As your baby's arrival gets closer, a short practical plan can reduce last-minute decisions. Focus on the information your maternity team gives you, the hospital's requirements and the support you will need at home. You do not have to complete every nursery project before birth.
Health information: This is a general preparation guide. Follow your maternity team's personalised advice and contact them promptly about symptoms or changes that worry you.
Confirm whom to contact and when
Save the maternity service's phone number and ask what to do if you think labour has started or have an urgent concern. Ask specifically about changes in your baby's usual movements and how to seek help. Do not wait for the next routine appointment if the maternity team has told you a change requires prompt assessment.
Discuss your birth preferences, pain-relief questions and any planned procedures with the team. A written list can help you remember what to ask, while leaving room for the care plan to change.
Plan transport and family responsibilities
- Confirm the hospital location and entrance to use.
- Choose a transport plan and a backup.
- Keep essential records easy to collect.
- Agree on care for older children and household tasks.
- Tell your support person where the packed bag is kept.
Pack for the hospital's actual requirements
Ask what the hospital supplies and what you should bring. Separate items for you from items for the baby, and keep paperwork in an accessible pocket. Our hospital bag checklist for Pakistan can help with organisation, but the hospital's own instructions should guide the final bag.
Prepare a manageable first week at home
Choose where clean baby clothes and changing supplies will be stored. Arrange help with meals, laundry and errands where possible. Keep visitor plans flexible and let relatives know which practical tasks would be most useful.
Read our bringing baby home checklist and newborn clothing guide before adding more purchases. A few accessible basics may be easier to manage than a large collection of unopened items.
Keep wellbeing part of the plan
The NHS describes the third trimester as beginning at week 28 and notes that tiredness and discomfort can increase. Talk to your maternity team about symptoms and ask what support is appropriate for you. Keep professional care at the centre of preparation.
Further reading: NHS: Third-trimester pregnancy information.
