Your Pregnancy To-Do Checklist

You have a lot to think about between preparing for your baby and staying as healthy as possible. Follow our week-by-week to-do checklist to make it easy.

Pregnant woman

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Pregnancy is a monumental journey. So many changes and milestones happen along the way—and it's normal to feel both excited and overwhelmed. There's a lot to look forward to, a lot to remember, and many adjustments along the way. Reduce stress and keep on track by following this pregnancy to-do checklist.

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Week 1 of Pregnancy

Congratulations! You're actively trying to conceive—and you might even be pregnant already! Here's what you need to do now:

  • Start taking a prenatal vitamin that includes folic acid if you haven't already.
  • Write down the date of your last period or two.
  • Create a family health history, including any genetic or chromosomal disorders.
  • Quit smoking, and focus on having a healthy diet and lifestyle.
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Week 2 of Pregnancy

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Week 3 of Pregnancy

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Week 4 of Pregnancy

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Week 5 of Pregnancy

  • Pick up a pregnancy book.
  • Download a pregnancy app to help you stay organized.
  • Buy a journal or memory book to record your milestones, symptoms, and questions for the next nine months.
  • Join an in-person or virtual pregnancy support group.
  • Be sure to drink lots of water.
  • If you have insurance, talk to the company to find out which local medical providers and hospitals are covered by your plan.
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Week 6 of Pregnancy

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Week 7 of Pregnancy

  • Schedule and prepare for your first prenatal visit, which typically happens between 8 and 12 weeks.
  • Compile a list of questions for your first doctor or medical provider's appointment.
  • Clear your beauty cabinet of any ingredients that can be dangerous during pregnancy like parabens or phthalates.
  • Buy a belly band to extend the life of your pants.
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Week 8 of Pregnancy

  • Shop for a new bra, whether it's a maternity bra or just a bigger, softer style.
  • Make Kegel exercises a part of your daily routine. You just need to make sure you are doing these correctly. If you're unsure, a pelvic floor therapist can help.
  • Pick up antacids like TUMS in preparation for pregnancy heartburn, along with other drugstore staples.
  • Make a dentist appointment.
  • Discuss recommended prenatal tests with your medical provider.
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Week 9 of Pregnancy

  • Create a baby budget.
  • Make a pre-baby to-do list of all the things you want accomplish or enjoy before the baby arrives.
  • Look at your household cleaners and swap in eco-friendly ones for any toxic ones.
  • Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
  • Go for a walk, or do 30 minutes of another moderate exercise, and make it a part of your daily routine now.
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Week 10 of Pregnancy

  • Wash your hands frequently to avoid getting a cold or the flu.
  • Try natural remedies for indigestion.
  • Review your company's parental leave policy.
  • If you're hoping for a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) but your medical provider isn't on board, consider jumping ship for a provider who will consider it.
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Week 11 of Pregnancy

  • Moisturize your belly, hips, and thighs daily to prevent itchy, dry skin as it stretches.
  • Avoid hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, intense hot-weather workouts, super-hot baths, or anything else that could raise your body temperature above 102 degrees.
  • Get a first-trimester screening to help your provider decide what tests may be warranted.
  • If it's recommended by your medical provider (likely an OB-GYN) get tested for chromosomal abnormalities through a nuchal translucency (NT) and chorionic villus sampling (CVS).
  • Listen to the baby's heartbeat with a Doppler at your doctor's appointment, if possible.
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Week 12 of Pregnancy

  • Plan a babymoon vacation if you want to take one and you're able to.
  • Buy a body pillow for sleeping.
  • Be sure to stretch and warm up before exercise because your ligaments and joints are loosened up now.
  • If you're having multiples, your medical provider will be able to spot the extra babies at your next ultrasound.
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Week 13 of Pregnancy

Now that you've entered the second trimester, there's more you'll want to add to your pregnancy to-do list:

  • Begin thinking about baby names.
  • Start sleeping on your side.
  • Research pediatricians.
  • Eat smaller meals more frequently to stave off heartburn.
  • Consider borrowing previously worn maternity clothing from friends or family.
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Week 14 of Pregnancy

  • Tell your family and friends your good news if you haven't already and are ready to let them know.
  • Let your boss know the news, too.
  • Take advantage of your second-trimester energy boost by checking things off your to-do list at home and at work.
  • Start taking weekly pictures of your beautiful belly.
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Week 15 of Pregnancy

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Week 16 of Pregnancy

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Week 17 of Pregnancy

  • Combat your forgetful "pregnancy brain" with lots of notes and reminders.
  • Treat yourself to a prenatal massage.
  • Sign up for a childbirth class.
  • Start a college fund for baby-to-be by opening a 529 account or a special savings account.
  • Pick up a saline spray or humidifier to alleviate congestion caused by pregnancy.
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Week 18 of Pregnancy

  • Consider signing up for infant CPR, prenatal breastfeeding, or newborn-care classes.
  • Check your desk chair to see if a more supportive one or a footstool could help with back pain.
  • Get ready for your mid-pregnancy ultrasound.
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Week 19 of Pregnancy

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Week 20 of Pregnancy

  • Talk to your partner about how you'll handle life after baby.
  • Know the symptoms and risks of preeclampsia.
  • Start thinking about a birth plan and what you might want to include in it.
  • Visit your health care provider for an anatomy scan, which usually happens around week 20 of pregnancy.
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Week 21 of Pregnancy

  • Research the pros and cons of breastfeeding. Decide what's best for you and your baby once you have all the facts.
  • Get organized and tackle pending projects around the house.
  • Buy some new clothes if you're feeling uncomfortable in the ones you already have.
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Week 22 of Pregnancy

  • Work with your gracious baby shower host to plan party logistics.
  • Try to prevent varicose veins. Avoid crossing your legs and long periods of sitting or standing, which may result in blood pooled in the legs.
  • If your not already, start moisturizing your belly to help keep your skin elastic as it grows.
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Week 23 of Pregnancy

  • Take time to rest when you can—your body's doing lots of work and sleep might be getting more difficult by now.
  • Test your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.
  • Nervous about labor? Try pregnancy meditation to help you prepare.
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Week 24 of Pregnancy

  • Look into child care options for after baby.
  • Start planning the nursery.
  • Get tested for gestational diabetes.
  • Pick up some beloved picture books to start your baby's first library.
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Week 25 of Pregnancy

  • If possible, update or attain life and disability insurance, and add chosen guardianship to your will.
  • Write a birth plan. If you need guidance, you can download a birth plan template online.
  • Pre-register at your hospital or birthing center, if possible.
  • Start thinking about your hospital bag.
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Week 26 of Pregnancy

  • Interview potential pediatricians. Find out which local doctor and other medical providers are covered by your insurance (provided you have insurance) and seek recommendations.
  • Plan any last-minute travel—which is generally fine right up until your baby comes, though you might want to reconsider flying during the last month of pregnancy. Of course, every pregnancy is different so always talk to your provider first.
  • Take the glucose-screening test.
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Week 27 of Pregnancy

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Week 28 of Pregnancy

You've entered your third trimester! Here's some more to add to your pregnancy to-do list:

  • Start seeing your doctor, midwife, or primary health care provider every two weeks.
  • If your fingers are swollen, take your rings off and store them in a safe place until after delivery.
  • Depending on your and your partner's blood types, you may receive an injection of RhoGAM.
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Week 29 of Pregnancy

  • Enjoy your baby shower if you're having one!
  • If you live in an older home, test for lead-based paint in the nursery and remove it if necessary.
  • Eat a high-fiber diet to help prevent constipation and hemorrhoids.
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Week 30 of Pregnancy

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Week 31 of Pregnancy

  • Make sure you're eating foods rich in iron.
  • If you plan to hire a baby nurse, start seeking recommendations.
  • Prepare a baby first-aid and emergency kit.
  • if you have insurance, talk to the company about covering your breast pump if you think you will need one.
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Week 32 of Pregnancy

  • Plan care for your other children or your pets for when you go into labor.
  • Get a haircut, massage, or any self-care needs now while you can.
  • Start seeing your doctor, midwife, or primary health care provider weekly through delivery.
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Week 33 of Pregnancy

  • Start reading about newborn care.
  • Clean out your car to make room for baby.
  • Install your car seat and visit an inspection station near you so you can be sure you did it correctly.
  • Consider having a car safety check done.
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Week 34 of Pregnancy

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Week 35 of Pregnancy

  • Buy a baby book and start reading up on newborns.
  • If you plan to try chestfeeding, consider getting contact info for a lactation consultant in advance.
  • See what items you still need to purchase before the baby's arrival.
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Week 36 of Pregnancy

  • Review your birth plan with your health care provider, midwife, doula, or any others involved.
  • Sleep in, take naps, and get as many extra z's as you can.
  • Send thank-you notes for your shower gifts.
  • Talk to your partner or a trusted friend or family member about any pre-labor nerves.
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Week 37 of Pregnancy

  • If you have other children, be sure to prepare them for their sibling's arrival.
  • Plan for your first few weeks with baby by cooking and freezing a few nights' or weeks' worth of dinners—or asking for others to do it for you!
  • Stock up on diapers and formula, if you plan to use it.
  • Wash the baby clothes and bedding.
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Week 38 of Pregnancy

  • Tie up any loose ends with finances or medical insurance (if you have coverage).
  • Make a list of who you want to contact when the baby arrives, including phone numbers and email addresses.
  • Nail down your final choices for baby names.
  • Go over the birth plan with your partner and anyone else who needs to know.
  • Consider making a postpartum plan detailing who will prepare meals, walk the dog, clean the house, and complete other tasks while you recover from labor and delivery.
  • Learn more about postpartum mood disorders so you can recognize the telltale signs.
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Week 39 of Pregnancy

  • Practice any relaxation or breathing techniques you've learned.
  • Wrap up at work and touch base with your team, just in case you go into labor before your due date.
  • Discuss with your partner the option of cutting the umbilical cord.
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Week 40 of Pregnancy

  • Be ready for your water to break, or for the mucus plug or bloody show.
  • Time your contractions.
  • Buy a few cold packs at the drugstore to use when the perineal cold packs from the hospital run out.
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Week 41 of Pregnancy

  • Do squats to help prepare your body for labor.
  • Take advantage of the extra time to rest.
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Week 42 of Pregnancy

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