Pregnancy To-Do List
The days of your pregnancy are some of the most special days of your life. But they are also highly unpredictable because you’re going through a new change every day, sometimes every hour, both emotionally and physically.
In such times, it helps to have a plan ahead of time. This way you’re prepared for a lot of things you might encounter during your pregnancy. One way you can plan is by having a to-do list. It’s better to divide this list into trimesters to make things easier for yourself.
First Trimester
The first three months of your pregnancy are super important for your baby’s growth. Optimal care during this time is associated with positive pregnancy outcomes. Care during these 12 weeks also helps mothers-to-be adjust to changes in pregnancy and eventually begins to decrease anxiety levels.
Here are some things you can consider adding to your first-trimester to-do list:
- Decide how you want to give birth
This is the time where you can decide if you would prefer a hospital, birth center, or home birth. There is no wrong choice as long as you are making the right decision for you!
- Find a healthcare provider
Once you have decided on how you want to give birth, find a suitable healthcare provider for your routine checkups. This can either be an obstetrician or a midwife at your hospital or birth center.
- Quit harmful habits that can affect your baby’s development, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, and using drugs
Ideally, you should quit smoking and drinking as soon as you plan on having a baby. Early prevention helps decrease the effect of these toxins on your baby.
- Get plenty of rest
The first trimester is a sensitive period for your baby. And an exhausting time for you since your body is working hard to support this new life. You should try to rest whenever you feel you need it!
- Take a daily prenatal vitamin
Prenatal vitamins help prevent nutritional deficiencies during pregnancies. These deficiencies often develop as a result of increased demand for a baby’s optimal growth.
Second Trimester
During the second trimester, a lot of first trimester symptoms like nausea and vomiting begin to improve. However, it’s still important to take care of yourself during this period since it’s when your baby’s organs begin to develop.
Here’s how to plan during your second trimester:
- Get used to sleeping on your side now;
Since your baby is growing larger by the day, a lot of women begin to develop a pregnant belly during the 2nd trimester. Sleeping on your side makes it easier for you to adjust to the growing belly.
- Check your life insurance and health insurance plans
Of course, managing finances is a crucial step during your pre-labor planning. Doing this during the second trimester gives you plenty of time to look into plans and insurance before your delivery.
- Start searching for a doula if you plan on having one with you during labor and delivery
A doula is a non-healthcare professional that provides emotional and physical support throughout your pregnancy and labor. The second trimester is a good time to explore doulas around you.
- Continue to drink plenty of fluids
Hydration is super important during pregnancy! It helps keep you refreshed and also aids the movement of nutrients from mother and baby.
- Schedule your childbirth classes
Childbirth classes are especially useful if you’re a first-time parent. Birth classes reduce anxiety and of course give you an insight into motherhood along with ways to cope.
- Start working on your birth plan
The second trimester is a good time for you to start working on your birth plan. This gives you plenty of time to research and go over the details and tweak them according to your preferences.
Third Trimester
The last trimester is when your baby is growing as much as they can before you deliver them. It can be exhausting for mothers, but this time period is crucial to plan ahead for your labor and to make sure you don’t have any last-minute complications.
Here’s what you should do during your last trimester:
- Plan your ride to your place of birth
Decide how you’re going to get to your care provider when the time comes. If a partner or friend will drive you, it’s important to communicate with and make sure they’re going to be available whenever you need them.
- Select your baby’s pediatrician
The third trimester is a good time for you to start looking for pediatricians. Deciding on one beforehand will prevent any panic or anxiety later when you need one.
- Start “baby-proofing” your home to protect baby from safety hazards
It’s a good idea to start baby proofing your house before you go into labor. This will ensure all corners and nooks of your house are baby-proofed and you don’t miss anything. You still have some time even when the baby is home since they won’t be mobile right away, but it never hurts to get an early start!
- Install the infant car seat
You need a car seat in order to bring your baby home. It’s best to have it pre-installed before going into labor.
- Pack your birth bags
Packing your birth bags ahead of time will make sure you have everything you’ll need and you’re not missing anything.
- Stock your freezer with easy-to-prepare foods.
Obviously, you won’t want to cook after giving birth. It helps to have a steady supply of frozen pre-planned meals so all you have to do is throw it in the oven!
And that’s it! Remember, there is no right or wrong way to do this. You can make a to-do list however you want with whatever components you want. The entire purpose is to make you feel rested and anxiety-free during your pregnancy.