While this sounds like a “DUH” moment, not all mothers know what to expect. Especially if this is your first baby, or has been a long time since there was a “new” baby around. Below is my basic check list (and a few extras) that I recommend to all of my friends or family with each pregnancy. Claim Your 20 Free Pregnancy Tests – Click Here
Here are a list of all the things you need to do and think of before getting pregnant, while you and your partner are still toying with the idea of a new addition to the family.
Set up a preconception visit with your OBGYN
Begin prenatal vitamins
Start working on breaking those bad habits that aren’t good for baby
Begin to remove hazardous conditions (stop changing that cat litter box!)
”Think” pregnant, sleep when you can, adjust to a “new” life
Check your insurance to be sure that prenatal visits are covered
Here is a list of things you should have on your checklist during your first trimester, in weeks 1-12.
Tell your partner! (Get him excited about new baby!)
Set up your first prenatal visit with your OBGYN (one per month)
Refill prenatal vitamins
Research your business’s maternity leave options
Begin saving money right away for new baby needs
Ultrasound at 12 weeks! First glimpse at new baby!
Here is a list of things you should have on your checklist during your second trimester, in weeks 13-27.
Tell your boss and begin to plan your maternity leave
Pick a way to announce your pregnancy to your family and friends
Buy that maternity shirt you’ve been staring at since you found out!
Start making room for baby in the home.
Begin visiting day cares, or whoever will be watching baby IF you choose to return to work.
Start “shopping” for a pediatrician that your insurance will cover
Find and register for childbirth classes
Register for your upcoming baby shower
Pick Baby Shower date and time if someone is throwing this for you.
Prenatal checkups; one every month.
Find out the sex of your baby if you choose to do so.
Here is a list of things you should have on your checklist during your third trimester, in weeks 28-40, up until the point when baby arrives!
Attend your baby shower.
Decorate nursery
Prepare your birth plan
Baby proof your home. Crawl around and if you see it as a hazard from that level it probably is- fix it.
Start your childbirth class
Send thank you notes from your shower
Prepare hospital bag for you and baby
Pamper yourself (hair cut, facial, at home manicure and pedicure, shave your legs, etc. These are things you won’t get to do for a while after baby arrives)
Fill out hospital registration forms for yourself
Finish painting baby nursery
Buy any remaining items needed for you and baby
Prenatal visits, for weeks 28-36 there is one every two weeks. For weeks 36+ it will be one a week until delivery.
As baby is about to make its way into the world, here are a few things to keep in mind before D-Day.
Keep calm
Be as prepared as possible
Try to relax!!
I cannot begin to stress how important some of these things are- but do what you can and do not be afraid to ask for help. Family or friends would be more than willing to help you out if you need it. Rest as much as possible and stay calm. If you get worked up it can cause many other issues with pregnancy such as high blood pressure, migraines, stress on baby can cause heart rate drop or sudden increase.
Take it as easy as possible and enjoy!
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