continuously flow until I got to the hospital. I had to keep a towel in my underwear, which was not exactly comfortable and did not stay in place well.
I wouldn’t have even thought of that. Thank you!
Open up your breast pump and read the instructions. Figure out how all the parts fit together. It’s so nice to have that ready to go when you get home!
Yes!!
my doula recommended having a plan in place just in case of post partum depression and anxiety including symptoms/signs and who i would feel comfortable talking to
This is such great advice!
Prep, clean and sanitize all bottle and breast pump parts. I was SO thankful I did this! Our baby was born with a tongue tie and couldn’t latch so I had to use my pump on Day 3. Good thing I had read the instructions and had everything thing ready because it would have been so overwhelming after four days of no sleep.
Great idea.
As others suggested, stocking up on pads is a great idea (and some pairs of big comfy underwear while you’re at it!). Discussing any restrictions for visitors with your partner beforehand can be extremely beneficial as well. Something that was helpful to me – that can be prepped before the arrival of baby – was having a small canvas basket filled with “necessities” that I could keep nearby and was easy to carry to another room when I needed to. I had a small pack baby wipes, a couple diapers, snacks, water bottle, lip balm, lotion, hair brush, baby nail clippers, cellphone and tv remote. Stuff that you’ll want nearby without having to ask or walk around for. I kept a tight lidded trash can next to my recliner too which was very helpful to me.And a note about the phone storage and Amazon Prime suggestion — you get unlimited photo storage as a Prime member so you wouldn’t need both if you purchase a membership. You can download the photo app and have it automatically back them up as well. 🙂
These are great! #13 Tinker is one of my biggest tips. It’s so hard figuring out how everything works when you’re stressed or overtired. Try out all the new gadgets, electronics, carriers, pack-n-plays…don’t wait until the moment they’re needed.
We made a bunch of dates with friends too: pizza night, escape room, head to the movies, dinners out, who knows when you’ll get together with your friends in this way again!Also-I wish we had more conversations on how to keep our relationship alive, how we will support one another, when we will find sleep, who will manage the daily tasks of the house etc.
Pretty great list w recs! I would also recommend: Learn how to use your breast pump and about storing BM. Make “padsicles” and buy a Fridamom peri sprayer!- The one from the hospital was just “ok.” I also kept a thermos of warm water in my bathroom at night so I did not have to wait for the warm water from faucet when I really had to pee! Just refill those peri spray bottles stat! Start taking stool softners!
-Research daycare/caregiving situations before baby is born in order to secure a spot if you plan to go back to work after maternity leave. -Find a pediatrician. Some doctors prefer to visit the baby in the hospital and will need information, and meeting you ahead of time can make that whole process much smoother.-Consider getting your carseat installed/double checked by a certified individual (i.e. police)
Take a relaxing bath, get a prenatal massage and talk to the grandparents about what you do and don’t want when baby comes so they’ll know how to help.
What a fantastic list! I think Amazon Prime includes photo storage now. I also wish I’d planned one more brunch/girls night with friends because it was a while before I saw them after my daughter was born.
Get mama’s post-birth care necessities in order! No matter how much you think you’re prepared, it’s a lot to go through! And if you can, start some perineal massages within that month before birth to reduce tearing and improve recovery. Your lady bits will thank you later!
Buy more diapers!
Pack a nursing friendly outfit to go home in. With my first, I packed a comfy dress that would be forgiving no matter what size I was….but ended up going home in pajamas instead. And forget about wearing leggings for the first couple weeks because the size of the pad/adult diaper you’ll have on will make that pretty impossible or at least unsightly!
Egg based dishes do not defrost well (unless I’m doing it wrong??). All my carefully prepped post-partum breakfasts ended up watery disappointments. I’ve read that eggs only freeze and defrost well if you flash freeze so I recommend buying pre-made breakfast burritos or egg sandwiches. Definitely stock up on thank you notes and STAMPS. So many people sent us gifts that I totally wasn’t expecting! I also highly recommend buying yourself a few nice beauty products to pamper yourself when someone else can take the baby for an hour. Get in the shower, wash your hair with $20 shampoo, use a eucalyptus spray and throw on a new undereye cream before bed. It will make you feel human after giving birth!
Hire a cleaning service to do a deep clean. Get a haircut and visit the dentist before those outings will require a babysitter.
Take newborn class like Taking Kara Babies, take breastfeeding course online, buy a comfy robe, make sure you have help at home (especially if you end up having c-section – someone to help you with basically everything until your pain is tolerable).
Do a good shaving job on your legs and bikini area.
Get a waterproof mattress cover-for you! So important for all the bodily fluids (night sweats 🥵).
Get yourself some high-waisted comfy pants (no drawstring) and undies (go full grandma!) just in case you end up needing a C-section. I wasn’t planning on having one, but then had to and I was really glad I had those two items on hand to wear while I healed. Normal waistlines were really uncomfortable to me for the first couple of weeks.
Get a deep freezer if possible. You can pack it full of meals and then store breast milk in it. Set up and easy way to share all the baby photos with grandma and grandpa. Nixplay or a private Facebook group.
One thing I forgot, was a book on baby’s first year! I had taken a parent-course beforehand, but the books are SO helpful, fill in lots of gaps, and answer questions! I think they’re more reliable, and less of a rabbit-hole than asking the internet (a scary place for new mamas!)
Start packing your go bag
I would add signing up for a grocery delivery service. While it can be nice to go to the store, a baby in a car seat takes up your full cart so I found it super hard to do. I ordered groceries while nursing- saved time and made it so I had food in the house!
Ask a rich relative to fund a night nurse and/ or lactation consultant And get those ladies booked. These people are angels from heaven and will have the most useful and data informed wisdom, unlike your MIL and other unsolicited sources.
[…] Last Month of Pregnancy Checklist […]
If you already have a child (or children) at home, create a solid plan for what will happen to them when you go into labour, especially if you want your spouse to be with you for a possible overnight stay at the hospital. Definitely don’t forget to inform your child’s school or daycare of a new designated pickup person, if needed!
So true!! I didn’t think that one through my second time around. Thankfully my in-laws were available but we would have been screwed otherwise.
Wow this list certainly covers some of the points that are much needed.
Here’s something I wrote in order to be done before labor. http://mytoothless.com/2017/02/24/9-must-things-to-do-before-going-through-labor/
This is amazing! Thank you!!!
Love this list! Especially the playlists. I’m a doctor, and I LOVE when my patients have awesome music going. Totally keeps the energy up (or down- if you need a nap!) during the (sometimes long) hours before, during, and after labor.
Great list especially the self care aspects like foot rub it reflexology ! My not was 6 weeks item so no time to even pack a bag !
Just a few short weeks left for me – these tips are great!
This is a horrible list
Thanks for making this list. I already have two kids of whom I like to take pictures, and I am constantly being scolded by my phone about storage. I needed the Carousel app, and I’ve been trying to think of all the important things I need to get done that making storage space on my phone is likely to have never once crossed my mind. I definitely appreciate it.
Love this list…I would also suggest having sanitary pads stocked up. Most women bleed for weeks after the baby is born. My 2nd baby was born days before Christmas and we had to find an open store on Christmas morning because I ran out. I will definitely be more prepared this time!
Great point!
Yes! I made padcicles which were such a huge help during those postpartum days
They are bliss!
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Freezer meals yes! I’d also add to purchase maxi pads (heavy and light) and witch hazel. It was also really helpful that I got a lot of samples-diapers, wipes, formula- in the mail (they would need to be requested earlier than a month prior to due date) because I didn’t realize I might have trouble producing milk and would need to supplement.
Excellent point!
Great list. If you have any upcoming engagements in the weeks after baby is born (staff parties/weddings) think about something that will work no matter what size you are. I’ve never cried so hard as when my husband came down ready for a Christmas party dressed up in a suit, and our 4 week old in a party dress, all I could fit into were my second trimester jeans and an old dress shirt of his.
2 years ago I loved lists like this. Now, with a baby on the way and a toddler at home, all I can do is laugh (and try not to cry). 😀
I second Melissa’s suggestion of packing your freezer with ready-to-heat, yummy meals. Oh, I’d also add go see lots of movies in the theater. You won’t get that freedom again for quite a while!
I was all ready with clothes, nursery, gear, but I totally spaced on diapers and wipes. Thankfully we used what the hospital gave us for the first couple days, but then it was time to make a trip to the store (a nice quick outing!) to stock up. Don’t forget about the diapers and wipes!
Get your nursing/post pregnancy (hopefully pre-pregnancy) clothes ready! You’ve probably forgotten what it’s like to be normal sized, but by the time you’re ready/able to leave the house, you probably won’t need your maternity pants (and you definitely won’t need your maternity shirts). Plus, the seasons have changed from when you were last normal sized, so make sure you have some items out that you can wear. Nursing friendly stuff (like button downs) or actual nursing clothes (with hidden panels) are a must if you’re leaving the house w/ the baby. If you’re like me, you’ll have your clothes stored away, so unpack those now, because once the baby is here, you won’t have the time/energy.
You won’t go back to pre-pregnancy size after birth it will take a few days/weeks depending on your body. When you leave the hospital you usually still look pregnant lol.
This list is great!! The only thing I would add is to make freezer meals. If you’re on good terms with your mom or mother-in-law it’s a fun thing to make them do. Premade frozen breakfast burritos saved my life. If you wrap them tight you can eat them one handed after 2 minutes in the microwave.
Thanks for the great list! I have 5 weeks to go and appreciate the advice.
thanks for this! I have 5 weeks so go so I’ll take all this advise I can get!