• First Three Months of Pregnancy (The 1st Trimester)

  • Browse web sites with information about pregnancy and babies.
  • Get a book on pregnancy and read about the first trimester.
  • Read about your baby's development in 1st trimester.
  • Talk to your OB doctor about diet, fluid needs, exercise, rest and activity.
  • Stop smoking, stop drinking alcohol, and don't use any street drugs.
  • Ask your doctor before taking any medication (even aspirin or nose spray).
  • Make sure you take your prenatal vitamins every day.

• 4th Month of Pregnancy

  • Contact your hospital.
  • Review your insurance pregnancy coverage and co-pay.
  • Check with your employer about maternity and family leave benefits.
  • Find parent education classes.
  • Decide which classes you want to take.

• 5th Month of Pregnancy

  • Select possible names for your baby or babies .
  • Think about how you want to feed your baby.
  • Choose a doctor to take care of your baby.

• 6th Month of Pregnancy

  • Begin to plan for your childbirth experience.
  • Call your chosen baby care doctor to ask to become a patient.
  • Ask questions of the baby care doctor.
  • Shop for baby care items.
  • Begin to think about child-care plans, if returning to work or school.

• 7th Month of Pregnancy

  • Sign-up for Parent Education Classes.
  • Arrange for a maternity tour if you're not going to childbirth classes.
  • Decide on feeding method for your new baby.
  • Ask your doctor about required newborn tests.

• 8th Month of Pregnancy

  • Start gathering items to pack for the hospital.
  • Make a practice run to the hospital. Check out parking and entrance.
  • Make sure everything is ready at home for the baby.
  • Prepare siblings for the birth of the new baby.
  • Shop for an approved infant car safety seat.

• 9th Month of Pregnancy

  • Pack your bags for the hospital.
  • Decide on baby's name.
  • Learn to use the infant car seat.
  • Follow-up on child-care plans, if returning to work or school.
  • Fix and freeze some future meals; arrange for help once home.
  • Double check that you have all needed baby supplies.

• Items in a Suitcase for the Hospital

  • Any childbirth class notes or guidelines and labor hints.
  • Eye glasses as well as contact case and solution.
  • Massage aids- tennis balls, rolling pin, frozen juice cans, wooden massagers.
  • Massage oil or lotion; powder or cornstarch.
  • Comfort aids- rice sock, herbal heat pillow, aromatherapy, socks for cold feet.
  • Tape or CD player and music selections to help with relaxation.
  • Hair brush, clips, ponytail holders, head bands and rubber bands.
  • Mouth care items: toothpaste, toothbrush, breath spray, sour suckers.
  • Camera/video camera and film, digital card, extra batteries or battery charger... plus more film.
  • List of names and phone numbers of people to notify.