The Ultimate Pregnancy Essentials Checklist

Congratulations, Mama! Whether you're newly pregnant or well into your journey, this checklist will help you stay organized, healthy, and prepared for every trimester.

🩺 First Trimester (Weeks 1–13)

• ✅ Schedule your first prenatal doctor’s appointment

• ✅ Start taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid

• ✅ Research and choose your OB-GYN or midwife

• ✅ Begin tracking your pregnancy week-by-week

• ✅ Learn about pregnancy-safe foods and foods to avoid

• ✅ Stay hydrated and eat balanced meals

• ✅ Limit caffeine and cut out alcohol

• ✅ Announce your pregnancy (when you're ready!)

• ✅ Start a pregnancy journal or memory book

• ✅ Begin light, pregnancy-safe exercises (consult your doctor)

• ✅ Rest as much as possible — fatigue is normal!

🍎 Second Trimester (Weeks 14–26)

• ✅ Schedule your anatomy ultrasound (around 20 weeks)

• ✅ Buy comfortable maternity clothes (stretchy and soft!)

• ✅ Start a baby registry for essentials

• ✅ Begin researching childbirth education classes

• ✅ Look into prenatal yoga or stretching classes

• ✅ Take bump photos to track your journey

• ✅ Finalize maternity leave plans with your employer

• ✅ Research pediatricians in your area

• ✅ Sleep with a pregnancy pillow for better support

• ✅ Plan a babymoon or relaxing getaway if you can

🏥 Third Trimester (Weeks 27–40)

• ✅ Complete your hospital registration

• ✅ Take a prenatal or childbirth preparation class

• ✅ Write a simple birth plan (and review with your provider)

• ✅ Tour your hospital or birthing center (if available)

• ✅ Pack your hospital bag by 36 weeks

• ✅ Wash and organize baby's clothes, sheets, and blankets

• ✅ Set up the crib or bassinet

• ✅ Install the car seat (many hospitals require it before discharge)

• ✅ Stock up on postpartum recovery supplies (pads, nursing bras, etc.)

• ✅ Create a postpartum support plan (help with meals, chores, etc.)

• ✅ Pre-cook and freeze easy meals for after baby's arrival

• ✅ Prepare a list of who to notify once baby arrives

• ✅ Rest, nest, and enjoy your final weeks before baby’s debut!

🎁 Bonus: Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom, Partner, and Baby

For Mom:

• Comfortable nightgown or robe

• Non-slip socks

• Nursing bras and pads

• Phone charger and toiletries

• Birth plan (optional)

For Partner:

• Change of clothes

• Snacks and water bottle

• Pillow and blanket

• Camera or phone for photos

For Baby:

• Newborn outfits and swaddles

• Car seat installed

• Receiving blanket

• Diapers and wipes (some hospitals provide them)

💬 Final Tips

Remember, every pregnancy journey is unique. This checklist is a guide, not a to-do list you must perfectly complete. Focus on staying healthy, resting, and preparing in a way that feels right for you.

You've got this, Mama! 💖