Finally, you can take a breath and relax a bit! The second trimester is here and things are slowing down a bit from the first trimester. But don’t get too comfortable, because your to-do list is getting longer by the day. To make it easier for you, I’ve created trimester-by-trimester lists so that you can tackle and track all the most important tasks. This week: the second trimester checklist!
The second trimester is considered the “honeymoon phase” because it’s the easiest, most fun part of pregnancy. Morning sickness and fatigue are behind you, you regain your energy, the belly bump really starts to show, and you finally feel those highly-anticipated kicks! With all these great things happening, I hope you’re excited to start tackling the checklist below.
1. Sign up for childbirth classes
Many hospitals offer free birth, breastfeeding, and baby basics classes for new parents. Even if you think you know what to expect, I seriously suggest taking these classes. They’re a great way to get your partner involved and informed in the process. It’s best to take these classes in the latter months of your pregnancy, but it doesn’t hurt to sign up early and secure a spot.
2. Start planning a baby shower
If you’re planning your baby shower, it’s time to start thinking about a guest list, date, location, budget, menu, and decor. If someone is nice enough to host for you, find some time to sit down with them and discuss all these details. (Look up “Baby Feud shower game” if you want a fun game that isn’t overdone — I did this at my shower and everyone loved it!)
3. Work out details with your employer
If you haven’t officially shared your pregnancy with your employer, you need to before it’s too late. They have to be informed about your decisions regarding doctor’s appointments, maternity leave, and future childcare requirements that may have you missing work. Your HR department should walk you through whatever processes they have.
4. Get into a healthy routine
There’s no better time than now to fuel your body with healthy foods, lots of water, and a light exercise routine. Don’t stress too much and think you’re only allowed to eat chicken and broccoli — just make sure to cut out the obvious things like sugary drinks and fast food. Talk to your doctor if you want some inspiration for a suggested diet.
5. Determine where baby will sleep
You’ll be faced with lots of decisions once your new baby makes his arrival, but one of the biggest is determining where your baby will sleep. Do you want to co-sleep with your baby in bed? A bassinette in your room? Go straight to using a crib in a nursery? Research your options and talk with your partner to see what best fits your lives. This will determine a few of the items you register for, too.
6. Finalize your baby registry
Speaking of registering for things, you’ve got to get on that! With your baby shower coming up, you’ll want to make sure your registry is ready to go for your guests. Amazon and Babylist are the best places I’d suggest registering because they provide the most flexibility. If you want some registry ideas, check out what I put on my baby registry.
7. Research big-ticket baby products
There are a million options when it comes to things like cribs, high chairs, baby monitors, swings, and play yards. Do some research, look at Amazon reviews, and talk with your partner about which of these items you think is best. Remember that so many items are trendy right now (like the mamaroo or dock-a-tot) but are super expensive and might not work for your budget and baby! Don’t feel pressured to get these items just because everyone seems to swoon over them on Instagram and Youtube.
8. Find a pediatrician
Start asking friends, family, and your OB/Midwife for suggestions on a pediatrician. Once you get a few names, give each of them a call to see if they accept your insurance and agree with your philosophies on vaccinations, antibiotics, feeding, sleep training, etc. You don’t have to decide on a pediatrician just yet, but the sooner you secure a spot as their patient, the better.
9. Get a pregnancy body pillow
You’re probably noticing that sleep is becoming harder as your belly grows larger. Lots of women swear by a pillow that supports you while sleeping on your side (which is the preferred sleeping position while pregnant). They make full-body ones and “wedges” that support just your belly. In my opinion, the full-body pillows were too hot and didn’t allow me to roll over easily.
10. Pick up some maternity clothing basics
Most likely, you’ve hit the point where you need to stock up on some maternity pants, a few shirts and maybe even a comfy new pair of slip-on shoes. Don’t worry about going overboard — I survived my second trimester with just one pair of jeans, one pair of leggings, two t-shirts and a nicer top. The rest of my wardrobe was loose clothes I already owned.
11. Start working on your nursery
It’s time to start scouring Pinterest to get some nursery inspiration! If you have a dedicated space for baby’s nursery, you can start painting, putting together furniture and picking up some decor pieces. Make sure you consider things like safety, function, and the future when shopping around.
12. Tackle large projects around the house
The second trimester comes with a surge of energy, so make sure you take advantage of it! Finish up any deep cleaning, decluttering or renovation projects that need to get done. If you have a honey-do list that’s been piling up the past few months (or years), there’s no better time than now to start crossing things off. Just be careful if something involves a ladder, chemicals or power tools! Have your partner tackle them or consider hiring it done.
13. Research doulas
Look into what they are, what services they offer, how much they cost, and if it’s something you’re interested in. If you’re leaning toward having a natural birth, a doula is a great option that provides more personalized and consistent care than an OB or Midwife. I can’t speak from experience on this, so do your research!
14. Figure out childcare options
Once the baby’s made his arrival, who is going to take care of him? Will you be staying home? Do you have a family member or daycare available to babysit? These are all very important and personal decisions for you and your partner. If you’re considering someone outside of the family for childcare, take your time when interviewing potential providers and make sure they’ve got their legal and safety bases covered.
15. Start doing kegel exercises
Kegels are great for any woman, but especially during pregnancy. They help strengthen your vagina muscles and pelvic floor, which are essential for pushing during labor, lessen the chance of bladder leaks, and more enjoyable sex.
16. Schedule a dentist appointment
Pregnant women have an increased risk of gingivitis and tooth decay because of hormonal changes. So during pregnancy, dental health becomes especially important. If you haven’t had an appointment in the last few months, now’s the time to make one. And don’t worry about any x-rays they have to perform — the radiation isn’t strong enough to cause any side effects for you or baby.
17. Keep up your pregnancy journal
There are lots of things going around in your brain right now, so take a few minutes to write down symptoms, questions or even your crazy pregnancy dreams. This is helpful so you remember things for your prenatal appointments and will be entertaining to look back on later. You’ll be surprised how quickly “pregnancy brain” makes you forget little things.
18. Treat yourself
You’ve made it this far, I think you deserve a little reward. Get a pedicure, schedule a prenatal massage, or get a new pair of shoes. You’ll have plenty of time to be a mom later on, but for now, take a minute to pamper the woman and individual that you are.
19. If you can, take a babymoon
Now’s the perfect time to take one last trip before baby is born. Dedicate some time to focus on your partner and a little romance before you earn the titles “mom and dad.” Even a quick stay at a local hotel is enough! Just do something out of the norm. Your relationship with your partner should always come first, regardless of a pregnancy or baby.
20. Finish up tasks from your first trimester
I made a checklist for your first trimester, so if you haven’t finished those items, make sure you go back and check those out. It’s a simpler list, so you’ve probably done everything already. Just make sure to continue eating healthy, using stretch mark creams, taking belly photos and doing lots of research!
The second trimester is time to bask in all the greatness that’s going on inside and out. While you’re prepping during this time, make sure you slow down to enjoy those tiny clothes hanging in their closet and empty crib that awaits baby’s arrival. Soon your life will be about 200x more chaotic than it is now.
I’m coming up on the 31st week of my pregnancy, so this second trimester checklist comes from my personal experience. If I’m forgetting something or if you have a second trimester must-do, please share it with me in the comments!
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