Pregnancy Checklist

Learning you’re pregnant may feel like you have months to prepare. In reality, time will fly by faster than you can blink. Don’t worry, here’s a checklist to start with in the first trimester through the final days before your precious baby arrives. 

First Trimester 

• Prenatal Nutrition and Activity
  • The CDC recommends taking a prenatal vitamin before you start trying to conceive. Once you find out you’re pregnant, you can purchase in grocery stores, big box retailers, and pharmacies, you don’t have to wait for a prescription 
  • Get in some light activity, such as a walk for 10-15 minutes each day to maintain a healthy weight throughout pregnancy 
  • Quit smoking, drinking alcohol, and using recreational drugs that may be legal in your state but not healthy for your baby 
  • Reduce your caffeine intake 
• Pregnancy Care & Support
  • Ask friends and family members for pregnancy care provider referrals. Read reviews from recent patients of providers you’re researching
  • Choose a pregnancy care provider who has similar values as yours and schedule an appointment
  • Consider hiring a doula, a professional support person who can help you during pregnancy, labor and birth and in postpartum recovery
  • Download a pregnancy app to see how baby is growing daily
• Insurance
  • Review your health policy to better understand your coverage for prenatal visits, tests, and your future hospital stay
  • Request a free breast pump through your insurance, and ask if childbirth education classes and doula services are covered
  • Ask if your plan includes lactation support or fitness classes once baby is born
  • Make sure your contact information is up-to-date with your insurer; ask about classes and events they have for expecting moms

Second Trimester 

• Educational and Exercise Classes
  • Register for classes at hospitals, birthing centers, or mom- and baby-focused non-profit organizations 
    • Look for educational classes that include preparing for childbirth, breastfeeding, and infant CPR 
    • Ask for referrals for classes for your partner, soon-to-be grandparents, and for any children you may already have  
    • Childbirth education is designed to build your confidence and teach you how to advocate for yourself during pregnancy and childbirth
    • Learn about the techniques and support you’ll need to achieve success with breastfeeding
    • Tour the hospital or birth center where you’re planning to birth; ask about support tools, such as birthing and peanut balls, or water therapy
  • Seek out prenatal yoga and pregnancy exercise classes to keep in shape, support your mental health, and stay flexible while baby grows
• Prepare Your Home and Car
  • Prepare a breastfeeding station in your kitchen
    • Set aside room or a cozy space for your breast pump, bag storage, and bottle cleaning
  • Furnish and decorate your baby’s nursery
    • Center your activity around baby’s crib and changing table
    • Select a theme
    • Other helpful furniture includes a dresser, rocking chair, and storage for toys
    • Learn about toys that can support your baby’s brain development during the first year
  • Plan for your pet and their care
    • Hire a pet sitter or ask loved ones if they’ll keep or tend to your pet when your away giving birth
    • Find a trainer to help you introduce your new baby to your furry cutie
    • Set up a special area where your pet has their food, toys, and resting place
  • Research infant travel systems
    • The car seat and base are the core items you’ll need; sometimes a stroller is a part of the package
• Baby Celebrations 
  • Create a registry at your favorite stores that sell practical baby items like diapers, wipes, clothes, and hygiene products
    • Include products of varying types and price points for your family and friends
  • Decide if you’d like to reveal your baby’s gender
    • You and your partner may wish to host a big production or find out at home quietly
    • Your providers will take special care to keep quiet if you choose not to reveal until baby’s birth 
  • Discuss having a baby shower with loved ones
    • Choose a fun venue, theme, food and the number of guests
    • Your goals may require a planner, or your closest family and friends may throw you a surprise! 
  • Hire a local photographer to capture your memories
    • Maternity and newborn photo opportunities are easy to find; consider this memento to showcase your growing family

Third Trimester

• Childcare Options
  • Schools, faith centers, and community organizations typically offer childcare
    • Tour the center and sign-up for the waitlist while you’re pregnant
• Install Car Seat and Base
  • Your partner can install the car seat and base; many states have offices you can visit to verify that your seat is installed correctly
  • It’s best to purchase a car seat with information from the manufacturer such as an instruction booklet, serial and model numbers, and date of expiration
  • Car seats have expiration dates; check the dates and never pass along a car seat that has been in an accident
• Baby Proof
  • Walk through your home, sit in the backseat of your car, and learn about the hazards for babies in your everyday space
  • Babyproof everything possible!:
    • Store long cords and open wires
    • Cover electrical outlets
    • Move chemical products to higher levels
    • Lock cabinets
    • Set up baby gates near stairs 
    • Vacuum/sweep floors regularly
    • Turn on the car door child lock
    • Remove miscellaneous items from the back seats 
• Pack Hospital Bags
  • Bring separate bags for you, your partner, and your baby 
    • Include toiletries like soaps and lotion and stash your most comfortable clothes and socks
    • Bring your birth plan to share with the labor nurses when you get to the hospital or birthing center
    • Remember your phone and charger for your music playlist during labor
    • Include several easy newborn outfits for baby 
    • Your partner will need snacks in case the café is closed while you’re in labor
• Interview Pediatricians
  • Select a primary care provider for your baby
  • Find out if they take your insurance and are accepting new patients
  • Read reviews and meet in person to decide if their office is right for your baby
• Meal Train
  • Prepare freezer meals for the first couple of weeks at home
  • Add grocery store or food delivery gift cards to your registry
  • Assign family and friends to cook meals and drop them by on different days

Planning for your new baby can easily become overwhelming when you begin to number the to-dos needed before baby arrives. Don’t stress. 

Similar to this checklist, break up the responsibilities, enlist your partner’s help, and throw in a fun activity while accomplishing the more serious tasks. 

All parents soon learn that the many lists for the developmental steps in your baby’s life outnumber you, but rest assured you can do this! 

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