The Ultimate Pregnancy Checklist: A Month-by-Month Guide

Discovering you’re pregnant brings joy, excitement, and maybe a bit of overwhelm. To help you stay organized, here’s a trimester-by-trimester checklist to prepare for your baby’s arrival while navigating your changing body and emotions.

First Trimester (Months 1-3)

Your first trimester is full of excitement, but it can also bring fatigue, morning sickness, and tender breasts. Here’s what to focus on:

Month 1:

• Confirm your pregnancy with an OBGYN visit.
• Review your insurance for prenatal care coverage.
• Start a baby diary to document your journey.
• Adjust your diet to include more fruits, veggies, and water.
• Quit smoking and alcohol for your baby’s health.
• Begin light exercise and take folic acid supplements.
• Rest often—your body is working hard!

Month 2:

• Schedule prenatal tests and discuss a testing plan with your doctor.
• Start budgeting for baby expenses.
• Spend quality time with your partner—it’s important to connect before the baby arrives.
• Research and decide on your birth plan (hospital, midwife, etc.).

Month 3:

• Decide if you want to know your baby’s gender.
• Check your workplace’s maternity leave policy.
• Visit the dentist for a cleaning and checkup.
• Look into childbirth classes like Lamaze or HypnoBirthing.
• Invest in comfortable bras as your breasts grow.

Second Trimester (Months 4-6)

The second trimester often brings more energy and less nausea. Your baby bump will grow, and you may experience round ligament pain, heartburn, or backaches.

Month 4:

• Share your pregnancy news with friends, family, and coworkers.
• Shop for maternity clothes as your bump grows.
• Use pregnancy-safe skincare products to soothe itching and prevent stretch marks.
• Plan a babymoon to relax with your partner before the baby arrives.
• Maintain a healthy diet, hydration, and exercise routine.

Month 5:

• Decide where your baby will sleep (nursery or your room).
• If you know the gender, plan how to share the news (e.g., a gender reveal party).
• Have your anomaly scan and ultrasound to check your baby’s health.
• Build a relationship with your delivery doctor or midwife.
• Decide on breastfeeding or formula feeding and prepare accordingly.

Month 6:

• Start planning your baby shower with loved ones.
• Research childcare options for after the baby arrives.
• Brainstorm baby names with your partner.
• Set up your maternity leave with your employer.
• Write a birth plan outlining your delivery preferences.

Third Trimester (Months 7-9)

You’re in the home stretch! Your belly is growing, and you may experience Braxton Hicks contractions, backaches, or changes in appetite.

Month 7:

• Ask for baby hand-me-downs from friends or family.
• Create a baby registry for your shower.
• Connect with other expectant moms for support and advice.
• Find a pediatrician for your baby’s future care.

Month 8:

• Enjoy your baby shower and celebrate with loved ones.
• Finish setting up the nursery or sleeping space for your baby.
• Pre-cook and freeze meals for busy postpartum days.
• Wash your baby’s clothes and bedding for comfort.
• Stock up on baby essentials like oils, moisturizers, and cleansers.

Month 9:

• Finalize your baby’s name with your partner.
• Pack your hospital bag with essentials like clothes, toiletries, and snacks.
• Pre-register at the hospital to streamline admission.
• Arrange care for older children or pets during your hospital stay.
• Install the car seat and take time to relax before the big day.

Final Thoughts

Pregnancy is a transformative journey, and staying organized can make it smoother. Use this checklist to prepare for each trimester, take care of yourself, and get ready to welcome your little one with love and confidence!