Are you pregnant and wondering what you should be doing in each trimester to take care of yourself and get ready for baby? Here is a complete pregnancy to do list for each trimester.
Pregnancy is so exciting but there is a surprising amount of things that need to be done over the course of nine months.
This post breaks it all down! It includes a first trimester to do list, second trimester to do list and third trimester to do list so you don’t miss anything.
This post is all about the most important things on your pregnancy to do list.
Pregnancy To Do List
First Trimester To Do List
The first trimester of pregnancy lasts for twelve weeks – but you might not even know you are pregnant those first few weeks before your missed period.
During the first trimester, you will not look noticeably pregnant yet but you will probably feel it. Between the surge of pregnancy hormones prepping your body for baby and the nausea, sometimes pregnancy can start off a little frustrating.
But remember the discomforts are temporary and it is usually smoother sailing as you enter the second trimester of pregnancy.
During the first trimester of pregnancy, your body goes through so many changes as it does what it needs to make the perfect home for your growing baby. It’s crazy when you really think about it.
So what is included in this trimester’s pregnancy to do list?
- Start taking a prenatal vitamin.
You may have started taking a prenatal when trying to conceive, but if not, make sure you pick one up because this is so so important! A prenatal is especially important in the first trimester because it has been shown to reduce the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida.
- Choose your OBGYN and book an appointment.
You have a few different options to choose from including OBGYN or midwife. You will want to confirm what hospital the doctor or midwife has privileges at as this is where you will be delivering your baby.
- Cut back on caffeine.
Now is the time to learn about what foods you should avoid and start cutting back on the caffeine to about 200 mg or less per day.
RELATED: Top Foods to Avoid When Pregnant
- Start researching daycares.
Believe it or not, daycare spots can be hard to come by so the earlier you start researching and going on tours, the better. I suggest talking to at least three so you have several to compare. Once you decide on the daycare center or home daycare, give your deposit to hold the spot.
- Make a budget.
Diapers, wipes, formula and daycare all add up. Making a budget early on in your pregnancy and figuring out the added expenses you need to allow for should take away some of the stress.
- Start thinking about baby names.
It is never too early to start thinking about baby names, which is why this is included in this trimester’s pregnancy to do list. You do not have to make a definite choice during the first trimester but it can be helpful to discuss it with your partner early on so you have plenty of time to find a name that you both love.
- Buy maternity clothes.
Some pregnant women are able to comfortably stay in their pre-pregnancy clothes through the first trimester, but it is common to experience a lot of bloating and discomfort early on. For this reason, it is not a bad idea to pick up a pair of maternity jeans early on. They might be a little big when you first buy them, but you will grow into them in no time!
- Announce your pregnancy.
Many women decide to wait to announce their pregnancy until after the first trimester but there is no hard and fast rule about it. Regardless, you will probably want to share the good news with your family before announcing it to friends on social media. There are so many cute ideas on Pinterest you can try!
Second Trimester To Do List
The second trimester occurs during months four, five and six. You can expect to look and feel more pregnant but most of the uncomfortable first trimester symptoms like nausea, extreme fatigue and food aversions should be behind you.
The second trimester of pregnancy is glorious. You should have much more energy than in the first trimester and your belly will start to pop which is always so exciting to see and experience. If you haven’t already, you will start feeling tiny baby kicks too!
Most moms love the second trimester of pregnancy because they feel like themselves again (except for the baby bump making its appearance) and actually have energy to do things for a change.
But even if it feels “easier”, don’t forget that your body is still doing a lot of growing and developing!
Now let’s start talking about this trimester’s pregnancy to do list.
- Announce Pregnancy (if you haven’t already)
Most moms wait to announce their pregnancy until the end of the first trimester of pregnancy or the beginning of the second. Reaching twelve weeks pregnant is a huge milestone and usually gives moms more comfort in sharing their big news – which can be both nerve wracking and exciting at the same time!
- Gender Reveal
If you want to find out the gender of your baby and you did not do an early test during the first trimester, then the second trimester of pregnancy is when it will happen! You can expect to have a 20 week ultrasound at which time you are able to find out the gender.
If you want to wait for a gender reveal party to find out or prefer to find out with your husband in private, as that the gender be written on a piece of paper and put in an envelope!
- Create a baby registry.
Now is the time to put the finishing touches on your baby registry. Just like a bridal registry, this is the time to select everything you want for the baby and takes the guesswork out of it for the guests. People love buying baby shower gifts so do not hold back!
I recommend registering for about 2-3 items per person invited. It is common to register at one or two places and most stores will give the expectant mother a discount when purchasing anything after the baby shower that was not bought.
Popular places to do a baby registry include: Target, Walmart, Amazon, Buy Buy Baby. You can also opt for an all-in-one option that BabyList offers too.
Related: 37 Baby Essentials You Need In the First 3 Months
4. Buy belly butter and/or oil
You can expect your stomach to really start growing in the second trimester of pregnancy.
Many pregnant women use a belly oil to moisturize your skin and help with dryness. As your bump grows, your skin will stretch and get thinner and thinner. This can become uncomfortable especially if it is dry.
It is still up for debate if it helps with stretch marks or not. Some people swear by it while others think stretch marks are genetic.
Either way, a belly oil can make the second and third trimester of pregnancy much more enjoyable.
This is my favorite product I swear by.
5. Start sleeping on your side
Once you hit the second trimester, it is usually time to start sleeping on your side. Sleeping on your back is not recommended as the weight of your growing uterus can put pressure on your blood vessels which you want to avoid.
6. Buy a pregnancy pillow
Sleep can be so hard for many pregnant women. So if you’re experiencing it, you’re not alone.
Not only are there physical changes but your hormones are changing, there is a lot of new excitement and anxiety and so many other discomforts throughout pregnancy.
It is time to get a pregnancy pillow if you are struggling to sleep because of hip pain or you cannot get comfortable. Sleep is an essential part of prenatal care so it is important to do what you can to improve your quality of sleep.
Unlike regular pillows, pregnancy pillows are specifically designed to provide extra support in the places most commonly affected by your growing belly (and baby).
7. Schedule a prenatal massage
This is one of the most fun things on your second trimester pregnancy to do list.
A prenatal massage is an amazing way to relieve the aches and pains that come with pregnancy. It can help with back and neck pain, improve circulation, reduce muscle tension and headaches, and reduce stress. All of which can lead to better sleep.
It differs from a regular massage based on the techniques used. For example, prenatal massages do not include deep tissue massaging or strong pressure on the legs due to circulatory changes that put pregnant women at risk for blood clots in the lower legs.
You will most likely lay on your side during a prenatal massage. Laying on your stomach is uncomfortable as you progress through pregnancy and laying on your back is not good either.
8. Buy more maternity clothes and put pre-baby clothes away
Your body grows and changes so rapidly during pregnancy and by the second trimester of pregnancy, you are probably not able to squeeze into pre-pregnancy clothes anymore. Or at least not the pants.
There are some really cute options out there. My favorite maternity clothes are from Gap and Target.
9. Talk to spouse about baby names
This can be fun but stressful so start talking about it as soon as you can! You might love a name but your husband hates it or vice versa so start tossing out names and create a list to keep track of them all.
10. Start thinking about maternity leave
Your due date will pop up before you know it so it is good to start looking into what your employer offers in terms of maternity leave. Make sure you check your state as well.
Where I live, I got a few extra weeks paid for by the state in addition to the benefits I received through my job.
11. Begin the search for a pediatrician
Believe it or not, pediatricians sometimes have wait lists or are not accepting new patients. I recommend reaching out to one or two during the second trimester. It is normal to have a meeting with them during pregnancy so you can ask any questions you have and decide if they are the right fit for you.
You will also need to have a pediatrician lined up before you go into labor so it is never too early to start looking!
12. Start doing things from pre-baby bucket list
Now is the time to do anything you want to do before the baby arrives. Your stomach will not be too large at the beginning of the trimester plus you should have much more energy than in the first or third trimesters.
13. Get rid of clutter
It is also the time to get rid of the clutter in your house. Babies come with a lottt of things between the baby seats, swings, toys and all the things. Now is the time to get rid of what you do not need and really clear out your rooms. Before you know it you will be baby proofing the house so might as well take care of the mess now before your baby is old enough to get into it!
14. Start planning the nursery
This is one of the most fun parts of the second trimester of pregnancy! Even though your baby will most likely sleep in your room for a few months after birth, it is so much fun to design the nursery.
Whether you have a theme in mind or just want to create a relaxing and tranquil environment, completing the nursery is one of the highlights of this trimester!
15. Go to 20 week anatomy scan
The 20 week ultrasound is a BIG one! It is also referred to as the anatomy scan and usually takes much longer than your previous ultrasounds.
The ultrasound technician will take key measurements of your baby’s size including your baby’s brain, kidneys, heart, stomach, bladder, diaphragm, genitals, face, chest, arms, legs, feet and hands. The amount of amniotic fluid will also be assessed and you will be given the option to find out the gender of your baby – so exciting!
16. Go on a babymoon
This is another really fun thing on your pregnancy to do list!
A babymoon is a fun way to celebrate one last vacation with your spouse before your baby comes. It usually occurs during the second trimester of pregnancy (assuming no pregnancy complications). At this time, you will likely have a visible bump but you are still feeling pretty good. Plus, your doctor will not want you traveling past a certain number of weeks in the third trimester.
A babymoon is whatever you make it! It could be a weekend away, a trip to the beach or doing something you and your husband love to do.
17. Start making birth plans
Now is the time to start making a birth plan (if you choose) and educating yourself on labor and delivery. Your doctor may recommend a birth class to you otherwise you can check to see what your hospital has to offer or find something online.
It might seem like birth is a long way off but it will be here before you know it so it is good to be prepared!
18. Plan hospital tour
It can be comforting as a first time mom to go on hospital tour so you know exactly what to expect when it is go time. Even if you end up with a planned c section, a hospital tour is extremely helpful in explaining exactly where you need to go when you go into labor or come to the hospital for your c section.
19. Contact a photographer
You might be surprised to see this on the pregnancy to do list but it’s an important one. If you are looking to get maternity pictures taken or set up a newborn session, I recommend reaching out to a photographer during the second trimester of pregnancy. Their schedule tends to fill up quickly so it is best to set that up early.
20. Get a baby book
It might seem early to buy this but you will be happy you did. Many moms actually pack it in their hospital bag and add their baby’s footprints to it while in the hospital. Either way, it is a great thing to have so you can record your baby’s milestones from the day he is born.
21. Learn about baby sleep
Don’t worry, I am not talking about sleep training or anything like that. There are virtual newborn classes out there that teach you the basics about baby sleep that can be a total game changer. You can even take a course in the last few weeks of pregnancy if you want to be extra prepared.
This is the course I swear by.
Third Trimester To Do List
The third trimester of pregnancy occurs during months seven, eight and nine and it is your last phase of pregnancy.
During these three months, your baby will continue to grow and develop but will also start to change position to get ready for birth
You can expect this trimester to be and mentally challenging for a variety of factors.
It can be increasingly hard to get comfortable because of your baby’s size and position. This makes normal tasks like putting on shoes or picking something up can be difficult.
Plus, you might be tired of pregnancy altogether and are ready to move on to the next stage of having your baby in your arms instead of in your belly.
Try to remain as positive as you can and do whatever you need to feel comfortable and get through each day. And remember, it is normal to go past your due date so if it comes and goes uneventfully, it’s ok.
Now let’s break down the third trimester pregnancy to do list!
- Keep track of fetal movement and start counting baby’s kicks regularly throughout the day.
Usually doctors recommend choosing a time of day to feel for baby’s movements. The general rule of thumb is to feel for at least ten movements in one hour but you should consult your doctor about the specifics that he or she is looking for.
- Keep moving and stay active with your doctor’s ok.
Staying active can help alleviate aches and pains, give you energy and make you happy. You should of course talk to your doctor about any concerns or questions though.
- Schedule your third trimester appointments.
During the third trimester of pregnancy, you will start to see your doctor more frequently so it is important to get your appointments scheduled. Starting around 32 weeks, you will see your doctor every two weeks and by 36 weeks, you will most likely have weekly appointments.
- Choose your baby’s pediatrician.
This is a really important action item on your third trimester pregnancy to do list.
You will need to finalize your baby’s pediatrician prior to going into labor. Some pediatricians will see your baby in the hospital once he or she is born but if not, the hospital usually requires you have your first appointment set with your pediatrician prior to being released to go home.
Having a pediatrician all set will alleviate a lot of stress in the hospital.
- Have your baby shower.
This is one of the really exciting things on this pregnancy to do list! Having a baby shower is so much fun – you’re not only celebrating with family and friends but also receiving many things from your baby registry.
- Buy any baby gear you didn’t receive at your shower.
After your baby shower, you should take inventory of what you have and what you still need. This is the time to pick up anything you didn’t receive at your shower or additional items that you thought of.
- Attend a childbirth class and learn about the stages of labor.
This is especially if this is your first baby. It will help you understand what to expect and how you will feel. It can also give you more confidence as you get closer and closer to your due date.
- Take a baby sleep class.
This is one of my favorite things and something I’m so passionate about. But don’t worry, I’m not talking about sleep training. Newborns are way too young for sleep training.
If you didn’t take a sleep class during the second trimester of pregnancy, now is the time to take one.
A baby sleep class just gives you the tools to teach your baby the difference between night and day, help them learn how to self soothe, give you confidence about how to approach naps and bedtime and so much more.
My favorites are Taking Cara Babies and Little Z’s Sleep.
- Get educated on newborn feeding, whether you choose breastfeeding or bottle feeding.
This will not only give you confidence in the early newborn days but knowing what to expect and the different options that are available can be very helpful.
The first few days to weeks when all your baby will do is eat and sleep can be overwhelming and having some background knowledge about feeding won’t hurt!
Related: Bottle Feeding Tips for New Moms
This post is all about the most important things on your pregnancy to do list.