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 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 child birth 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 for your hospital bag 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 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.