Being pregnant can be overwhelming, here’s a week by week pregnancy checklist for you mummies.
Embarking on this incredible journey of pregnancy is both exciting and overwhelming. As you nurture the tiny life growing within you, we understand the need for guidance and support. To help you stay organized and make the most of this miraculous experience, we have prepared a comprehensive week-by-week pregnancy checklist. This checklist will guide you through each trimester, ensuring you are well-prepared for the arrival of your bundle of joy. Remember, every pregnancy is unique, so be gentle with yourself and embrace the changes that come your way.
Week 1 – Week 12
The first trimester is filled with significant developments as your little one starts to form. Here’s your week-by-week pregnancy checklist for the first twelve weeks:
Week 1
Confirm your pregnancy with a home pregnancy test.
Start taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid.
Be in contact with your healthcare provider, arrange your first prenatal appointment. Ask questions.
Week 2
Begin tracking your pregnancy symptoms and changes in a journal.
Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet.
Compile a comprehensive family health record, which should encompass any genetic or chromosomal conditions.
Week 3
Avoid harmful substances like alcohol and tobacco.
Cut back on the amount of caffeine you consume.
Familiarize yourself with the do’s and don’ts of pregnancy.
Research and exercise a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Week 4
Research and choose an obstetrician or midwife for your prenatal care.
Start planning a healthy exercise routine approved by your healthcare provider.
Grab a pregnancy book, make sure to read the reviews first.
Week 5
Start budgeting for baby expenses and create a savings plan.
Consider informing close family and friends about your pregnancy.
Drink water regularly.
Check which hospitals are covered by your insurance plan if you have any.
Week 6
Begin researching baby names and discussing preferences with your partner.
Learn about common pregnancy symptoms and ways to manage them.
Week 7
Educate yourself about pregnancy nutrition and start eating accordingly.
Start looking into baby essentials and creating a registry.
Week 8
Schedule prenatal tests and screenings as advised by your healthcare provider.
Start familiarizing yourself with maternity leave policies at work.
Consider shopping for a new bra, whether it’s specifically a maternity bra or simply a larger, more comfortable style.
Week 9
Begin exploring childbirth education classes or online resources.
Pamper yourself with some self-care and relaxation techniques.
Go for a walk, make it a routine.
Week 10
Continue to stay physically active with safe pregnancy exercises.
Share your pregnancy journey on social media if you wish.
Week 11
Consider capturing your growing baby bump through weekly photos.
Join pregnancy forums or support groups to connect with other expecting moms.
Week 12
Plan a special way to announce your pregnancy to extended family and friends.
Start thinking about nursery decoration and baby-proofing your home.
Second Trimester Pregnancy
Week 13 – Week 28
During the second trimester, commonly referred to as the “honeymoon phase” of pregnancy, many women experience relief from the early pregnancy discomforts. This period is often considered the most comfortable and enjoyable, characterized by increased energy levels and better sleep patterns. However, some women may still encounter minor challenges such as back or abdominal pain, leg cramps, constipation, or heartburn. Here’s your week-by-week pregnancy checklist for weeks 13 to 28.
Week 13
Celebrate the start of the second trimester with a small treat for yourself.
Continue prenatal appointments and track your baby’s growth.
Week 14
Research and decide on birthing options and preferences.
Begin looking for comfortable maternity wear to accommodate your growing belly.
Week 15
Plan a gender reveal party if you choose to find out your baby’s gender.
Start gentle pregnancy exercises like prenatal yoga or swimming.
Week 16
Consider creating a baby shower registry for family and friends.
Plan a babymoon with your partner to enjoy some quality time together.
Week 17
Feel the baby’s movements, often described as “quickening.”
Explore baby care classes to prepare for life after childbirth.
Week 18
Schedule an anatomy scan to check your baby’s development.
Research breastfeeding and pumping options if you plan to breastfeed.
Week 19
Start preparing a birth plan detailing your preferences for labor and delivery.
Consider banking your baby’s cord blood for future medical use.
Week 20
Take a moment to celebrate as you have reached the halfway point of this journey!
Research baby cribs and nursery furniture for the baby’s room.
Week 21
Start planning for maternity leave and discuss it with your employer.
Research and consider taking prenatal classes to prepare for childbirth.
Week 22
Begin creating a baby registry with essential items you’ll need.
Explore baby carriers and strollers for when the baby arrives.
Week 23
Consider hiring a professional photographer for maternity photos.
Research diapering options, including cloth and disposable diapers.
Week 24
Plan a maternity photoshoot to capture this special time.
Look into childbirth education classes to learn about labor and delivery.
Week 25
Begin planning for your baby shower and share gift ideas with loved ones.
Research baby monitors for peace of mind after the baby’s arrival.
Week 26
Consider taking a breastfeeding class to prepare for nursing.
Explore nursery decor and start decorating the baby’s room.
Week 27
Schedule a hospital tour to familiarize yourself with the birthing environment.
Prepare a hospital bag with essentials for labor and postpartum.
Week 28
Celebrate the third trimester’s approach and the final weeks of pregnancy.
Start packing a diaper bag with baby essentials for outings.
Third Trimester Pregnancy
Week 29 – Week 40
The third trimester brings excitement and anticipation for the arrival of your baby. Here’s your week-by-week pregnancy checklist for weeks 29 to 40.
Week 29
Attend prenatal classes to learn about labor positions and pain management.
Research baby car seats and ensure proper installation in your car.
Week 30
Prepare your home for the baby’s arrival by setting up the nursery.
Consider taking a postpartum class to prepare for the first weeks after birth.
Week 31
Schedule frequent prenatal check-ups as the due date approaches.
Look into baby feeding options, including bottles and breastfeeding accessories.
Week 32
Learn about the signs of labor and when to contact your healthcare provider.
Consider packing a hospital bag for your partner to ensure they have essentials too.
Week 33
Plan a meet-up with other moms-to-be to share experiences and tips.
Install safety gates and babyproof your home for the baby’s safety.
Week 34
Discuss postpartum mental health and support with your healthcare provider.
Prepare your freezer with pre-cooked meals for postpartum convenience.
Week 35
Monitor fetal movements and contact your doctor if you notice any changes.
Research baby carriers and wraps for bonding with your newborn.
Week 36
Ensure that you finalize your birth plan and have a comprehensive discussion with your healthcare provider.
Consider creating a birth playlist or calming music for labor and delivery.
Week 37
Pack your hospital bag with essentials for labor and postpartum.
Install a car seat and ensure it is correctly fitted in your vehicle.
Educate yourself on Cervix Dilation.
Week 38
Double-check your baby registry to make sure you have all necessities.
Research postpartum care items, including perineal spray and nursing pads.
Week 39
Get plenty of rest and focus on self-care in these final days.
Set up a changing station with diapers, wipes, and diaper rash cream.
Week 40
Celebrate the due date and prepare for the possibility of overdue labor.
Set up a breastfeeding station with a comfortable chair and nursing pillow.
Conclusion
Mummies, your journey through pregnancy is a magical time filled with joy, anticipation, and love. Following this week-by-week pregnancy checklist can help you stay organized and focused during each trimester. Remember to prioritize self-care, listen to your body, and seek support from your loved ones and healthcare provider. Each milestone brings you closer to meeting your precious little one, and we wish you a safe and fulfilling childbirth experience. Happy pregnancy!
Better Health Victoria. (2018, May 25). Pregnancy stages and changes. Retrieved July 23, 2023, from https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/pregnancy-stages-and-changes
Jackson Health System. (n.d.). Understanding Each Trimester of Your Pregnancy. Retrieved July 22, 2023, from https://maternity.jacksonhealth.org/pregnancy-milestones/first-second-third-trimester/
Office on Women’s Health – U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Stages of pregnancy. Retrieved July 24, 2023, from https://www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/youre-pregnant-now-what/stages-pregnancy
Medical News Today. (2021, August 3). Pregnancy trimesters: A guide. Retrieved July 24, 2023, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323742
