Pregnancy To-Do List

Pregnancy To-Do List

40 Things to do before you have your baby

Week 1

1. Start taking a prenatal vitamin if you haven't already.

2. Write down the date of your last period or two.

3. Figure out when you're ovulating.

4. With your partner, create a family health history, including any genetic or chromosomal disorders.

5. Quit smoking, and cut out any other bad health habits.

Week 2

1. Reduce your caffeine intake.

2. Talk to your doctor about safe medicationsduring pregnancy.

3. Eat a healthy, balanced diet.

4. Don't overdo it when you exercise.

Week 3

1. Look for the early signs of pregnancy.

2. Buy an at-home pregnancy test.

3. Learn what foods you should avoid during pregnancy.

· See more about Week 3 of your pregnancy.

· Get free pregnancy charts and checklists. Start now.

This Week's Activity:

Buy a pregnancy test kit. Have a home pregnancy test on hand in case you don't get your period next week. Most home tests can accurately detect pregnancy in the week after your period is normally due — two weeks after you ovulate. Buy a kit that has multiple tests, so you can take it more than once. For best results, test first thing in the morning.

·

Week 4

1. Take a pregnancy test if you've missed your period

2. Tell your partner the news!

3. Make an appointment to see your doctor to confirm your pregnancy.

4. Consider the alternative of a certified nurse-midwife.

· See more about Week 4 of your pregnancy.

· Get free pregnancy charts and checklists. Start now.

Week 5

1. Pick up a pregnancy book.

2. Download a pregnancy app to help you stay organized for the next 8 months.

3. Buy a journal or memory book to record your milestones, symptoms, and questions for the next nine months.

4. Sign up for your Due Date club or join an in-person pregnancy support group.

5. Be sure to drink lots of water.

6. Talk to your insurance company to find out which local doctors and hospitals are covered by your plan.

This Week's Activity:

Choose a doctor or midwife and schedule an appointment. To prepare, jot down the first day of your last period (so she can determine your due date) and start making a list of any questions that arise.

Talk to relatives on both sides about your families' medical histories. Your caregiver will want to know whether any chronic conditions or genetic abnormalities run in either of your families.

Confused about our timing? We begin our pregnancy calculations from the first day of your last period, as most healthcare practitioners do. So by the time you get a positive pregnancy test (about 3 weeks after fertilization), you're considered to be 5 weeks pregnant.

Week 6

1. If you're ready, start sharing the good newswith family members and close friends.

2. Make your partner the official kitty litter changer.

3. Experiment with morning sickness remedies.

4. Decide whether you like your doctor enough to stick with him or her through delivery. If not, start looking for a new one.

Week 7

1. Schedule and prepare for your first prenatal visit, which should happen between 8 and 12 weeks.

2. Compile a list of questions for your first doctor's appointment.

3. Clear your beauty cabinet of any chemical-laden products like DEET-filled insect repellent.

4. Buy a belly band to extend the life of your pants.

This Week's Activity:

Take a photo of your belly. Have someone take a picture of you this week — before your pregnancy starts showing. Then keep taking photos once a month until your baby arrives. It's a great way to track your progress, and you'll love having the keepsake. Tips for a great shot: Consider wearing the same outfit, standing in the same spot, and striking the same pose (profiles work best) for each photo. Black-and-white shots and nudes or semi-nudes can be especially beautiful.

Week 8

1. Shop for a new bra, whether it's a maternity bra or just a bigger, softer style.

2. Make Kegel exercises a part of your daily routine.

3. Pick up antacids in preparation for pregnancy heartburn, along with other drugstore staples.

4. Make a dentist appointment.

5. Discuss recommended prenatal tests with your doctor.

Week 9

1. Look at your household cleaners and swap in eco-friendly ones for any toxic ones.

2. Make a pre-baby to-do list of all the things you want accomplish or enjoy before the baby arrives.

3. Create a baby budget.

4. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.

5. Go for a walk, or do 30 minutes of another moderate exercise, and make it a part of your daily routine now.

This Week's Activity

Start a daily ritual to connect with your baby. Diane Sanford, a clinical psychologist who focuses on pregnancy and postpartum adjustment, encourages women to set aside two five- to ten-minute periods a day to think about their baby. Just after waking up and before going to sleep works well for many expectant moms. During these times, sit quietly and gently rest your hands on your belly. Focus on your breathing and then start thinking about your baby (your hopes and dreams, your intentions as a parent, etc.). It's a great way to initiate the bonding process and to help you plan for the kind of parent you want to be.

Week 10

Wash your hands frequently to avoid getting a cold or the flu.

2. Try natural remedies for indigestion.

3. Go shopping for maternity clothing.

4. Review your company's maternity leave policy.

5. If you're hoping for a V-BAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) but your doctor isn't on

This Week's Activity:

Buy some new bras and undies. If your breasts are sore, get a good supportive cotton bra. Maternity bras can offer extra support, so try a couple on to see whether you like them. Your breasts might increase one or two more sizes, especially if this is your first pregnancy, and a knowledgeable sales associate can help you with sizing. Maternity briefs, bikinis, and even thongs — if that's your thing — can also make a bigger difference in your comfort than you may realize.

Week 11

Moisturize your belly, hips and thighs daily to prevent itchy, dry skin as it stretches.

2. Avoid hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, intense hot-weather workouts, super-hot baths, or anything else that could raise your body temperature above 102 degrees.

3. Get a first-trimester screening to help your practitioner decide what tests may be warranted.

4. If it's recommended by your doctor, get tested for chromosomal abnormalities through a nuchal translucency (NT) and chorionic villus sampling (CVS).

5. Listen to the baby's heartbeat with a Doppler at your doctor's appointment, if possible.

This Week's Activity:

Reach out to other moms — including your own. Women who've already made the transition to motherhood can offer good advice, a comforting shoulder, and the camaraderie of shared experiences. If you and your mother have a good relationship, she may be the best source of support. In fact, many women find pregnancy brings them closer to their own mom. If you don't know where to start the conversation, ask your mom or a friend to tell you about her best and worst pregnancy memories.

Week 12

Plan a babymoon vacation.

2. Buy a body pillow for sleeping.

3. Be sure to stretch and warm up before exercise because your ligaments and joints are loosened up now.

4. Until you give birth, avoid any exercises that require you to lie flat on your back (crunches, Pilates, etc.).

5. If you're having multiples, your doctor will be able to spot the extra babies at your next ultrasound.

This Week's Activity:

Make a baby budget. Sit down with your partner to discuss how you'll handle new-baby expenses — clothes, food, diapers, toys, and gear can add up fast. Brainstorm where you can trim your budget to make room for your baby's needs. Consider making some budget adjustments now, and start banking your savings for your baby.

Week 13

Begin thinking about baby names.

2. Start sleeping on your side.

3. Research pediatricians.

4. Eat smaller meals more frequently to stave off heartburn.

5. Consider borrowing previously worn maternity clothing from friends or family.

This Week's Activity:

Share your view of parenting with your partner. To get the conversation going, try this creative writing exercise: Each of you makes two lists, one titled "My mother always..." and one titled "My mother never..." Then do the same for "My father always/My father never." When you're done, talk about what you wrote down and decide together which behaviors you value and which you'd like to change as you raise your child.

Week 14


üFind a prenatal exercise class. If you haven't already, now is a good time to start a regular workout. Joining a class can help motivate you to stick with it. And many women find that prenatal exercise classes are a wonderful way to bond with and get support from other pregnant women. Some good options include water exercise, prenatal yoga or Pilates, a walking group, or a dance class designed for pregnant women

ü Tell your family and friends your good news if you haven't already - break the news to your boss, too

ü Take advantage of your energy boost by checking things off your to-do list at home and at work

ü If so inclined, start taking pictures of your beautiful growing belly

Week 15


ü Discuss with your partner about whether you want to find out the gender of your baby before it is born, or if you prefer to keep it a surprise

ü Strengthen your abdominals with pelvic tilts

ü If over the age of 35, schedule an amniocentesis if it's recommended

ü As your doctor about the quad marker screen

ü Pick up a saline spray or humidifier to alleviate congestion caused by pregnancy

Week 16


ü Ensure you get plenty of calcium now, from low-fat dairy foods or supplements

üLook at local birth centres

ü Ask your mother or grandmother about their birthing experiences (remember the positive experiences and forget the negative ones!)

üPlan a romantic evening or getaway. Once your baby arrives, it will be a while before you and your partner go away for a weekend alone. Don't miss this chance to be together, and don't wait much longer because by the third trimester you may feel too tired and uncomfortable to travel.

Week 17


üStart a baby name list. Make a list of ten names you like. Have your partner do the same. Trade lists and each cross out one name on the other's list that you dislike. Keep taking turns until you have a set of names you can both live with. Talk about why you like and dislike certain names. Many couples even create ground rules, such as no names of former girlfriends or boyfriends, no names that have ever been used for family pets , and no grandparents’ names. Also respect the fact that your child will have to use their name with their peers, in school and in the workplace – so avoid crazy silly names, names that would rhyme with their surname, made-up names, 10 middle names, etc. Remember that a name is very important for a person, so don’t trivialise it.

üCombat your forgetful "pregnancy brain" with lots of notes and reminders.

ü Treat yourself to a prenatal massage.

ü Start a college fund for baby-to-be by opening an account or a special savings account

Week 18


üLook into and sign up for a childbirth class. The best and most popular ones fill up quickly so start your search now. Classes vary quite a bit in their approach. Some are spread out over several weeks, while others are as short as a day. Your hospital probably offers classes, but you may want to take a specialized class elsewhere. To find a class, get recommendations from your healthcare provider and your friends

ü Consider signing up for infant CPR, prenatal breastfeeding, or newborn-care classes

üResearch nursery furniture and start decorating the baby room

üCheck your desk chair to see if a more supportive one or a footstool could help with back pain. A back support cushion can also help.

Week 19


üStart your childcare search. It may seem early to you, but the best centres often have long waiting lists and it's easier to go on tours now than when you have an infant in tow. You have many options, so review the pluses and minuses of daycare centres, nanny care, home day care, and relative care . Put your name on a few lists even if you aren't sure what you'll do. When the time comes, you will be grateful for the options .

Week 20


üTreat yourself to something nice. You've made it to the halfway mark in your pregnancy, so celebrate with a little indulgence. Need some ideas? Try scented candles, a new nightgown or pyjamas, a makeover at a department store, or a prenatal massage

ü For a keepsake, find a beautiful frame for your baby's first picture after birth. (In the meantime, you can use an ultrasound picture!)

üStart considering about your birthing options – hospital versus home (research carefully the pros and cons of a home birth); bed versus water; natural versus caesarean . If, you are considering an optional caesarean to avoid going through labour, bear in mind that it is not as exciting as going through a natural labour and birth, it is a major operation with associated risks, its expensive, and the recuperation time is much longer. Also keep in mind that these days, mums are spoilt for choice with pain relief.

Week 21


üCreate a baby registry or make a baby gift wish list, if having a baby shower. Even if you don't like the idea of asking for specific gifts, family and friends will soon be asking what you need or want — particularly if someone's throwing you a baby shower. If you prepare a gift registry, you'll know exactly what to tell them. Two common mistakes to avoid are registering for clothing (you will get plenty of these) and not registering for big ticket or expensive items. You won't be seen as greedy, but rather many shower guests like to go in on a "big gift" together such as your work colleagues or close family.

ü Get organized and tackle pending projects around the house

ü Research the pros and cons of breastfeeding. Decide what's best for you and your baby once you have all the facts

ü Buy some support hose if veins are a problem, and a new maternity bra - again

Week 22

Work with your gracious baby shower host to plan party logistics.

2. Now that you know the sex of the baby, take a second look at baby names .

3. Prevent varicose veins. Avoid crossing your legs and long periods of sitting or standing, which may result in blood pooled in the legs.

This Week's Activity:

Check out your rings. It's common to have some swelling in your fingers as your pregnancy progresses. If your rings are feeling the least bit snug, do yourself a favor and take them off now before it's too late (or at least keep an eye on them). If you can't bear to be separated from your wedding band or another important ring when you can no longer sport it on your finger, loop it on a chain and wear it close to your heart.

Week 23

Go shopping for more maternity clothes.

2. As you think about the baby's first name, don't forget to consider what last name he will take.

3. Test your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.

· See more about Week 23 of your pregnancy.

· Get free pregnancy charts and checklists. Start now.

This Week's Activity:

Write a letter to your baby. You and your child will treasure this gift for years to come. Go with your heart and follow your inspiration. If you need help getting started:

· Describe your feelings toward your baby and what it's like to know she's growing inside you.

· Imagine a perfect day with your baby and what you'll do together.

· Write down your hopes, dreams, and wishes for your baby.

· Think about what being a mother means to you and your definition of what makes a good mother.

If writing isn't your style, put together a collage or a memory box of pregnancy mementos, says Diane Sanford, a clinical psychologist whose focus is on helping women make the transition to motherhood.

Week 24

. Look into childcare options if you're planning to return to work.

2. Start planning the nursery.

3. Get tested for gestational diabetes.

· See more about Week 24 of your pregnancy.

· Get free pregnancy charts and checklists. Start now.

This Week's Activity:

Tackle your home improvement projects. Sit down with your partner and take stock of the things you'd like to fix around the house before your little one arrives. Then let your partner handle them. (You shouldn't be exposing yourself to chemicals or getting up on ladders.) Some things for the list:

  • Install or check smoke detectors, get a fire extinguisher for each floor of your house, and plan a fire escape route.
  • Fix or remove any broken furniture or fixtures.
  • Paint the nursery, hang curtain rods, assemble new furniture.

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Week 25

Update or attain life and disability insurance, and add chosen guardianship to your will.

2. Write a birth plan.

3. Pre-register at your hospital or birthing center, if possible.

· See more about Week 25 of your pregnancy.

· Get free pre

This Week's Activity

Dedicate time to your partner this week. Treat your partner to a romantic surprise. Write down all the things you love about him, tell him why you think he'll be a great dad, or just go for a stroll while holding hands. Take time to connect on a physical and emotional level and celebrate what connects you and makes you love one another. Try to do something at least once a week that clearly communicates the importance of your partner in your life, says clinical psychologist Diane Sanford.

Week 26

Interview potential pediatricians. Find out which local doctors are covered by your insurance and seek recommendations.

2. Do any last-minute travel. It's best to avoid travel once the third trimester hits.

3. Take the glucose-screening test.

This Week's Activity:

Discuss some personal issues. Would you like to have your son circumcised? If so, do you want it done in the hospital? Will you have a religious ceremony after your baby's born? Would you like to stay home with your baby full- or part-time?

These are just a few of the big decisions you and your partner should discuss now. Even if you think you both agree, it's best to share your opinions openly to avoid misunderstandings and hurt feelings.

Week 27

Choose a color for the nursery.

2. Research cord blood banking.

3. Find a birth doula, if desired.

This Week's Activity:

Sign up for a breastfeeding class. If you are a first-time mom and planning to breastfeed your baby, it's a good idea to take a breastfeeding class. Ask your caregiver or childbirth education teacher where you can take one. Or call La Leche League. It can help you locate breastfeeding resources in your area.

Week 28

Start seeing your doctor or midwife every two weeks.

2. Update your retirement beneficiaries.

3. Babyproof your house.

4. Help your partner to feel the baby's kicks.

5. If your fingers are swollen, take your rings off and store them in a safe place until after delivery.

6. Depending on your and your partner's blood types, you may receive an injection of RhoGAM.

This Week's Activity:

Choose a doctor for your baby. Get names of pediatricians or family practitioners from friends, co-workers, neighbors, or your pregnancy caregiver. Make sure the doctor accepts your health insurance, keeps hours that work with your schedule, and has an office that's convenient for you. If you can, schedule face-to-face interviews with your top candidates.

If it seems too early to be thinking about this, consider that your baby will have his first doctor's visit shortly after birth.

Week 29

Enjoy your baby shower!

2. Start shopping for birth announcements and decide whether you'll choose paper or electronic ones.

3. If you live in an older home, ask your partner to test for lead-based paint in the nursery and remove it if necessary.

4. Eat a high-fiber diet to help prevent constipation and hemorrhoids.

This Week's Activity:

Run some vital errands now. Here are some things you'll need in the first few weeks, when it's almost impossible to go shopping:

· Diapers and wipes

· Baby care items such as nail clippers, a thermometer, a bulb syringe, and a pacifier

· Baby-friendly laundry detergent

· Sanitary pads for you (You'll bleed for a few weeks after delivery.)

· Thank-you cards and stamps

· Paper towels and paper plates for easy cleanup after meals

Week 30

Buy a car seat, stroller, and any other important baby gear that you didn't receive at your shower.

2. Count fetal kicks.

3. Pack your hospital bag and one for your partner.

4. Know the signs of premature labor.

5. Try exercises designed to help prepare your body for D-day.

This Week's Activity:

Assemble any baby gear This is the perfect job for your partner or a friend who wants to help. Cribs, bassinets, and strollers are notoriously tricky to put together, especially when you're sleep deprived, so get started now. Swings, mobiles, and monitors can all require batteries, so make sure you have enough on hand. Tip: Consider getting rechargeable batteries and a battery charger.

Week 31

Eat foods rich in iron.

2. If you plan to hire a baby nurse, start seeking recommendations.

3. Plan your maternity leave.

4. Prepare a baby first-aid and an emergency kit.

This Week's Activity:

Assemble any baby gear This is the perfect job for your partner or a friend who wants to help. Cribs, bassinets, and strollers are notoriously tricky to put together, especially when you're sleep deprived, so get started now. Swings, mobiles, and monitors can all require batteries, so make sure you have enough on hand. Tip: Consider getting rechargeable batteries and a battery charger.

Week 32

Plan care for your other children or your pets for when you go into labor.

2. Get a haircut.

3. Set up the baby's nursery.

4. Start seeing your doctor or midwife weekly through delivery.

This Week's Activity:

Start lining up helpers. Your friends and family will want to pitch in after your baby's born, but many new moms are too overwhelmed to direct household help. How to prepare now:

· If anyone offers to help during the newborn weeks, write down their name and number.

· Select one friend to set up a schedule so that all the friends who wish to help are given a date on which they can bring you a meal.

· Create a master grocery list so you can hand it off to a friend.

· Create a childcare or ride schedule for older children.

· Line up a friend or neighbor to take out your garbage, walk your dog or feed your pets.

Week 33

Start reading about newborn care.

2. Clean out your car to make room for baby.

3. Install your car seat and visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Web site to locate an inspection station near you so you can be sure you did it correctly.

This Week's Activity:

Wash your baby's clothing and bedding. You know all those adorable outfits you bought or received at your baby shower? You should wash anything that will go near your baby's skin to remove any irritants in the fabrics. The gentlest detergents are those designed for babies and those that are labeled hypoallergenic or good for sensitive skin.

Week 34

Call your insurance company to add your baby-to-be to your policy.

2. Get tested for Group B strep (GBS).

3. Buy any items you'll need for postpartum recovery.

4. Meet with several pediatricians to make your final choice.

This Week's Activity:

Make a labor contingency plan. You may go into labor early or have a complication that requires you to be in the hospital longer than you anticipated. Give at least one friend or neighbor the keys to your house in case you need something and can't get home. Line up people to do the following on a moment's notice:

· Take care of children

· Drive older children to and from school and to any afterschool activities

· Feed the dog, water the plants, get the mail

· Fill in for you at work or any other obligations

Week 35

Buy a baby book.

2. If you plan to try breastfeeding, get the number of a recommended lactation consultant or join a local La Leche League International group.

3. Review your baby registry to see what items you still need to purchase before baby's arrival.

This Week's Activity:

Prepare food to eat after your baby's born. If you cook, start doubling recipes and freezing half. You and your partner will be too exhausted to cook in the first weeks after you bring your baby home and you'll be thrilled to have healthy meals you can heat up fast. If you don't cook, go around your neighborhood and pick up all the takeout and delivery menus you can find. You'll be grateful for all the options at your fingertips.

Week 36

1. Schedule a non-stress test if it's recommended.

2. Review your birth plan with your doctor,midwife, doula, or any others involved.

3. Sleep in, take naps and get as many extra Z's as you can.

4. Send thank-you notes for your shower gifts.

This Week's Activity:

Create a grapevine. Make a list of all the people you want to hear about your baby's birth — with their phone numbers or e-mail addresses — and pass this along to a friend who can spread the news. That way, when you're ready for others to know, all you have to do is make one call. Include at least one person from work on the list, so they can spread the word there.

Week 37

1. If you have other children, be sure to prepare them for their sibling's arrival .

2. Plan for your first few weeks with baby by cooking and freezing a few nights' or weeks' worth of dinners.

3. Stock up on diapers and formula.

4. Wash the baby clothes and bedding.

This Week's Activity:

Figure out how to install your baby's car seat. You can't bring your baby home without a car seat and it's harder to install than you think, so don't wait until the last minute. Some car seat manufacturers have a toll-free number for you to call so an expert can walk you through the process. Or get a car seat safety inspector to help you. To find one in your area, go to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Web site or look in your local phone book.

Week 38

1. Tie up any loose ends with finances or medical insurance.

2. Make a list of who you want to contact when the baby arrives, including phone numbers and e-mail addresses.

3. Nail down your final choices for baby names

This Week's Activity:

Start reading up on baby care. If you haven't already, now is the perfect time to switch reading gears from pregnancy to baby. You won't have as much time to read after your baby's born, so learn all you can about the first few weeks now. A good place to start is BabyCenter's Preparing for a Newborn area.

Week 39

Practice any relaxation or breathing techniques you've learned.

2. Wrap up at work and create a memo for your fill-in, just in case you go into labor before your due date.

3. Discuss with your partner the option of cutting the umbilical cord.

This Week's Activity:

If you're planning to breastfeed and haven't bought nursing bras yet, now is the time. Bring them to the hospital — you'll want them for comfort and support. Your breasts are likely much larger now than pre-pregnancy, and they'll probably increase one or two more sizes while you're nursing. While you're shopping, get some breast pads to tuck into your bra to absorb any leaks and some purified or "medical-grade" lanolin ointment for tender nipples. (Avoid lanolin if you're allergic to wool.)

Week 40

Be ready for your water to break, or for the mucus plug or bloody show.

2. Time your contractions.

3. Buy a few cold packs at the drugsto

This Week's Activity:

Kick back and relax. Rent some movies, read a novel, curl up with a stack of magazines or a new CD, sleep in or grab catnaps when you can.You're in the final stretch and you deserve some downtime! If you're go-go-go right up until delivery you'll be depleted by the time your baby arrives, says clinical psychologist Diane Sanford.

Week 41

1. Enjoy those last few kicks and the amazing feeling of having your baby inside of you.

2. Do squats to help prepare your body for labor.

3. Take advantage of the extra time to rest.

A Warm Welcome "If you have other children, let them help you plan a low-key birthday party for the new baby, complete with a birthday cake and decorations. From their perspective, it'll add to the perks of having a new baby in the house." — Kate

Week 42

. Try a few tricks to bring on labor (or at least keep your mind off it) -- eat spicy foods, have sex, take a walk or stimulate your nipples.

2. Have the non-stress test again, or a contraction stress test.

3. Go to the hospital and get induced.

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