Since I love lists, I wanted to share this pregnancy checklist I created when I was pregnant.  Enjoy!

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Week 1 – 13 (1st Trimester)

• Find a midwife or obstetrician that supports your views on pregnancy, labor, delivery and postpartum

• Schedule first prenatal checkup (usually 6 - 8 weeks)

• Take a daily prenatal vitamin

• Schedule a dental cleaning

• Research foods to avoid when pregnant

• Research insurance coverage for pregnancy, labor/delivery, and pediatric care 

• Make a budget to start saving

• Sign up for an app or email to track the size of your baby

• Start weekly bump pictures

• Plan if or how you would like to announce your pregnancy

• Get plenty of rest, hydrate, and make time for self-care

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Weeks 14 – 18 (2nd trimester begins)

• Start buying maternity clothes

• Research and plan maternity leave for you and partner

• Talk to your supervisor about maternity leave

• Interview doulas (if using one)

• Discuss with your midwife or doctor their views on induction, failure to progress, labor and delivery, newborn screenings  and make sure it is in line with your desires

• If it’s not a surprise, find out baby’s gender

• Find nursery inspiration pictures

• Schedule self-care for the rest of pregnancy (i.e. – prenatal yoga, monthly prenatal massages, hair appointments)

 

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Weeks 19 – 27

• Research college savings plans

• Research life insurance

• Create/update will

• Consider purchasing a pregnancy pillow

• Plan a babymoon

• Sign up for childbirth and breastfeeding classes

• Schedule hospital or birth center tour

• Confirm baby shower logistics (date, time, guest list)

• Finish baby shower registry

• Research placenta encapsulation and cord blood banking (if applicable)

• Choose childcare

• Schedule maternity, newborn and labor/ delivery photos

 

 

Weeks 28 – 32 (3rd trimester begins)

• Ask midwife or OB how they handle circumcision or prepare for Bris (if applicable)

• Confirm how you will add a new baby to insurance plan

• Choose pediatrician

• Start preparing nursery

• Finalize baby names

• Purchase dress for baby shower

 

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Weeks 29 – 33

• Start preparing freezer meals for postpartum

• Complete birth plan (aka birth wish list) and review with your OB or Midwife

• Finish nursery/prepare place in your room where the baby will sleep

• Pack two hospital bags (1. labor and delivery and 2. mom and baby)

• Finalize any delivery room details (i.e. music you may want, scents, heating pads, coping tools)

• Finalize who will take care of older children or pets while in hospital

• Research lactation consultants (if breastfeeding)

• Research any online or in-person postpartum groups

• Make sure you and your spouse are on the same page with hospital and postpartum visitors

• Pre-register for your hospital stay

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Weeks 32 – 36

• Install car seat

• Purchase any necessary items left on your registry

• Purchase a baby book

• Set up diaper stations

• Set up feeding/bottle cleaning stations (with water and snacks for mama)

• Consider purchasing a mini-fridge for bedroom for late night feedings

• Download a contraction timing app

• Baby proof home

• Schedule a deep clean of your home

 

 

Weeks 36 – 40

• Purchase postpartum items

• Plan a date night or girls' night out

• Rest, enjoy moments of silence, practice self-care