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Pregnancy Checklist
Third Trimester - Month 7 (weeks 28-31)
Go to your 28-week prenatal appointment.
Month 7
Your OB provider will examine you as usual by measuring fundal height and listening for your baby's heartbeat with the fetal doppler.
Your OB provider will go over your 26-28 week blood work results.
• If your glucola test was abnormal, your provider will have you schedule a 3-hour glucose tolerance test to confirm that you have gestational diabetes.
• If you are Rh-negative and your antibody screen is also negative, you will be given a Rhogam injection.
TASK TYPE
To Do
PURPOSE
Medical
TEAM
Doctor
Schedule your next 2 prenatal appointments for about 30 and 32 weeks.
Month 7
The frequency of your appointments will now increase to every two weeks so that your OB provider can keep a closer eye on you during the 3rd trimester.
Note that your provider may recommend a different frequency of appointments depending on your individual circumstances. Also, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, your provider may recommend that some of your routine visits be done via telehealth.
During the 7th month, your baby will grow from the size of a head of cauliflower to the size of a coconut.
You may sometimes feel your baby having hiccups in addition to being more active.
TASK TYPE
To Do
PURPOSE
Medical
TEAM
Doctor
Get your Tdap booster vaccine at around 27 to 36 weeks.
Month 7
Getting a Tdap vaccine during your third trimester gives your baby the most protection until he or she is able to get the pertussis vaccine at two months of age.
Many OB providers may provide the Tdap vaccine in their office. Or, you can often get this vaccine from your primary care provider or local pharmacy.
Make sure to inform your family members that they will also need to be up-to-date with their Tdap vaccine before the baby is born.
TASK TYPE
To Do
PURPOSE
Medical
TEAM
Doctor
Add more iron-rich foods to your diet.
Month 7
Aim for at least 3 servings a day of iron-rich foods, such as:
• lean red meat, poultry, and fish
• leafy, dark green vegetables (such as spinach, broccoli, and kale)
• iron-enriched cereals and grains
• beans, lentils, and tofu
• nuts and seeds
• eggs
TASK TYPE
To Do
PURPOSE
Personal
TEAM
Self
Start looking for a pediatric provider for your baby.
Month 7
There are many types of providers that can provide care for your baby including pediatricians, family physicians, pediatric physician's assistants, pediatric nurse practitioners, and family nurse practitioners.
It's often a good idea to meet with two or three prospective providers before your baby is born.
It is also helpful to ask your OB provider along with local friends and family for a recommendation.
TASK TYPE
To Do
PURPOSE
Medical
TEAM
Family
Go to your 30-week prenatal appointment.
Month 7
Your provider will review your previous lab results and discuss any follow-up tests as needed.
Your OB provider will examine you as usual by measuring fundal height and listening for your baby's heartbeat with the fetal doppler.
TASK TYPE
To Do
PURPOSE
Medical
TEAM
Self
Notify your employer(s) about your maternity/paternity leave plans.
Month 7
Your maternity/paternity leave will have a significant impact on your supervisor, coworkers, and direct reports. The more you prepare everyone for your departure, the more you will remind them of your value, and the more seamless your transition will be.
Learn more about maternity/paternity leave planning.
TASK TYPE
To Do
PURPOSE
Personal
TEAM
Self
Sign up for childbirth, breastfeeding, infant CPR, and baby care classes.
Month 7
Taking educational classes during pregnancy with your partner will help prepare you for: what childbirth is like, how to manage pain during childbirth, how to breastfeed and care for your baby, and how to handle emergency situations. Further, knowing what to expect from your newborn will make your first days home together a little less overwhelming.
These classes can be in-person or virtual. Check with your hospital or birth center on what classes they offer. In addition, many doulas and motherhood centers have options for small group or private classes.
TASK TYPE
To Do
PURPOSE
Educational
TEAM
Family
Take a calcium supplement (1200-1400 mg/day) with food daily.
Month 7
Your calcium needs are increasing now that your baby's bones are starting to form.
If you notice leg cramps or "charley horses," you may need to increase your calcium intake.
TASK TYPE
To Do
PURPOSE
Personal
TEAM
Self
Consider seeing a chiropractor and/or physical therapist if you're feeling the physical impact of pregnancy.
Month 7
Chiropractic care is considered relatively safe and effective for treating musculoskeletal conditions during pregnancy. Chiropractors can adjust what they call subluxations, or partial dislocation, which result from the changing posture and pressure on the vertebral column.
Physical therapists, especially those specifically trained to treat the prenatal and postpartum population, can complement chiropractic care with exercise, stretching, manual therapy and education. Stabilizing exercises or stretches sometimes along with athletic taping encourages the joints mobilized by the chiropractor to remain in their optimal position.
TASK TYPE
To Do
PURPOSE
Personal
TEAM
Self
How do I pre-register with my hospital or birth center?
Month 7
Most OB providers will have the paperwork you need to fill out or can direct you to a website to pre-register online.
Pre-registration before delivery is especially important if you're having a planned C-section.
If you haven't visited your hospital or birth center, schedule a tour for you and your partner.
TASK TYPE
To Ask
PURPOSE
Medical
TEAM
Doctor
What are Braxton Hicks contractions?
Month 7
Braxton Hicks contractions are "false labor" contractions that are common in the 3rd trimester and are more likely to be noticed at the end of the day.
These contractions are not regular and can many times be due to dehydration.
If you've been sitting for a long time, stand up and walk around. If you've been on your feet all day, sit down and rest. Changing position or moving in a different way can usually stop Braxton Hicks contractions.
Real labor contractions are usually more consistent and get stronger and more frequent over time.
TASK TYPE
To Ask
PURPOSE
Medical
TEAM
Doctor
Does my insurance policy cover lactation consults?
Month 7
If your insurance covers your delivery and your hospital stay, it should include any lactation services that you receive while you're in the hospital for the birth of your child.
If a lactation consultant works with your OB Provider or your Pediatric Provider, those services may be covered by your insurance.
Some insurances cover private lactation consultations, and others do not. Some lactation consultants accept insurance, and others do not. When you are choosing a lactation professional, check with your insurance company and the individual lactation consultant to find out what you need to know about fees and the payment process.
TASK TYPE
To Ask
PURPOSE
Financial
TEAM
Insurance
Are breast pumps covered by my policy?
Month 7
Most plans are required to cover the cost of a breast pump rental or purchase, but the type of pump that is covered may vary.
You may need a prescription from your OB provider and the pump may need to be ordered from an approved durable medical equipment (DME) provider.
TASK TYPE
To Ask
PURPOSE
Financial
TEAM
Insurance