You’ve checked one big thing off your to-do list—you’re pregnant! But now a whole new list begins. Here’s the must-have checklist for every mom-to-be.
Congrats! You officially have a baby on board, which means lots of pregnancy glow, and okay, probably a little bit of morning sickness, too. Of course, you can’t wait to buy every baby book in sight and start Googling names, but there are tons of other things on your to-do list for the next nine months, as well. Not sure where to start or what to expect? We’ve got you covered.
First trimester
Now’s the time to get yourself on the right track for the next nine months by preparing physically, mentally, and yes, financially. Then it’s on to the fun stuff, like your first ultrasound. Our advice? If you don’t love your current ob/gyn, ask around for recommendations and set up interviews with local doctors until you find the perfect fit.
• Schedule prenatal checkups (your doctor will help you through this process, since you’ll be seeing her often)
• Get your diet on track
• Start prenatal vitamins if you haven’t already
• Keep up with your exercise routine (our suggestion: yoga)
• Begin looking at money matters
• Arrange for early prenatal screening tests such as chorionic villus sampling and nuchal translucency screening (ask your doctor for more information, or check out the info on TheBump.com)
• See your baby’s heartbeat on the ultrasound
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Second trimester
Now that you’re starting to grow (a great excuse to buy new clothes) and you’ve told your family and friends about your pregnancy, it’s time to start thinking about your birth plan and waiting for your baby to kick.
• Research and sign up for childbirth classes (also a great time to look into different types of birth options and whether you’d prefer to have your baby in a hospital or at home)
• Start looking into maternity leave
• Keep up with obstetrician appointments
• Register for all the baby items you’ll need
• Schedule a glucose tolerance test (to check for gestational diabetes)
• Start interviewing pediatricians
Third trimester
You’re almost there! Stay on track with diet and exercise, and start thinking about getting the nursery ready. Involve your guy by going together to pick out paint colors and furniture.
• Finalize your birth plan and pre-register with the maternity ward or birthing center
• Start baby-proofing your home
• Contact a local cord blood bank (if interested in donating)
• Get an easy-to-maintain haircut (you’ll need it!)
• Install and inspect your car seat
Two to three weeks before your due date
These last few weeks can be downright uncomfortable, so don’t overdo it. At this stage, your doctor should be talking to you and your husband about exactly what to expect during labor.
• Celebrate your last day of work (at least for a while!)
• Check in with your doctor frequently
• Schedule a non-stress test and biophysical profile
• Send out the last of those baby shower thank-you notes
• Make sure you’re up on basic infant care (like how to give your baby a bath)
• Start washing Baby’s clothes
• Pack your bag for the hospital!
For a more detailed, week- by-week version of this pregnancy checklist, visit TheBump.com and enter your due date.
This article was originally published in the March/April 2009 issue of Conceive.
