How to Prepare for Your Baby’s Arrival

[Updated November 2025]

Having a baby is one of the most life-changing experiences anyone can go through, and also one of the most rewarding.

But before your new baby arrives, there are some important things you can do to prepare for their arrival, both physically and emotionally.

From writing a birth plan and packing your hospital bag to attending antenatal classes and getting familiar with the signs of labour, a little preparation can make a big difference when the big day finally comes.

Getting Ready for the Birth of Your Baby

As you reach the final weeks of pregnancy and your due date, it’s natural to feel both excited and a little anxious. The prospect of labour can be overwhelming, especially for first-time parents, but knowing what to expect and having a plan can help you feel calm and confident.

Below are our top tips for how to prepare for your baby’s arrival, whether you’re planning a hospital birth, birth centre or home birth.

1. Create a Birth Plan

One of the best things you can do in the late second or third trimester is to create a birth plan. This written document outlines your preferences for the delivery process, things like pain relief options, who your birth partner or support people will be, and what kind of birth experience you’re hoping for.

A birth plan helps you feel more in control, ensures your healthcare provider understands your wishes, and prepares you mentally for the birth of your baby. It can include preferences such as:

• Whether you’d like a natural birth, unmedicated birth or would prefer pain medication such as gas & air or an epidural.
• Who you’d like present: a partner, family member, friend, or doula.
• Whether you’d like to try water therapy or a warm bath for pain relief.
• If you’d like delayed umbilical cord clamping or cord blood collection.
• Your preferences for skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding support, and postpartum care immediately after birth.

If you have chosen to store your baby’s stem cells, it’s worth including this in your birth plan so that everyone on your health care team knows. The collection process is quick, safe and painless, and doesn’t interfere with your delivery process, whether you have a vaginal birth or caesarean section. You can read more about this in our guide to cord blood and tissue banking.

Creating your plan early gives you time to discuss it with your midwife, healthcare professional, or birth partner and adjust as needed.

2. Pack Your Hospital Bag

As your due date approaches and you prepare for your baby’s arrival, packing your hospital bag is a must. It’s best to do this around 34–36 weeks, so you’re not rushing when labour begins.

Your hospital bag should include essentials for you, your newborn baby, and your birth partner. Here’s a quick checklist of a few essentials to bring:

• Basic toiletries: toothbrush, hairbrush, deodorant, lip balm, shampoo, conditioner, flannel or wipes.
• Comfortable clothing: loose nightdress or pyjamas, dressing gown, slippers and nursing bras.
• Labour items: snacks, drinks, phone charger, music or relaxation playlist, and relaxation techniques such as a stress ball or TENS machine.
• For baby: sleepsuits, vests, nappies, wipes, hat and blanket.
• Important documents: maternity notes, birth plan, and ID.
• Cord blood kit: if you’re storing stem cells, remember to pack your collection kit.

It’s a good idea to keep the bag packed ready near the door, especially once you’re towards the end of your pregnancy and could go into early labour at any time.

We have a full hospital bag checklist here if you want a more comprehensive one!

You can also take a tour of the hospital or birth centre beforehand to familiarise yourself with parking, facilities, and what’s provided, a great way to reduce last-minute stress!

3. Attend Antenatal or Childbirth Classes

Many expectant mothers find that attending antenatal classes or childbirth education classes helps them feel prepared. These sessions, sometimes run by midwives, cover topics like:

• Signs of labour and how to tell the difference between Braxton Hicks contractions and the real thing.
• The stages of labour: early labour, active labour, and delivery.
• Different positions for labour and birth, including gentle yoga or prenatal yoga stretches that help open the pelvis and ease discomfort in the lower back.
• Breathing and relaxation techniques for managing labour pain naturally.
• Pain relief options, from water therapy and warm baths to gas & air or epidural.
• Caring for your newborn baby and what to expect during the first days at home.

These classes are especially helpful for first-time mothers or those who want to understand how to make medical interventions work alongside natural childbirth preferences.

4. Prepare Your Home for Baby’s Arrival

Assembling your baby’s cot, changing area and essentials before the birth of your baby is another important step. Make sure everything is clean, safe and ready for when your baby comes home.

• Assemble the crib or cot early so you can get familiar with it and ensure it meets safety standards.
• Wash bedding and clothes in gentle, baby-safe detergent.
• Stock up on nappies, cotton wool, wipes, maternity pads and baby toiletries.
• If you’re having a home birth, prepare clean towels and waterproof sheets in advance.

It’s also a good time to set up feeding areas, changing stations, and somewhere comfortable for rest during night feeds once your baby arrives.

5. Focus on Your Physical Wellbeing

Preparing your body for labour and recovery can make a real difference to your comfort and confidence.

Exercise and gentle movement, like prenatal yoga, swimming or yoga poses that strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, can improve flexibility and reduce the risk of pelvic organ prolapse. Always check with your healthcare provider before starting any new routine, especially if you have a high-risk pregnancy or pre-existing medical conditions. Here are some of our suggestions for safe exercise in pregnancy.

Perineal massage in the final few weeks of pregnancy can help prepare the birth canal for a vaginal delivery, potentially reducing tearing.

Raspberry leaf tea and eating dates are more traditional options some pregnant women use in the third trimester to tone the uterus and in an attempt to promote shorter labour. Always discuss this with your midwife before starting something new.

Don’t forget that rest is just as important as activity. Take naps, practise relaxation techniques, and soak in a warm bath to ease tension in your lower back and hips. Water therapy is a soothing way to unwind and can even help mimic the comfort of a water birth if you’re planning one.

Check baby’s position in your final weeks of pregnancy. Your midwife can help you understand whether baby is head-down and ready for birth.

6. Eat Well and Stay Hydrated

A healthy diet plays a vital role in preparing for labour and helping your baby’s health.

Focus on:

• Whole grains, lean proteins, fruits and vegetables.
• Iron-rich foods like spinach and red meat to support your blood supply.
• Calcium and vitamin D for bone development.
• Plenty of water to stay hydrated and support amniotic fluid balance.

Eating little and often can help combat heartburn and fatigue in late pregnancy. If you have special dietary needs, allergies or a medical condition like gestational diabetes, seek guidance from your healthcare provider.

You can read our full guide to healthy eating during pregnancy here.

7. Learn About the Signs of Labour

Knowing what to look for as your body prepares for birth can help you stay calm and respond appropriately when labour begins.

Common signs of labour include:

• Regular uterine contractions that become stronger and closer together.
• Backache or pressure in your lower back.
• A “show”: the loss of your mucus plug.
• Waters breaking (when the amniotic sac ruptures and amniotic fluid leaks – not usually as dramatic as on TV!).
• Cramps, nesting instinct, or a sudden burst of energy near your due date.

Remember that Braxton Hicks contractions can feel similar to the real thing but are usually irregular and not as strong. When in doubt, contact your midwife or healthcare provider for advice.

If your waters break and contractions don’t start within 24 hours, you may be advised to go to hospital to reduce infection risk. Your healthcare professional will guide you through the safest option.

8. Rest and Mental Preparation

It might sound simple, but one of the best ways to prepare for labour is to get enough rest! Pregnancy is hard work (you’re growing a whole new human!), especially in the third trimester, and your body needs downtime to prepare for the effort of birth.

Try these techniques to stay calm and positive:

• Gentle yoga or breathing exercises before bed.
• Listening to music, reading, or taking a warm bath.
• Using relaxation techniques practised in your birthing classes.
• Talking through fears or concerns with your support person or healthcare professional.
• Visualising your baby’s arrival and your first moments together.

Your emotional wellbeing is just as important as physical preparation. Surround yourself with positive support. Your midwife, health care provider, partner, or friends can all help you feel grounded as you approach the big day.

9. Practical and Household Prep

In the final few weeks, it’s wise for you or your partner to handle a few extra practical tasks before you bring your newborn baby home.

• Do a deep clean and catch up on laundry.
• Prepare and freeze some healthy meals.
• Arrange childcare for older children or pets.
• Check car-seat installation.
• Keep emergency numbers and your hospital’s contact details handy.
• Make sure your support person knows the plan when labour pain begins, including transport, timing, and what to do if it’s a medical emergency.

You may also want to meet your healthcare provider one last time to confirm your birth plan and any instructions for when your water breaks or contractions start.

10. Prepare for Postpartum Care

It’s easy to focus on the birth itself, but the postpartum period deserves just as much planning. Birth is just the beginning!

Set up a support network of friends, family members, or even social workers if you expect to need additional help after birth. Know how to reach lactation consultants if you plan to breastfeed, and keep contact numbers for health visitors and your GP handy.

Pack comfortable clothes for recovery, maternity pads, and gentle skincare products. Keep snacks and water near your feeding spot, and rest whenever possible. Your healthcare provider or midwife can advise when it’s safe to start light exercise again, such as pelvic floor strengthening or gentle walks.

And make sure to read up on a few of the unexpected things that people don’t tell you about the postpartum period!

When to Call for Help

Even with the best preparation, labour and birth can sometimes bring surprises. Contact your healthcare professional immediately if:

• You experience heavy bleeding, severe pain, or reduced fetal movement.
• Your water breaks and is green or brown (may indicate meconium).
• You suspect infection (fever, chills, or unusual discharge).
• You have symptoms of high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, swelling).

Your health care provider is there to support you and ensure both you and your unborn baby remain safe.

Every pregnancy is different, but good preparation helps you feel calm, organised and ready for the birth of your baby. Whether you’re planning a vaginal birth, caesarean section, or hoping for a natural childbirth, remember there’s no single right way, just what’s right for you and your family.

Pregnant women often find that planning ahead brings peace of mind. Take time to rest, eat well, practise relaxation techniques, and talk openly with your healthcare team. The vast majority of births go smoothly, and even if yours involves medical interventions, you’ll be in safe hands with your midwife and healthcare provider guiding you every step of the way.

Before long, your new baby will be in your arms, and all your preparation will have been worth it.