Pregnancy is often filled with anticipation and joy, yet it can also bring a sense of being swamped with tasks. Many expectant mothers navigate a packed schedule that includes doctor’s appointments, prenatal classes, and preparing their living space for the new arrival. It’s common to feel overwhelmed, mamas! Many expecting mothers say they feel like there is hardly any time left for themselves.
To assist you in managing your journey to motherhood, we’ve compiled “13 Key Tips for Preparing for Childbirth and Labor.” Our approach simplifies your pregnancy checklist, dividing it into small, manageable segments. This way, you can focus on the essentials each month, ensuring a healthy pregnancy while also finding time to enjoy this special phase.
What Should You Do When You're Trying to Conceive?
When you’re in the planning stages of pregnancy, a crucial step is to schedule a preconception consultation with your OB-GYN or midwife. This initial meeting, recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), typically covers several critical topics:
- Nutritional and physical fitness habits
- Personal and familial medical histories
- Current medications
- Your reproductive history, including previous pregnancies
Our goal is to streamline your pregnancy experience, allowing you to focus on what truly matters and maintain your well-being.
We may recommend ways to improve your health before getting pregnant, such as healthy eating habits and smart lifestyle choices. They may encourage you to start taking a prenatal vitamin or may offer preconception genetic counseling.
Pregnancy Checklist: The First Trimester
Month 1
- Get a Healthy Start
Pregnancy is calculated from the first day of your last menstrual period. So by the time your period is late, you are about one month pregnant already! This is why it is important to adopt lifestyle and eating habits in the preconception phases if you know you are going to get pregnant. Healthcare providers recommend eating a balanced, whole-food diet, and refraining from smoking and drinking. We also recommend being mentally prepared by noting your support network and finding a healthcare team you can trust and rely on throughout your pregnancy and into birth.
Month 2
- Schedule your first appointment
It can sometimes take a few weeks to schedule your first prenatal check-up. Some offices will wait until you are 7-8 weeks pregnant, based on your last period. Regardless of when you can get our first appointment, always reach out if you have any concerns beforehand, like sickness or vaginal bleeding.
- Start taking prenatal vitamins
Experts recommend taking a prenatal vitamin with at least 400 mcg of folic acid as soon as you find out you are pregnant. This is because folic acid is imperative for the nervous system development of the baby. Many new moms will find this prenatal vitamin to make them sick in the early stages. After all, this is a lot of extra vitamins to pump into your body – but try to take a gummy or liquid prenatal if you cannot stomach the pills.
Month 3
- Healthcare Appointments
Your first check-up will consist of a full medical history, some basic blood work, and possibly an ultrasound. Depending on your risk factors, your healthcare provider may order some screening tests for birth defects and genetic abnormalities.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), genetic screening tests done during weeks 11 through 13 of pregnancy include:
- Gestational blood screening tests measuring human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and pregnancy associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A); if levels are out of range, a genetic disorder is possible
- Ultrasound to look for excess fluid behind the fetus’s neck, a possible sign of a genetic disorder
Pregnancy Checklist: The Second Trimester
Month 4
Revisit Healthy Eating and Exercise Habits
As the first trimester concludes, many expectant mothers find relief from morning sickness. Certified professional midwife Rebekah Mustaleski advises this as the ideal time to renew focus on nutritious eating and a beneficial exercise routine. Equally crucial is maintaining hydration. Mustaleski highlights that dehydration can lead to several complications, including headaches, cramps, and even preterm labor, emphasizing the importance of sufficient fluid intake daily.
Enroll in a Childbirth Class
Although birth might seem distant, preparing now is key. Mustaleski recommends enrolling in a childbirth class, which is crucial regardless of your birth plan. These classes, available both online and in-person, help expectant parents navigate the unique experience of childbirth.
Undergo Second Trimester Screenings
Around the 15th week, second trimester genetic screenings are typically conducted. As per ACOG, these include a quadruple blood test, available between 15 and 22 weeks, screening for conditions like Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, and neural tube defects.
Month 5
Create Your Baby Registry
If not already done, now is a great opportunity to create a baby registry. Remember, newborns require minimal essentials initially – diapers, baby clothes, blankets, burp cloths, and if bottle-feeding, necessary items like bottles and formula. For nursing mothers, consider a pump and related accessories. Also, plan for a safe sleeping area, storage, a changing station, a stroller or carrier, and an infant car seat.
Schedule a Second Trimester Ultrasound
Between 18 and 20 weeks, an important fetal anatomy or anomaly scan is scheduled. This ultrasound not only offers the chance to learn your baby’s sex but also checks the baby’s growth and scans for any potential birth defects in vital organs.
Month 6
Begin Searching for a Pediatrician
Choosing a pediatrician is crucial as they will guide your child’s health from birth through early childhood. A first step is to seek recommendations from friends and family to find a trusted professional. A strong, comfortable relationship with your child’s doctor is vital for the many queries and concerns that arise in early childhood. Be sure to watch our podcast on choosing the pediatrician right for you: LINK TO MINDMOMBODYRN YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Get Tested for Gestational Diabetes
Between weeks 24 and 28, expectant mothers undergo a glucose challenge screening for gestational diabetes. This involves consuming a sweet drink and having your blood sugar levels checked an hour later. Elevated levels may require further testing with an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) to confirm a diagnosis.
Pregnancy Checklist: The Homestretch, or Third Trimester
Month 7
- Start baby-proofing your home
It is never too early to start baby-proofing your home! Many doctors will recommend starting in pregnancy so that you have ample time to make adjustments. Dr. Cook, of Northern Lights Pediatrics recommends, “don’t wait until your little one is up and moving to baby proof,” he says. He suggests securing electric outlets, removing loose electrical cords, and eliminating any choking or tripping hazards. “Get them done before your due date”.
- Consider CPR certification
Getting both you and your partner certified in infant and child CPR during pregnancy is also a wise idea. We know as parents, that babies put everything in their mouths! And while we hope that you never have to use your training, we much rather you have the knowledge and not need it.
Month 8
- Pack your hospital bag
If you haven’t already, now’s the time to pack your hospital or labor bag. While most babies wait until at least 36 weeks of pregnancy, some of them do come early. As for what to pack, consider any drinks or snacks you might like, comfortable clothing, soothing music, and outfits for you and your baby to go home in. Anything that would make you more comfortable during a possible 2-3 stay, is advised to pack. To create a personalized birth plan, including birthing bag supplies, contact us at MindMomBodyRN.
- Install your Carseat
Ok, here’s the deal: the hospital won’t let you go home without a properly installed car seat. So, make sure that you have a car seat ready and installed before your due date. Your local fire or police department will usually inspect the installation to make sure it’s up to standard. You can also look for a certified car seat safety technician or check on YouTube for specific instructions.
- Start doing kick counts
All babies are different and movements vary throughout the day, but most kick about 10 times each hour. Counting your baby’s kicks is a great way for you to keep track of your unborn baby’s wellness between prenatal appointments. It will also help you know if you should call your doctor or midwife about any changes in the baby’s movements.
- Group B strep test
At the very end of pregnancy, usually about 36-38 weeks, you will be tested for Group B strep, a common bacteria that doesn’t usually cause symptoms in your body, but which can be harmful for your baby. If you are positive for Group B strep, you will be put on an IV antibiotic while you are in labor.
Month 9
- Rest and nest, mama!
Many seasoned mams will tell you: that the end of pregnancy is for resting your body. And you will feel it! Focus on yourself, participate in self-care activities, and listen to your body.
Your body is doing so much each day for your baby, that it is your job to then take care of YOUR body. Some ways you can do that to eat nutritious foods, rest and nap when you are able, and do something every day that is relaxing and comforting.
WHY OUR WORK MATTERS
Pregnancy is
There you have it! 9 months of glorious changes in preparation for this new chapter in your life. It’s important to remember that while preparation is key, flexibility and self-compassion are equally vital. You’ve tackled a wide range of tasks, from doctor’s appointments to setting up a welcoming space for your baby. Yet, the most significant preparation goes beyond the physical and logistical aspects; it involves preparing your mind and heart for the remarkable journey of motherhood.
Remember, no checklist is ever complete, and that’s perfectly okay. Each pregnancy is unique, and so is every birth experience. Allow yourself the grace to adapt as needed and to embrace the unexpected. The final weeks leading up to birth are a time to reflect, relax, and rejuvenate. Trust in your strength and in the support system you’ve built around you. You’re not just preparing for birth; you’re preparing for one of life’s most transformative experiences.
So, take a deep breath, mama. You’ve got this. You’re about to embark on an incredible journey, one that is as challenging as it is rewarding. As you check off the last items on your list, know that the most important preparation has been happening all along – within you. Here’s to a safe, joyful, and empowering birthing experience. Welcome to motherhood! 🌸💖👶
