Pregnancy and childbirth are a miracle of life! However, they can be overwhelming for first-time moms. But fret not; we’ve compiled a pregnancy checklist to help you get through this journey without any troubles:
Month 1
1. Take Vitamins
As soon as you get the exciting news, start taking prenatal vitamins and supplements with 400 mg of folic acid. Vitamins can reduce the risk of neural-tube defects, like spina bifida.2. Choose the Best Pediatrician
It’s important to pick the right pediatrician. While selecting the health care provider, consider factors like insurance coverage, distance from your home, and the best practice for the birth of your child. Once you’ve selected the pediatrician, get an appointment.Month 2
At the start of month 2, you may need to schedule a checkup. At around week 10 of your pregnancy, get an ultrasound to detect the baby’s heartbeat and ask about a tentative due date.Month 3
After week 11, start getting tested for human chorionic gonadotropin and blood tests to detect Down Syndrome, trisomy 18, etc.Month 4
1. Second Screening Test
Multi marker screening is performed after week 15. These blood tests look for health-related problems in the fetus, like Down Syndrome, spina bifida, etc.2. Get Enrolled In A Child-Birth Education Class
First-time mothers need to take childbirth-education classes. Many classes are for about 6–12 weeks, so you may want to finish the lessons by week 37, in case of early labor.Month 5
1. Take Ultrasound
After 20 weeks, you can get an ultrasound to let the doctor assess your baby’s organs and growth. This is the time when you can get to know the sex of your little one.2. Set up the nursery
Make sure to get the essentials for the baby’s nursery. Order the furniture, get a bassinet, table dresser, and a baby bathtub.
Month 6
1. Take a test for gestational diabetes
If you’re overweight or have a history of diabetes in your family, you should get the test done before week 26. But mostly, doctors recommend screening for diabetes after week 26.2. Take a hospital tour
Tour the hospital and try to visit the labor rooms to ease the anxiety about the big day.3. Have a support team
Taking care of a newborn is exhausting; you may need a helping hand to run errands other than your partner.Month 7
- Start the search for the best pediatric clinic.
- Take infant-care classes to learn about bathing, changing a diaper, etc.
- Buy a car seat for your infant.