First Trimester

  • Brainstorm baby names
  • Research doula if desired
  • Research newborn photographer if desired
  • Choose a multivitamin you like and start taking it
  • Schedule first checkup
  • Figure out maternity leave (Some tips for California EDD here).
  • Buy maternity clothes

Second Trimester

  • Get nursery ready
  • Narrow down baby name
  • Get car seat
  • Go on babymoon
  • Create baby registry
  • Hire doula if desired
  • Send out pregnancy announcement if desired
  • Tell your work about your pregnancy
  • Figure out childcare options
  • Choose pediatrician

Third Trimester

  • Choose baby name
  • Get car seat checked
  • Have baby shower
  • Pack hospital bags
  • Take maternity pictures
  • Create birth plan (see tips and example here)
  • Send out baby shower thank you notes
  • Cook and freeze meals
  • Buy baby items that are still on registry (especially newborn items that you may need right away).
  • Wash baby clothes with newborn detergent
  • If having boys, research and decide on circumcision
  • Set up meal train for friends and family to visit
  • If you live in California, submit your CA EDD Short term disability claim

Fourth Trimester (first 3 months postpartum)

  • If baby is a boy and circumcision was decided but not provided at the hospital, schedule it now (preferably before 3 weeks)
  • Schedule newborn check up one day after hospital discharge
  • If there are weight or jaundice issues, schedule subsequent doctor visits (usually a day or few days apart)
  • Schedule lactation consultant
    • If baby has latch issues, consider researching for pediatric chiropractor
  • If baby has any oral restrictions, research provider for lip and/or tongue tie release
    • schedule lip and/or tongue tie release
    • if baby is still having latch issues, research bodywork (Pediatric Occupational Therapy and/or Pediatric Chiropractor)
  • Schedule 6 week postpartum visit (for vaginal delivery) or 8 week visit (for C-section delivery).
  • Update medical insurance to include baby
    • You will most likely need to send a picture of your baby’s birth certificate to your insurance once it arrives
  • Submit paper work for baby’s birth certificate
  • Submit paper work for baby’s social security card
  • Follow up with work regarding maternity leave
    • many employers may want you to update them once your baby arrives
    • Some employers may also need you to reach out to your company’s short term disability insurance company to provide update on your baby’s birth
  • If you live in California, follow up with CA EDD on your short term disability. Most likely you will need to update the claim with baby’s arrival date.