Pregnancy Checklist: Tips for Each Trimester

Pregnancy is an exciting and stressful time in a family's life. This checklist may take some of the worry out of the event and help you get ready for what's really important-your baby!

First Trimester

Check your insurance coverage.

Choose a healthcare provider you feel comfortable with and that you can talk openly with. Bring up any issues that may make this pregnancy complicated.

Register for prenatal, parenting and support classes at your Hospital or birthing center.

Exercise, eat right, stop smoking and reduce your caffeine intake. Also, drink plenty of water and get plenty of rest.

Schedule your first ultrasound.

Talk with your employer regarding policies on maternity/paternity leave and keeping your job while you're gone. If you get paid time off, find out how many weeks you are allowed.

Second Trimester

Schedule a hospital tour.

Register for Infant Care, Breastfeeding, Pediatric CPR and First Aid Classes at your Hospital or birthing center.

Stay in tune with your body and pay attention to any risk factors that may arise. Ask your doctor about your risk of pre-eclampsia or gestational diabetes.

If your hospital allows, pre-register for childbirth and delivery.

Talk to your doctor about having a second ultrasound and possibly finding out the sex of your baby.

Get your support person involved and sign up for classes with you. Grandparents enjoy these classes as well.

If you will be working right up until the baby is born, talk to your boss about working half days instead. You can use your time to help train a temporary and to pace yourself.

If you plan on returning to work after the baby is born, start researching child care.

Now is the time for researching car seats.

You will want to choose a pediatrician or family doctor for your baby at this time. Be sure to check what kind of insurance coverage you have.

Third Trimester

Choose your pediatrician or family doctor.

Keep a log of your baby's activity patterns and note any changes to your physician.

Keep your camera handy and take lots of photos along the way of how you and your baby are growing.

Make a final decision on child care.

Buy your car seat and familiarize yourself with the manual and how to install and operate it. Install it in the car you will be taking to the hospital.

With your support person, practice relaxation and breathing techniques.

If you will be breastfeeding, attend a class and have several nursing bras on hand.

If you are having a boy, decide about circumcision. Find out about pain management for your baby.

If you have older kids, work on arrangements for them while you are In the hospital.

Stock your freezer with quick, easy-to-fix meals for when you get home with baby.

If you will be returning to work, look into breast pumps.

Prepare the baby's room.

Pack your bags. Include a blanket and clothes to go home in. Throw in some socks, chap stick, slippers, and any comfort items you desire.

Keep a list of important phone numbers near the phone (doctors, ambulance, and hospital).

Keep your gar gassed up.

In case your water breaks on the way, keep towels in your car.