The Complete Pregnancy Checklist by Trimester (Full Pregnancy To-Do List)

As you will soon realize, there are a million little things to do during pregnancy. So, it is beneficial to have a handy Pregnancy Checklist or a Pregnancy To-Do List that walks you through the things you should complete every trimester.

If that sounds like something you need, then you, my friend, are in luck.

Today, we will be going over trimester by trimester about the tasks you should be completing as you move along with your pregnancy. In turn, helping you stay organized and prepared for the birth of your precious baby.

As a mom and a Nurse, I only function with checklists and reminders that help me stay focused and be more productive.

It is an honor to be able to help walk you through this Pregnancy To-Do List so that you don’t feel stressed and overwhelmed.

Pregnancy Checklists and Pregnancy To-Do Lists

Before we begin, I want you to know about the Lovely Momhood Pregnancy Planner.

It is a Printable Pregnancy Planner that contains all the Checklists, Journals, Lists, Calendars, and Trackers we will mention in the following Pregnancy To-Do List.

With the Pregnancy Planner, you will receive a 35-page PDF containing:

• Cover Page
• Resources Page
• Pregnancy Weekly Journal x1
• Monthly Outlook Calendar x12
• Trimesters To-do List x3 (pre-filled)
• Prenatal Vitamins Tracker x1
• Medical Provider & Insurance Info Sheet x1
• Appointment Tracker x1
• Baby Names Ideas List x1
• Gender Reveal Planner x1 (pre-filled)
• Baby Shower Checklist x1 (pre-filled)
• Baby Shower Gifts List x1
• Baby Registry Checklist X1 (pre-filled)
• Nursery Planner Checklist x1 (pre-filled)
• Hospital Bag Checklist 1 (pre-filled)
• Hospital Bag Checklist x1 (empty)
• Postpartum Care Kit Checklist x1 (pre-filled)
• Baby Birth Journal Page x1
• Baby Birth Story Page x1
• Hospital Visitors List x1
• Diaper Tracker x1

One of the best parts of the Pregnancy Planner is that all 7 Pregnancy Checklists are pre-filled, so all you have to do is check them off as you complete the tasks.

So, as we move along through this Pregnancy Checklist, I will identify which of the following tasks you can find as handy checklists, lists, or trackers in the Pregnancy Planner.

Alright, let’s get to work…

First Trimester To-Do List 

This First Trimester Checklist is included in the Pregnancy Planner.

1. Find an OBGYN/Midwife. The very first thing to do when you first find out you are expecting is to find a health care provider. Ask your friends and family for recommendations and look for online reviews as well.

2. Schedule the first doctor’s appointment. Once you know who your health care provider will be, schedule your first appointment. Some Doctors might require health insurance information over the phone, so be ready to provide it. The first appointment is always exciting!

3. Call your health insurance. Another essential part of any pregnancy checklist is to call your health insurance. If you have health insurance, you must show proof of coverage on your first appointment. Ask them about pregnancy coverage, hospital birth coverage, co-payments, etc. The Health Provider and Insurance Info Sheet is included in the Pregnancy Planner.

5. Seek a healthier lifestyle. Once you find out you are expecting, seeking a healthier lifestyle is necessary! Look into eating healthier, consuming no alcohol or drugs, and no smoking.

5. Stock up on morning sickness relief essentials. Morning sickness can prove to be quite a challenge, especially in the first trimester. A must-have in any pregnancy to-do list is stocking up on natural morning sickness supplies.

6. Check your medications for safety. If you are currently taking any medications or dietary supplements, consult with your doctor to make sure they are safe to continue taking while pregnant.

7. Start a Pregnancy Diary or Weekly Tracker. Documenting your pregnancy is a great way to keep track of beautiful memories you can look back at throughout the years. The Pregnancy Planner comes with a Pregnancy Weekly Journal Page, which allows you to track and document every detail of your pregnancy as it happens (week by week).

8. Start taking prenatal supplements. A must-have in any pregnancy checklist is taking a prenatal vitamin as soon as you find out you are expecting. Prenatal vitamins contain many vitamins and minerals that mom and baby need for healthy growth, such as folic acid and iron. A great option is the Nature Made Prenatal with Folic Acid and DHA. Always remember to consult with your doctor before taking any supplements. A Prenatal Vitamin Tracker is included in the Pregnancy Planner.

9. Learn about (and decide on) hospital, home, vaginal, and medicated births. Being informed about the birth process allows you to make clear decisions about your birth, such as what kind of birth you would like to have- home or hospital, medicated or unmediated, etc. A great way to learn all about the birthing process from the comfort of your home is by taking an Online Childbirth Class.

10. Buy a pregnancy book. Some moms-to-be like to read about their pregnancy, labor and delivery, and postpartum process. If you are one of those moms-to-be, check out some of these great Pregnancy Books on Amazon.

11. Schedule a dentist appointment. Pregnancy causes hormonal changes that increase the risk of developing gum disease, so it is essential that you stay up to date with your dental cleanings.

12. Make a budget. As you will soon find out, having a baby could be expensive. Making a budget is a great way to keep expenses down by setting realistic financial goals.

13. Start planning your Gender Reveal. Pregnancy reveals have become extremely popular, which is why it is so essential to make it a part of your Pregnancy checklists. A pre-filled Gender Reveal Checklist is included in the Pregnancy Planner.

Second Trimester To-Do List

This second-trimester checklist is included in the Pregnancy Planner.

14. Start a Baby Registry. Another critical aspect of any pregnancy to-do list is making a Baby Registry. One of the best Baby Registries is the Amazon Baby Registry. That is because it allows your family and friends to purchase baby essentials from the comfort of their homes at reasonable prices. Register for a free Amazon Baby Registry account here. A pre-filled Baby Registry Checklist is included in the Pregnancy Planner.

15. Start planning your Baby Shower. Baby Shower planning is a pregnancy checklist must! Creating a handy Baby Shower checklist will save you time and hassle. A pre-filled Baby Shower Planner Checklist is included in the Pregnancy Planner.

16. Plan a date night and/or babymoon. Babymoons are very popular these days. A babymoon is a relaxing or romantic vacation parents-to-be take before their baby is born. Even if you can’t do a full babymoon, try to schedule a few dates with your spouse before the baby comes.

17. Pick a baby name. This is one of the most exciting parts of any pregnancy to-do list. You might or might not have a name in mind. If you don’t, the second trimester is a great time to list possible name combinations and pick your favorite. A Baby Name Brainstorming List is included in the Pregnancy Planner.

18. Buy a body pillow. As your bump grows, finding a comfortable laying position will become more complex and harder. As for me, I am a tummy sleeper so being unable to lay on my stomach was a challenge. A pregnancy body pillow is a lifesaver! They are designed to support the entire body and alleviate common pregnancy-related discomforts.

19. Write a birth plan. Another great thing to start thinking about putting together is a birth plan. A birth plan simply communicates your wishes and goals before, during, and after labor and delivery. Many moms-to-be look into writing down their birth plans, while others choose to verbalize their wishes to their healthcare providers instead.

20. Start decorating the nursery. Every mom-to-be dreams of this day—decorating the nursery day! Even if you choose not to build the crib until the last minute, opting to start working in the baby nursery in the second trimester is a great idea. A pre-filled Nursery Checklist & Planner is included in the Pregnancy Planner.

21. Start planning your maternity leave. Another critical aspect of any pregnancy checklist is ensuring everything is squared away with your employer. Speak to Human Resources and ask them about the steps for maternity leave.

22. Schedule your 3-D Ultrasound. Although 3-D ultrasounds are optional, they are also totally adorable. A 3-D scan will allow you to see the baby’s face more clearly, making it an unforgettable experience. The recommended time frame to schedule the 3-D baby scan is between 24 and 28 weeks. That is because there is a bit more fluid around the baby during that gestational age, unlike later on in the third trimester, hence allowing for better images.

23. Look for childcare options. Do you have to return to work after you have your baby? Have you thought about childcare options? Now is a great time to sort it all out and develop a game plan.

24. Schedule your Glucose Screening Test. Ughh… I know, I know. The Glucose Screening tests aren’t necessarily what we look forward to when we think about a fun and exciting pregnancy to-do list, but it is an integral part of the screening process. Your healthcare provider will instruct you when you should schedule it.

25. Take a Child CPR Class. Part of getting ready for a baby is learning about safety. Ensure you include in your pregnancy checklist to take a Child CPR class for you, your dad-to-be, and even others who will be involved in childcare (such as grandma).

26. Take a Childbirth Class. Taking a childbirth class is one of the best ways to prepare for labor! Although many hospitals offer prenatal and childbirth classes, I highly recommend looking at this incredible list of Online Childbirth Classes. These online Childbirth classes give you the option of learning all about the childbirth process (hospital, natural, medicated, procedures, postpartum, techniques, and more) from the comfort of your home and at your own pace.

Third Trimester To-Do List

This Third Trimester Checklist is included in the Pregnancy Planner.

27. Find a Pediatrician. As you get closer to having your baby, deciding who your baby’s pediatrician will be will become an essential part of your pregnancy to-do list. Ask friends and family for recommendations and look up online reviews. Once you have narrowed it down, call the pediatrician’s office and schedule a prenatal visit. Prenatal visits allow pediatricians to establish a supportive and trusting relationship with both parents while allowing parents to gather basic information regarding the baby’s care, health, and needs.

28. Take a Breastfeeding Class. If you are planning on breastfeeding, taking a breastfeeding class is a MUST! I can’t stress enough the importance of educating yourself about breastfeeding as a whole, as well as learning tips, tricks, and strategies that will make your life much easier. Here are 6 Tips You Need to Know for Successful Breastfeeding.

29. Finish the baby’s nursery. Some moms-to-be wait until after the baby shower to complete the baby’s nursery. If that is the case for you, write it down in your pregnancy to-do list so you don’t forget it.

30. Tour the hospital or birthing center and pre-register. Another essential thing to add to your pregnancy checklist is to schedule a tour of your birthing hospital or center. A hospital tour will enable you to learn about the Labor and Delivery Unit by walking through their birthing room, recovery room, waiting room, nursery, NICU, etc. Most hospitals will also allow you to pre-register by providing you with the necessary paperwork you can complete.

31. Assemble baby gear (bassinet, crib, pack-and-play, bouncer, etc.). Assembling baby gear is a super important part of any pregnancy checklist! After all, the last thing you want to be doing while consoling a crying newborn is an attempt to put a swing together.

32. Wash baby clothes, sheets, and blankets. Don’t forget to include in your third-trimester to-do list to wash all of the baby’s clothes, sheets, and blankets. Because commercial clothing may contain impurities and chemical contaminants, washing baby clothes before putting them on your baby’s delicate skin is essential.

33. Pack your hospital bag for baby, mom, and dad. Nothing makes having a baby more real than packing your hospital bag! At that moment, at least it was for me, when it hit me, “Oh my, I am going to be a mom”! A pre-filled Hospital Bag Checklist for Baby, Mom, and Dad is included in the Pregnancy Planner.

34. Put together a postpartum care kit. As part of your pregnancy checklist, it is also essential to think about your postpartum care by putting together a postpartum care kit.

35. Vacuum all carpets and dust all rooms. Allergens linger in our homes and settle in places like carpets and shelves. Make sure you add vacuuming and dusting to your third-trimester pregnancy checklist.

36. Install car seat. A properly installed car seat is necessary to take the baby home. Once installed, many inspection stations, such as local automobile dealerships, police stations, firehouses, and hospitals, can check your car seat installation efforts.

37. Arrange pet sitting. If you have pets, now is a good time to arrange pet sitting. Write down their eating and potty schedule and any medication they may be taking so that the assigned pet sitter has all they need to properly care for your furry friends.

38. Meal prep and meal freeze. Another thing you might want to consider when putting together your third-trimester checklist is to meal prep and meal freeze. They will both be a lifesaver in your first few weeks home with a newborn.

39. Get tested for Group B Strep. Pregnant women are routinely tested for GBS late in the pregnancy. Your healthcare provider should give you all the necessary information so that you can schedule this test as you get closer to your due date (typically between 3-37 weeks).

40. Stock up on toiletries and baby supplies. Listen here: The last thing you want to do when you are home with your newborn is to go on a toilet paper and dish soap run. So, ensure you have it written in your pregnancy checklist to stock up on toiletries and baby supplies as your due date approaches.

41. Learn about Newborn care. Motherhood doesn’t come with an instruction manual, but many resources can help make the new mother’s journey less scary and more predictable. Here is a fantastic list of Newborn Care Classes that might help you get a headstart.

42. REST! Yes, I know… there is a lot to do in the third trimester. Plus, between nesting and housing a nearly 8-pound human, resting will get harder and harder. However, you must prioritize sleeping in your pregnancy checklist because resting will be a thing of the past after the baby arrives.

In Summary 

When you first find out you are pregnant, it can feel overwhelming to think about all of the things you have to get done as you move along every pregnancy trimester.

Thankfully, you don’t have to scramble to figure it out yourself. I hope this pregnancy checklist will help you reduce overwhelmed and empower you to confidently tackle all of the items on your pregnancy to-do list.

Happy and Healthy pregnancy, mama!

Did this pregnancy checklist help you? Tell us in the comments below, and don’t forget to share it with friends who might also find it helpful.