In the final week, your baby is now considered full term, which means labour could begin at any point over the coming days or weeks.
For some moms, that’s exciting. For others, it’s equal parts excitement and nerves.
The good news is that you don’t need to learn anything new right now. This final stretch is about making sure the practical details are in place, knowing when to seek help, and feeling prepared for the unexpected parts of birth and early parenthood.
This final week pregnancy checklist covers what to pack, when to go to hospital for labour, what happens if birth doesn’t go as planned, and what to expect during your baby’s first few days.
Your Final Week Pregnancy Checklist
Before labour begins, make sure you’ve covered these essentials:
✓ Hospital bag packed
✓ Important documents ready
✓ Labour ward number saved
✓ Car seat installed
✓ Birth partner aware of the plan
✓ Baby essentials prepared at home
✓ Transport arrangements confirmed
✓ Postpartum support organised
Hospital bag checklist
Most hospitals in Singapore provide basic supplies during your stay, so focus on packing the essentials rather than overpacking.
What to pack for moms
Important documents
• NRIC, passport, or identification documents
• Antenatal records
• Scan reports
• Admission letter
• Insurance information
• Birth plan if you have one
Labour essentials
• Lip balm
• Hair ties
• Phone charger
• Earphones
• Water bottle
Clothing
• Nursing-friendly pyjamas or nightgowns
• Comfortable slippers
• Lightweight cardigan
• Nursing bras
Postpartum items
• Maternity pads
• Disposable underwear
• Toiletries
• Nipple cream if you plan to breastfeed
What to pack for babies
• Going-home outfit
• Newborn and 0–3 month clothing options
• Muslin swaddles
• Mittens if preferred
• Baby blanket
What to pack in a hospital bag for C-section recovery
If you’re having a planned C-section, add:
• High-waisted underwear that sits above the incision
• Loose-fitting clothing
• Comfortable slip-on footwear
• Small pillow for abdominal support when coughing or moving
💡 Supermom tip: If you’re a first-time mom, keep your hospital bag packed by week 37 even if your due date feels far away. Most moms never regret being prepared early.
When to go to hospital for labour
One of the biggest questions during the final weeks of pregnancy is knowing when labour is actually starting.
Contact your healthcare team if you experience:
• Regular contractions that are becoming stronger and closer together
• Waters breaking
• Heavy bleeding
• Significant reduction in baby’s movements
• Severe headache, blurred vision, or sudden swelling
When to call the hospital for contractions
Many healthcare providers use the 5-1-1 rule:
• Contractions are 5 minutes apart
• Last for 1 minute each
• Continue for 1 hour
If contractions meet this pattern, it’s time to contact your hospital or labour ward.
If you’re ever unsure, call anyway. You are never wasting anyone’s time by checking.
Setting expectations for jaundice in newborns
One of the most common surprises for new parents is newborn jaundice.
In fact, many healthy babies develop mild jaundice during their first week of life.
Jaundice happens when bilirubin builds up in a baby’s bloodstream faster than their immature liver can remove it.
What does newborn jaundice look like
You may notice:
• Yellowing of the skin
• Yellowing of the whites of the eyes
• Increased sleepiness
Jaundice often becomes noticeable between days two and four after birth.
Newborn jaundice and breastfeeding
Many parents worry that breastfeeding causes jaundice, but that’s not the case.
In fact, frequent feeding helps babies pass bilirubin through their stools.
Aim for regular feeds during the first week and seek support early if feeding is not going well.
How long does jaundice last
For most healthy full-term babies, mild jaundice improves within one to two weeks. Your healthcare team will monitor bilirubin levels and advise if treatment is needed.
When to seek medical advice
Contact your baby’s doctor if:
• Jaundice appears to be worsening
• Your baby is difficult to wake for feeds|
• Feeding is poor
• Wet nappies decrease
• The yellow colour spreads further down the body
Understanding G6PD deficiency in Singapore newborns
As part of routine newborn screening, babies in Singapore are tested for G6PD deficiency.
G6PD deficiency is an inherited enzyme condition that can increase the risk of severe jaundice in newborns.
The screening is done through a simple heel-prick blood test shortly after birth.
If your baby has G6PD deficiency, your healthcare team will explain what to avoid and how to monitor your baby’s health moving forward.
For most families, the diagnosis simply means being aware of specific triggers and taking extra precautions when needed.
What to remember this week
At 37 weeks pregnant, it’s easy to feel like you’re waiting for something big to happen. But right now, you don’t have to predict exactly when labour will begin or how birth will unfold.
You’ve already spent 37 weeks preparing for your baby. Trust that you’ve done more than you think.
