There’s a lot to get done while you’re pregnant.
It can be really overwhelming.
So I have created a top to bottom list from First To Third Trimester that includes essentially everything you need to do.
That way you can bask in the glow of your pregnancy instead of panicking constantly about all the responsibilities that come along with it.
Make sure to bookmark this page or print it so you’ll have the list on hand.
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Pregnancy To-Do List By Trimester
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First Trimester: What To Do Now
Make Sure You’re Actually Having A Baby
It’s important to confirm your pregnancy before you get too excited. This is definitely step number one. Most pregnancy tests are right but if the line is faint take another test two days later then get a blood test.
{ Here’s the best, most accurate pregnancy test you can buy }
Tell Your Partner
Once You’ve confirmed there’s a bun in the oven then share it with your partner.
You could do it in some fun, special way. There are lots of good ideas for this on Pinterest.
Take Your Prenatal Vitamin
The very next step is to get a good prenatal vitamin as early as possible. This is a really good prenatal vitamin that won’t make you nauseated { and that will mean a lot }
Check out: Signs You’re Having A Boy
Find A Good Obstetrician
It’s important to find a doctor that shares your ideas on birth.
This can be tricky though. It’s important to read reviews and talk to others.
You’ll both be under a lot of pressure and working with someone you don’t mesh well with is bad news.
This happened to me and there were several instances when I regretted choosing her.
The experience will much more satisfying and enjoyable if you feel you have an Obstetrician that you can trust and that listens to your needs.
Research Your Insurance Coverage
It’s vital that you check your insurance coverage and make sure that you have all the benefits you need.
If not you may have to purchase add-on insurance or perhaps you’ll qualify for temporary Medicaid depending on your income.
If you think you qualify for Medicaid you can go to your local health department and get a pregnancy test and then start your paperwork.
***Have You taken a prenatal birth course yet? Don’t have time? Here’s the best Premium online birthing course and the first part of it’s totally free! You will learn absolutely everything you need to know and it will help tremendously so make sure you sign up. A Class is a must and this one is simple, quick, and easy.
Stop Smoking
Please don’t tell me you still smoke.
But if you do right now is the time to quit because smoking has a very profound effect on pregnancy and your fetus.
No excuses what so ever, just quit that. This goes for vaping too.
Learn What To Avoid
There are certain foods and certain activities like sitting in hot tubs that can be hazardous so don’t take any risks and educate yourself right away.
Schedule Naps
That’s Right. schedule your naps every. single. day. At least during the first trimester because you’ll be TIRED.
There’s nothing like ” Pregnant Tired “. It’s so intense and it was the very worst part for me during my three pregnancies.
6oclock in the evening bedtime anyone? Why yes, I’ll take that, and you will too.
My point is that you need to plan to rest A LOT. If you do it won’t interfere so much with your life.
Now Let’s Move On To What You Should Do During The Second Trimester.
Plan Your Maternity Leave
Planning maternity leave is an important part of feeling ready for your baby.
You have to have a solid plan with your employer.
Since I work from home I honestly don’t know much about this.
I did find this article with some good information on the subject just for you though.
Buy some Pretty Maternity Clothes
This is a fun part of pregnancy.
Second Trimester is the time when you start to really grow so your old clothes will lose their fit fast.
I highly recommend you check out The Belly Bandit Site. I bought my wrap there and all maternity clothes.
Their stuff is really cute and they have built-in support clothing like these baby bump leggings.
Send Out Announcements!!
The second trimester is the best part of your pregnancy.
You’re not sick anymore ( or at least you’re not most of the time ), you have more energy and you get to do fun things like sending out baby announcements.
You can buy pretty announcements or you can announce online in a fun way.
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Get Your Mid Pregnancy Ultrasound
During the second trimester, you’ll have your mid-pregnancy ultrasound.
This is the fun one.
During the procedure (also called the anatomy scan), usually around 20 weeks, your doctor will be checking to make sure the baby’s growing and developing properly.
Start Your Baby Registry
Starting your baby registry can be done any time but once you’ve made it to the second trimester it’s time to get in gear.
You can start adding what you need and sharing it with others.
Decide If you’d Like To Use A Doula
If you’re interested in having a natural birth, a doula might be your best bet.
And if you have your heart set on a specific birth plan, a doula can help keep things moving smoothly the way you planned.
Plan For Childcare After Birth
Once you get into the middle of your pregnancy it’s a good idea to start considering what kind of childcare options you’ll have when you go back to work.
It’s never too early to think about it because it’s a big decision.
You’ll want the best for your little one so read reviews and take care.
Start Putting Together Your Nursery
Now’s the time to start putting together and decorating your nursery.
You just found out the sex of your babe and everything looks like smooth sailing from here.
You can have your partner paint and then you can buy all kinds of cute matching things for your babe.
It’s all a lot of fun.
Start Interviewing Pediatricians
Start looking for a Pediatrician that will meet your family’s needs.
Be sure to check reviews when doing this and talk to them as well.
The first Ped we picked was rude and said something inappropriate. Then when we had a problem they ignored me and didn’t call me back for two days.
We immediately switched. I should have checked online because upon reading reviews I found that this particular practice was terrible. So make sure you do a thorough investigation.
And make sure they accept your insurance and see if they do rounds at the hospital you’ll be giving birth at.
The baby’s doctor will then be assigned to come check on him/her after birth.
Look Into Insurance Options
It’s time for you to check on what needs to be done for insurance once your baby is born.
Some insurance companies allow you 30 days to add your baby and some 14.
It’s very important to not forget this. You don’t want your baby stuck without coverage if something happens.
Plan Your Baby Shower
Usually, someone will help host your baby shower.
If you haven’t picked someone or no one has volunteered you can always do it yourself too.
There are lots of fun themes and games on Pinterest you can choose from.
Moving On To The Third Trimester
Baby Proof The House
This is a very important step when preparing for your new arrival.
You’ll want to get this out of the way before your baby is up and moving around. It just feels better to know it’s done instead of scrambling to do it later when your babe becomes mobile.
This and These are great options to help you safe-proof your home.
Track Baby’s Movements
Pay close attention to his movements and call your doc if you notice a sudden decrease in kicks or turns.
They will have you come in and get checked right away.
Some even keep a kick log for fetal kick counts and that’s not a bad idea.
You could also get one of these monitors that helps amplify the sound of your baby and his kicks, I had one and Loved it.
Take A Birthing Class
If you haven’t taken a birthing class already then the time is definitely right now.
If you don’t love the idea of going to a class somewhere, I get it, and maybe you’re just too tired for that.
I was and I took an online course.
There are some great options to choose from and my Friend, Hilary, from Pulling Curls has the best one online. You Can Check it out for free right here. She also has a free birthing plan printable you can get right here.
Prepare For Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is the most satisfying experience. The Bond is out of this world and I highly recommend it if you are able.
But it’s not as easy as just sticking your babe on the boob.
Oh no, there’s way more to it than that and you need to be well prepared. I have a great post on breastfeeding right here and it has some diagrams and a really good video at the end so be sure to watch it.
You should also definitely take a breastfeeding class.
There’s a great one online called Milkology and it’s only $19. You can check it out here.
Have Your Baby Shower!
Baby is almost here and now you get to party!
Having your baby shower is a good way to get some of the things you need for him/her and it’s a fun way to celebrate your babe’s upcoming birth.
Assemble Your Baby Gear
Now’s the time to finish getting your nursery set up if you haven’t already.
You’ll need a Crib, Swing, Bassinet, Stroller, and baby monitors.
After that, you need to work on everything else that’s leftover.
It’s a lot of work so have your partner do most of it while you take a nap.
You’ll also likely need a co-sleeper for the first few months.
Co-sleepers keep baby in arms reach at night and give you great peace of mind.
Here’s a great post over at Think Baby by Zoe Withers that talks about the different types of Co-sleepers and which are safest.
Here’s a really good Go-Sleeper from Amazon with excellent reviews.
Prepare For Your Postpartum
Lot’s Of women think a lot about pregnancy and birth but don’t put too much thought into their postpartum time.
They often find themselves unprepared for this period.
Knowing what to expect is key in minimizing the pain and discomfort.
I have a great post right here that explains what will happen and ways you can minimize the pain and believe me, you’ll want to minimize it so have a look. I wrote it just for you.
Make Some Big Decisions
You’re really close now so it’s time to think about things like Circumcision { If Your Bundle’s a boy } and whether or not you want to save Cord Blood. Here’s an awesome article on Cord Blood if you want more information.
If you aren’t going to save your baby’s cord blood you can ask them to delay clamping off the cord for a few minutes so they can receive all the stem cells and nourishment from it.
Discuss this with your doctor and make sure you add it to your birthing plan.
You can also consider whether or not you’ll be using an epidural during the labor process or going the natural route.
If you go the natural route, good for you! You’re one brave mama. I had to have an epidural every time.
Here’s some information on Pain Management during labor.
Read up on Baby Care
The Third Trimester is a good time to read a couple of great baby books so you’re fully prepared.
This one right here is really good. It is very comprehensive and you’ll learn everything you need to know.
Self Care For You
Let’s not forget about you. During the third trimester, you’ll need plenty of sleep and nourishing food.
You should pamper yourself a bit too.
Go ahead and get your hair cut because you may not have time later on.
Maybe get a pedicure so you can look at those pretty toes while sitting there in the hospital. That way you won’t feel like such a hot mess.
I have a great article that you should look at too about the Psychology of being a new mother.
Learn What To Expect During Labor
Knowing what to expect during labor will help take the fear out of it. Research it a bit so you know the stages and signs.
Here’s a good post on the best Labor advice you can get.
Tour The Hospital
Taking a tour of the hospital will help you feel more comfortable in your surroundings and you’ll know what to expect. Plus it’s just fun.
Install The Car Seat
This is a no-brainer. You have to have a seat.
Make sure the car seat is installed properly. It’s really important that it’s tight and you wouldn’t even be able to leave the hospital without one.
You want a really good quality car seat too. This is one area you don’t want to go budget on. This one is a really good choice.
Pack Your Hospital Bag
Now’s the time to have your hospital bag packed and ready to go.
Go right ahead and do it at the beginning of the third trimester if you haven’t already.
You probably won’t need it too soon but on occasion, a baby comes much earlier than expected and when this happens, getting to the hospital as quickly as possible { so they can hopefully stop the labor } Is essential to your baby’s health!
Here’s a post on Packing your hospital bag.
Clean Your House
No one wants to have a baby and come home to a complete disaster.
Sometimes if your labor surprises you, it can’t be helped. But if you can clean up before you go that will be super helpful.
You’ll feel so much happier when you get home knowing you don’t have to worry about it.
You’ll have a lot going on and you’ll be tired and pretty overwhelmed, there’s no doubt. So keep this in mind and make it as easy for yourself as possible.
Here’s a great post on cleaning with a strategy that seriously gets things done.
Cleaning up seems like a simple task but when you break it up into parts like I describe in the post, you’ll get huge amounts of clutter removed in record time.
Well, That’s our list. If you get all that done you’ll be good to go.
If you can think of anything else that should be added to the list email me at [email protected] so we can put it in with your name included ( if you want ).
Good luck to you mama! Enjoy pregnancy, it’s a super special time!
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