Three is a Magic Number page 2

THIRD TRIMESTER (Weeks 27-40)

1. Comfort Even More

Your partner may start having trouble with eating, breathing, feeling aches and pains (possible leg cramps) as the baby grows bigger. Massage your partner and help her relax a lot more.

2. Visit the Doctor

This is the time when your partner will get tested for gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and will be under more careful observation. Be sure to attend as many of these appointments as possible for emotional and physical support and personal knowledge.

3. Make a Birth Plan

Decide with your partner all the details of labor and delivery, from pain medication (if you don’t go natural) to whether or not you want to cut the umbilical cord yourself. You should also know which hospital you will go to and any particulars regarding health insurance coverage for the delivery.

4. Interview a Pediatrician

Check out a few local pediatricians to decide who will take care of your baby once s/he comes out. Ask your family and friends for recommendations and visit at least two doctors to get first-hand knowledge.

5. Practice

See about asking a family member or friend if you can practice holding, diapering, bathing, and feeding a baby. It will help make you more confident about taking care of your own.

6. Shop for Baby

This is fun, especially if you like to buy stuff. Among other things, shop for any furniture for baby’s room (crib and changing table) and transportation gear (car seat – which must be installed before you take baby home, stroller, diaper bag – there are manly choices, these days).

7. Decide on Childcare

Discuss how you will configure childcare with your partner. You may need to interview nannies, babysitters, nurses, daycares, and grandparents (don’t laugh, some are more reliable and qualified than others, which can be sticky, but worth thinking about).

8. Arrange Paternity Leave

Fill out any necessary forms for taking time off after baby arrives. Give yourself at least a week, preferably two or more if you can do so because you want to have the time to get right into the rhythm of fatherhood.