Time seems to creep by in your first and second trimesters. It appears as though you'll have plenty of time to get yourself and your home in proper order for the arrival of your bundle of joy. You're buying cute nursery items, wearing the cutest maternity clothes, and fighting about names. Then, the third trimester begins. All of a sudden, things begin happening in a rush and you'll be likely to find yourself trying to squeeze just a few more minutes out of every day. Such is the process that millions of moms-to-be go through as their due dates grow nearer.

Below, we'll give you a quick checklist of items that you need to address before your baby is born. These are the thing many new parents forget as the third trimester speeds by.

Getting The Word Out

When your baby arrives, you'll want to announce the news to your friends and family. The problem is, if you wait until after she's born to plan and design the announcements, you may find that you lack the time. Plan ahead. Gather the necessary information beforehand during your third trimester.

For example, if you want to announce your little one's birth in your college alumni magazine, visit their website to figure out how to do so in advance. There are also services that allow you to design the layout of your announcements through their website. Some will even mail them for you. If you take the time to design them before your baby is born, you'll only need to fill in a couple of details (e.g. the birth date) before sending them.

Providing The Right Care

After her birth, you and your little one will need plenty of assistance from others. For example, you'll need to schedule an appointment with a pediatrician within one week of her birth date. You'll also need to educate yourself regarding how your medical insurance works. Must you add your baby to your plan immediately after her birth or do you have a few weeks to do so?

You should interview and choose a few babysitters upon whom you can rely. Having family and friends that will be willing to babysit can make this less of a priority. That said, having a few extra resources in your phone book may come in handy down the road.

Another professional new moms neglect to consult are nursing and lactation experts. If you're planning to breastfeed your little one, choose a few experts in advance from whom you can seek advice.

Planning For Tragedy

It's unpleasant to think something tragic might occur that prevents you from being near your baby's side. However, planning for tragedy is critical and should be done long before your little one is born.

You'll need life insurance that provides a layer of financial relief in the event you pass away prematurely. Depending on your budget and the needs of your family, term life insurance may be an attractive option.

You and your partner should also identify a guardian who will care for your baby in the event something tragic happens to both of you. There are a few ways to do this, so be sure to consult with a lawyer to determine the right approach for your family.

Also, gather the necessary documents and phone numbers to change the beneficiaries on your retirement accounts (e.g. 401K, IRA, etc.) and life insurance policy. When your little is born, you'll be able to make a few quick phone calls to have her added.

As the third trimester rolls around, time will appear to slip through your fingers. Moreover, when your baby is born, you'll have little time to devote to anything except her care. Plan your announcements, select your care network, and make the necessary arrangements for unforeseen circumstances ahead of time. The peace of mind alone will make the effort worthwhile.