Bliss, anticipation, anxiety, are just some feelings you encounter at the time you take an accurate home pregnancy test that is positive. The wonderful time of pregnancy can be a little overwhelming, so to be prepared you will need a checklist for your pregnancy. Read the following article to understand all the trimesters and the checklist.

The First Trimester

During the first few months of your pregnancy, it’s hard to detect for others that you’re pregnant. But your pregnancy glow might say otherwise in the first trimester. The first trimester can be an emotional ride. Feeling tired, low blood pressure, and sugar level are some common problems. During the first trimester, morning sickness and tender breasts are also common.

The Second Trimester

The 14th week of pregnancy is when the second trimester begins. During, this trimester you will not experience morning sickness and low energy. This time your belly grows, and you’re noticeably pregnant. The belly might cause you to be a little out of breath as it gets pushed into your lungs. Swelling in your feet and ankles, back pain, heartburn, and constipation are some common symptoms you will notice during your second trimester.

The Third Trimester

The third trimester is the time when your belly is growing bigger with time. The backaches worsen during this trimester and as the baby starts pushing against your abdomen, you won’t have much of an appetite. Fluctuations in blood pressure levels are normal. When you’re ready for delivery in the final stage of your pregnancy, false labour pain known as Braxton Hicks contractions are quite common to experience. False labour is your body’s way of preparing for delivery. These contractions are mild. During this course, your baby is constantly on your mind and the excitement has no limits.

First Trimester Checklist

Add a prenatal vitamin to your everyday routine and add a folic acid to prevent any birth defects.

Make sure your insurance covers your pregnancy and birth.

If you are not happy with your doctor, ask your family and friends for a new doctor or midwife.

List down your questions, from what tests to take, your nutrition guide, to how to cope with stress. Have open communication with your doctor.

Morning sickness during this trimester is common, and if you suffer from it, visit the nearest supermarket and stock up things to cure it like ginger ale, saltine crackers, mints, lemon drops, to name a few. Always have a plastic bag on your side table in case of emergency.

Odours can be gut-wrenching during this period. Get your clothes washed with unscented soaps or detergents.

Between 11 and 14 weeks schedule you’re Nuchal Translucency or CVS test between 10 and 13 weeks.

Start preparing for your pregnancy and post-pregnancy by reading pregnancy books.

Start considering day care, they may sound early but it is better to call and see if you can be on the wait lists.

Break your pregnancy news. Share it with your friends, family, co-worker, and whoever is unaware of it.

Second Trimester Checklist

Get ready to take a leave from work.

Ready to go shopping? It’s time when your clothes might not fit you anymore. Go, shop maternity items for yourself.

It’s time for a baby shower. Figure a date and a guest list for the shower.

Your 20-week ultrasound is around the corner. So, schedule an appointment if your country allows you to know the gender of the baby.

To increase the number of nutrients and amount of blood reaching the placenta and the baby you must sleep on your side, preferably on your left side.

Find a class for childbirth at your hospital or any center that provides it.

Begin thinking of a name for your baby.

Third Trimester Checklist

Connect with mothers or soon-to-be moms and learn about their experiences. Make new mom friends and take their childbearing advice.

Don’t save this for later. Look for a good pediatrician and schedule appointments for your little one.

Set up a nursery or a room for your baby.

There will be days when you are extremely busy or tried to cook at home, so for those days pre-cook your food and freeze them in the freezer.

To have less hassle on the day of birth pre-book your hospital. Get done with all the paperwork beforehand.

Grab your clothes, mobile charger, snacks, and toiletries and make a hospital bag.

Now, wait for the big day to arrive!

Use this list to be guided through all the trimesters. The checklist will help you welcome your new born with all things planned and in place.