2nd Trimester Planning: 5 Crucial Things to Do Before the 3rd Trimester

The second trimester is often the most manageable phase of pregnancy, making it the perfect time to prepare for the challenges ahead. Here's what you should prioritize before the third trimester:

1. Create Your Birth Plan: Outline your labor and delivery preferences, including pain relief methods, labor support, and newborn care decisions.
2. Schedule Prenatal Appointments: Stay on top of essential check-ups and screenings like the anatomy ultrasound and glucose tolerance test.
3. Sign Up for Childbirth Classes: Learn about labor stages, pain management, and newborn care to feel more prepared.
4. Prepare for Your Baby’s Arrival: Set up your baby registry, organize essentials like a car seat, and consider cord blood banking.
5. Focus on Wellness and Self-Care: Incorporate low-impact exercises, prioritize emotional health, and plan time to relax before the baby arrives.

1. Create Your Birth Plan

A birth plan is your chance to communicate your preferences for labor, delivery, and newborn care to your healthcare team. As The Mother Baby Center explains:

"A birth plan will guide you in detailing your preferences for labor and delivery so that you can discuss them with your partner and health care provider. It's a way to describe what's most important to you."

Start by organizing your plan into key categories:

• Labor support: Decide who will be with you during labor. Will it just be your partner, or do you want a doula as well?
• Pain relief options: Outline your preferences, whether it's an epidural, natural breathing techniques, or nitrous oxide.
• Medical procedures: Specify your thoughts on IV use, fetal monitoring, and interventions like episiotomies.

Don’t forget newborn care decisions. For instance, do you want immediate skin-to-skin contact? Are you planning to breastfeed? If you're considering cord blood banking, include detailed instructions to ensure the collection process is seamless and well-timed during delivery.

It’s a good idea to review your birth plan with your provider by the second trimester. This gives you time to understand hospital policies, like whether you’ll have the freedom to move during labor or if fetal monitoring will limit mobility. Also, discuss emergency scenarios, such as your preferences in the event of a C-section.

Finally, make sure to stay on top of your prenatal appointments and screenings. These are essential for preparing you and your healthcare team for the third trimester and beyond.

2. Schedule Prenatal Appointments and Screenings

In your second trimester, expect to see your healthcare provider once every four weeks from weeks 14 to 28. These visits go beyond routine check-ins - they're critical for tracking both your health and your baby's growth.

At each appointment, your provider will monitor your weight, blood pressure, and fundal height (after 20 weeks, this measurement usually matches your weeks of pregnancy within 2–3 cm). They’ll also listen to your baby’s heartbeat, which typically ranges between 120–160 beats per minute, using a Doppler device. A urinalysis will also be done to check for conditions like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.

Certain screenings are especially important during this trimester. The anatomy ultrasound, done between weeks 18 and 22, provides a detailed look at your baby’s organs, limbs, placenta, and amniotic fluid levels. This is also when you can learn your baby’s sex if you choose to. Around weeks 24 to 28, you’ll take the glucose tolerance test, which involves drinking a sugary solution followed by a blood test an hour later to screen for gestational diabetes. If you're Rh-negative, an antibody screening will be done around week 28, and you may need a RhoGAM injection.

Keep a list of any questions or concerns to discuss during your appointments. Topics like heartburn, back pain, or when to expect fetal movement (usually between weeks 18 and 22) are worth bringing up. However, if you experience symptoms like vaginal bleeding, severe headaches, blurred vision, or sudden swelling, contact your provider right away. These could signal a serious issue that needs immediate attention.

This trimester is also a great time to schedule a dental cleaning, as hormonal changes can lead to gingivitis in about 40% of pregnant women. Additionally, talk to your healthcare team about any vaccinations you may need. Staying on top of these appointments and screenings helps ensure a smoother journey as you move closer to your third trimester.

3. Enroll in Childbirth and Parenting Classes

Once you've finalized your birth plan and set up prenatal appointments, it's time to focus on preparing for the big day - and beyond - by signing up for childbirth and parenting classes. The best time to enroll is between weeks 20 and 32 of pregnancy. By this point, you'll likely have more energy than in those early months, and you'll avoid the discomfort that often comes with the later stages of pregnancy. Plus, completing the classes well before your due date ensures you won't miss out if your baby decides to arrive ahead of schedule.

These classes go far beyond just breathing exercises. A 2017 study involving 197 first-time mothers revealed some compelling benefits for those who attended. For example, the rate of labor induction was noticeably lower among attendees (17.1% compared to 29.6% for non-attendees). Additionally, 95.1% of those who took the classes exclusively breastfed postpartum, and they were also less likely to use pain medication during labor. This research, led by Colleen G. Mueller, BSN, and Pamela J. Webb, MS, highlights the tangible advantages of being well-informed.

"It's about learning what questions to ask", explains Maura Jo Lynch, a Childbirth Educator at Yale New Haven Health.

When choosing a class, look for one that covers the essentials: labor stages, pain management options (both natural and medical), newborn care basics like diapering and bathing, breastfeeding techniques, and infant CPR. Most comprehensive programs offer about 12 hours of instruction. Hospital-based classes typically cost around $299, though free or discounted options may be available for Medicaid patients.

It's also a good idea to bring your partner or support person along. They'll gain practical tools to support you during labor and feel more prepared for their role. These classes are usually small, with 10 to 12 couples, ensuring personalized attention and opportunities to connect with other parents-to-be. Taking the time to educate yourself now can boost your confidence and help you feel more prepared for labor, delivery, and life with a newborn.

4. Start Newborn Preparation and Registry Planning

Once you've tackled your birth plan and signed up for prenatal classes, it's time to dive into newborn preparations. The second trimester is a great time to get started on your baby registry. Chances are, you’ve got more energy now than you did earlier in your pregnancy, and you’re not yet dealing with the physical challenges that can come later. This is the perfect window to focus on the essentials - sleep gear, feeding supplies, diapering necessities, and travel equipment - before thinking about decor or extras.

Start with the basics. For sleep, you’ll need a crib or bassinet with a firm, flat mattress and tight-fitting sheets. Keep the area free of loose bedding or toys to ensure safety. For diapering, stock up on diapers, wipes, and diaper rash cream, and set up a changing station with everything within easy reach. Clothing essentials include 6–8 onesies, 4–6 sleepers, socks, mittens, hats, and swaddles. Feeding supplies depend on your plan: if breastfeeding, consider a nursing pillow, burp cloths, and nipple cream. For bottle-feeding, you’ll want 6–8 bottles with slow-flow nipples, a bottle brush, and formula (if needed). Don’t overlook health items like a digital thermometer, nasal aspirator, and baby nail clippers.

Don’t forget about postpartum care for yourself. Gather recovery essentials like a peri bottle, witch hazel pads, heavy-flow pads, and nursing pads to make your healing process smoother. Pre-made postpartum kits, such as the Frida Mom Labor and Delivery + Postpartum Recovery Kit, can be a convenient option for around $99. Dr. G. Thomas Ruiz, Lead OB-GYN at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center, highlights the importance of the peri bottle:

"It's incredible for comfort, especially if you had a vaginal delivery... [the peri bottle] keeps everything clean and decreases your risk of infection."

Preparing for your baby’s arrival also includes some key logistical steps. If you’re considering cord blood banking, now is the time to research. Companies like Americord Registry offer plans covering cord blood, cord tissue, placental tissue, and exosome banking. Order your collection kit between weeks 28 and 34 to ensure it’s ready before your due date. The collection process is quick and painless for both mom and baby, typically taking less than five minutes. Assign someone to deliver the kit to the hospital staff after birth, and confirm with your hospital’s labor and delivery team that they’re equipped to handle cord blood collection.

Lastly, make sure your car seat is installed and inspected well before the third trimester. A properly installed car seat is required to bring your baby home from the hospital, and taking care of this now will save you from last-minute stress. Thoughtful registry planning not only helps you stay organized but also ensures you have everything you truly need when your little one arrives.

5. Focus on Physical Wellness and Self-Care

As the nausea and fatigue of early pregnancy ease up, the second trimester brings a chance to focus on both your physical and emotional well-being. This is the perfect time to prepare your body and mind for the demands of the third trimester. Staying active not only strengthens your body for labor but also helps maintain emotional balance.

Low-impact exercises are ideal during this stage. Swimming and water aerobics are particularly great because the water supports your body weight, easing joint pressure and reducing swelling in your ankles and feet. Walking is another excellent choice, helping to build stamina for labor. Pilates can improve core strength and stability, while gentle stretches - like pelvic tilts and calf stretches - can relieve back pain and leg cramps, which are common during pregnancy. Did you know that about 1 in 4 women experiences pelvic pain during pregnancy? Adding these exercises to your routine can help make a big difference in your comfort.

Don’t overlook your emotional health. Even as physical symptoms improve, new concerns about labor, delivery, or becoming a parent may emerge. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or prenatal yoga can help ease stress and improve your sleep. This is also a great time to connect with your baby - by week 23, your baby can hear sounds outside the womb, so talking, reading, or singing can be a meaningful way to bond.

Self-care goes beyond exercise and relaxation. Try lying on your left side with support pillows to improve circulation and make resting more comfortable. You might also consider planning a "babymoon" - whether it’s a trip or a relaxing staycation with your partner - to recharge and enjoy time together before your baby arrives. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or depression, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for a referral to a counselor who specializes in pregnancy-related concerns.

Before starting any new exercise routine, always check with your healthcare provider, especially if you’re dealing with complications like placenta previa or signs of preterm labor. Building a wellness routine now can help you approach the third trimester feeling strong and balanced.

Conclusion

As morning sickness subsides and your energy levels improve, now is the ideal time to tackle the five key tasks outlined here: crafting your birth plan, booking vital prenatal appointments, signing up for childbirth classes, preparing for your baby’s arrival, and prioritizing your own well-being. Taking these steps early makes the transition into the later stages of pregnancy smoother and less overwhelming.

"My last tip is to get as much done as you can during your second trimester of pregnancy. That way, when you enter the third trimester... you won't face many pending tasks. You can simply rest and get mentally ready to have a baby." - Kirsten Metcalf, Ergobaby

Procrastination can lead to unnecessary stress. Services like childcare often have long waitlists, and decisions such as cord blood banking are time-sensitive. Starting early ensures you’ll have everything in place, from newborn essentials to finalized arrangements, without last-minute panic.

Taking charge during this period not only reduces stress but also boosts your confidence. Knowing your birth preferences are set, your prenatal care is on schedule, and your home is ready for your baby allows you to focus on resting, bonding, and mentally preparing for labor. The effort you put in now will make all the difference when you enter the final stretch feeling calm and prepared.

"Being prepared will always help a soon-to-be or new parent feel better about caring for their baby." - The Mother Baby Center

FAQs

When should I review my birth plan with my provider?

You should go over your birth plan with your healthcare provider early in the second trimester. This gives you plenty of time to make sure your preferences match their approach and to talk through or tweak any details. Getting an early start means everything will be sorted out before the third trimester, leaving you feeling more at ease and ready to focus on preparing.

What symptoms should I call my OB about right away?

If you notice any of the following, reach out to your OB right away: regular and increasingly intense Braxton Hicks contractions, sudden and severe abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, fluid leakage, or symptoms of preterm labor, such as persistent lower back pain or cramping. These could indicate a need for immediate medical care to protect both your health and your baby’s well-being.

When should I order my Americord collection kit?

You should place your order for the Americord collection kit at least four weeks before your due date. The best time to do this is during your second or third trimester. Ordering in the second trimester (between weeks 14 and 27) gives you plenty of time for processing and delivery. This ensures you’ll have the kit ready, especially if your hospital or birthing center doesn’t supply one.