Your To-Do Checklist for TTC, Pregnancy and Beyond
Growing your family is a monumental life event. But as exciting as it is, it’s also overwhelming. After all, there’s a lot to do. To help pregnant people and moms-to-be keep track of it all the moving pieces, we’ve compiled this handy pregnancy checklist by week. Here, experts walk you through the key tasks for every stage of the journey.
TTC Checklist
Before you even take the fateful pregnancy test, there are some things you’ll want to consider while trying to conceive. Most of these have to do with health and medical preparation, but keep in mind that even with all your best planning, conception can take time for couples. In fact, Sherry Ross, MD, an ob-gyn and women’s sexual health expert, notes that “it can generally take 6 to 12 months to get pregnant for the average couple.” Below, a pre-pregnancy preparation list to help:
Pregnancy Checklist for Weeks 4 to 8
There’s no feeling quite like seeing that positive pregnancy test. You may not think there’s much to tackle during these early stages, but there are some key logistics you’ll want to get a headstart on—especially considering how quickly the pregnancy to-do list can grow.
Pregnancy Checklist for Weeks 8 to 12
During this month of pregnancy, if you haven’t already, you’ll want to discuss any testing you’d like to get done with your provider, based on your maternal age and other risk factors, Ross says.
Pregnancy Checklist for Weeks 12 to 16
As you officially enter the second trimester, you’ll start to feel a little more energetic as the morning sickness passes. This is the perfect time to share the news and celebrate with friends and family, if you haven’t already, as well as start to get organized for life after baby—starting with maternity leave.
Pregnancy Checklist for Weeks 16 to 20
You’re almost at the midpoint of your pregnancy! During this month, you’ll get your anatomy scan, which will confirm baby’s sex, as well as continue to get more blood work done to ensure you and baby are progressing well.
Pregnancy Checklist for Weeks 20 to 24
Keep working through all those to-dos—and lean on loved ones and mom friends for their recommendations and experiences when it comes to all things baby gear, pediatricians and childbirth prep. Just be sure to take any advice with a grain of salt, as their experience may not be exactly like yours.
Pregnancy Checklist for Weeks 24 to 28
Toward the end of your second trimester, you’ll want to start thinking about some logistics you may not have considered, like writing a will, getting life insurance and updating beneficiaries. It can be overwhelming and scary to think about, but these are important safeguards you’ll be glad to have checked off in the long run.
Pregnancy Checklist for Weeks 28 to 32
You’ll be meeting baby pretty soon! Now’s the perfect time to make sure your birth preferences are ironed out and your house is ready for baby’s arrival, as well as your postpartum recovery.
Pregnancy Checklist for Weeks 32 to 36
Use these weeks to get any last-minute tasks done, like packing your hospital bag, assembling any remaining baby gear and prepping for those first few days at home. Below some pregnancy checklist action items to set you up for success:
Pregnancy Checklist for Weeks 36 Until Delivery
Get ready to meet baby soon! During this time, your provider will likely check in with you frequently to assess how you’re feeling, as well as monitor baby’s well-being and positioning.
First Month Postpartum
Welcoming a new baby into your family and home will take some time to adjust to. During that first month postpartum, lean on your community for help and support as you want it. Plus, as you tend to baby’s health, don’t forget to also take care of your own recovery and schedule visits with your provider.
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Sherry Ross, MD, is an ob-gyn, women’s sexual health expert and author of She-ology: The Definitive Guide to Women’s Intimate Health. Period. and She-ology, The She-quel: Let’s Continue the Conversation. She earned her medical degree from New York Medical College.
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