9 Must-Do Pregnancy Tasks No One Tells You About

Pregnancy is nine months of anticipation for soon-to-be parents, and there are hundreds of guidebooks and advice columns that stress prenatal health care and setting up a nursery and as the most critical issues during those nine months. While those are indeed important topics, there are a number of tasks that are equally vital that few new parents realize they should do before their baby arrives. With a nine month countdown, doing one of these tasks each month will help new parents prepare for their baby safely and reasonably, even while they get regular checkups and shop for baby clothes.

First Month: Change Insurance Policies

New parents should reevaluate all of their insurance policies - home, health, car, and life insurance - before the baby is born. Increasing coverage will help with any unforeseen emergencies, and lowering deductibles can ensure that no emergency measures need a great out of pocket expense that may be impossible to meet with a new baby. New parents who do not have life insurance should take the time to investigate different policies and sign up for one that meets their needs and can help care for their child if necessary.

Second Month: Start a Workout Routine

First time mothers may already have a good gym routine in place, but is that routine baby-friendly? Look for programs that are suitable for pregnant women and new moms, and check for day care options at the gym. If you don't normally work out, getting started with a gentle routine can help you be in better shape for childbirth and will help your baby be healthier. A fit mother will also rebound into shape faster after pregnancy.

Third Month: Plan for College and Retirement

Even before the baby is born, financially-savvy parents will plan for the expenses of a college education by starting a simple college fund or savings account for their child. Even starting a very modest account now will be a great help in eighteen years when tuition bills are due. Similarly, parents should also take the time to invest in their own retirement programs so their children are not burdened with paying for parents' retirement.

Fourth Month: Make Your Home Baby-Safe

While new babies don't move around much and aren't likely to be discovering household hazards right away, it is easier for parents to childproof their home before the baby is born. Doing this before the birth gives parents the time to prepare for every hazard carefully, and will minimize the risk of accidents when a curious infant or toddler begins to explore their world. Too many parents put off childproofing only until they are forced to examine their homes after their child gets sick or injured from a hazard that could easily have been prevented.

Fifth Month: Take a Break

Midway through the pregnancy, both mother and father are getting anxious for their new addition. It is important to take time at this point to cherish one another and renew your love for each other, before romantic evenings and sweet activities are interrupted by a crying baby, diaper changes, or babysitter anxiety. Plan a vacation together, start a date night tradition, or opt for a weekend away before the real stress of parenting begins.

Sixth Month: Check Your Vehicles

Many new parents discover after the baby is born that a small, sporty car doesn't have room for the right car seat, stroller, diaper bag, and other equipment necessary for the baby. Because shopping for a new car can take some time to find the right vehicle and get a good deal, it is better to do this before the baby is born. If your current vehicle is already a good size to include the new addition, be sure it is tuned up and well maintained so the first few months of the baby's life don't compete with car repairs.

Seventh Month: Stock Up on Supplies

Long trips to the grocery store and extra errands to pick up missing items aren't possible with a new baby. In the months before the baby is born, stock up on nonperishable items such as toilet paper, beauty products, cleaning supplies, and other essentials. The products won't go bad, and having these items already on hand will help shorten shopping trips and ease a grocery budget just when it is most important. If kitchen storage space is available, expand your stocking up to include canned goods and other long term food items, such as dry pasta and cereal.

Eighth Month: Plan for the Worst

Many new parents don't have a will and it doesn't occur to them to need one, but what would happen to their baby in case of an accident or serious illness? Taking the time to make a will before the baby is born will ensure that the proper guardians will be appointed in case the parents are unavailable, and financial protection will be provided for their child. At the same time, be sure all necessary documents to settle a will - mortgage papers, insurance papers, etc. - are in a safe place and can be readily accessed if needed.

Ninth Month: Get a Haircut

As the end of the pregnancy draws near, few women have the enduring energy to cope with all the changes in their body and do major tasks to prepare for their baby. By this time the nursery should be equipped and the hospital bag packed, and there is only one more thing to do - get a haircut. Long hair can be very challenging to care for with an infant, and exploring young hands can easily grab and pull on long locks. Consider getting a shorter, easy to style look that can be both fabulous and practical for a new mom.

Preparing for a new baby can be both exciting and terrifying, but parents who take steps to protect their child and make life easier once the baby arrives can enjoy their new parenthood and all the moments it has to treasure.