Many thoughts have probably raced through your mind since you found out you were pregnant. Now it's time to take a step back, get organized, and get your questions answered. Use this helpful checklist below to help plan during each trimester before your little bundle arrives.
First Trimester Checklist
- Confirm your pregnancy
- Take your prenatal vitamin
- Become better acquainted with your health insurance
- Decide on your healthcare provider
- Abstain from alcohol
- Make a prenatal appointment
- Consult your provider about medications you’re taking
- If you smoke, quit
- Cut down on caffeine
- Make sure your activities are pregnancy safe
- Start avoiding hazardous foods
- Look into your vaccination history
- Go to bed early
- Consider your options for prenatal testing
- Decide when you are going to share your news
- Make an appointment with your dentist
- Learn the signs of a pregnancy problem
- Talk to your partner about parenting
- Make a baby budget
- Start a baby name list
Second Trimester Checklist
- Find a prenatal exercise class
- Learn about second-trimester prenatal visits and tests
- Start shopping for maternity clothes
- Plan some adult time
- Start moisturizing your belly
- Narrow your baby names list
- Decide whether you’ll find out the sex of your baby
- Jot down your crazy pregnancy dreams
- Look into childbirth classes
- Prepare your older children
- Prepare your pets
- Start your childcare search
- Start sleeping on your side
- Start doing Kegel exercises
- Create a baby registry
- Think about your maternity leave
- Avoid unsafe activities
- Tackle your home improvement projects
- Dedicate time to your partner
Third Trimester Checklist
- Keep track of your baby’s movements
- Learn about third-trimester prenatal visits and tests
- Consider more classes
- Prepare for breastfeeding
- Choose a doctor for your baby
- Think about big decisions
- Assemble your baby gear
- Set up a safe place for your baby to sleep
- Talk to your baby
- Learn about coping with labor pain
- Know the stages of labor
- Create a birth plan
- Wash your baby’s clothing and bedding
- Start lining up helpers
- Commemorate your belly
- Read up on baby care
- Pack your bag for the hospital or birth center
- Have your house cleaned
- Stock up on household and personal supplies
- Make food for after your baby’s born
- Install your baby’s car seat
- Tour your hospital or birth center
- Make a plan for when labor starts
- Look out for late-pregnancy complications
- Find baby name inspiration
- Cope with late-pregnancy jitters
- Learn what your body will be like after birth
- Stock up on light entertainment
- Don’t panic if you go past your due date
For questions about having a baby at South County Hospital, call the Center for Women's Health at 401-789-0661.
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