Pregnancy by Trimester

Medical appointments, lifestyle adjustments, and preparation tasks for each trimester through delivery day — organized so nothing falls through the cracks.

First Trimester (Weeks 1–12)

• Schedule your first prenatal appointment as soon as a positive test is confirmed — most OBs or midwives book 8–10 weeks out
• Start a prenatal vitamin with at least 400mcg of folic acid — ideally 3 months before conception; begin immediately if you haven't already
• Schedule the first-trimester combined screening (nuchal translucency ultrasound + blood draw) between weeks 11–13 to assess chromosomal risk
• Notify your OB of all medications and supplements — even OTC medications like ibuprofen (avoid) and antihistamines require clearance
• Avoid alcohol, raw fish, deli meat, unpasteurized cheese, and high-mercury fish (shark, swordfish, king mackerel) throughout pregnancy
• Tell your employer when and how you're comfortable — you're not legally required to disclose until you need accommodations or FMLA paperwork

Second Trimester (Weeks 13–27)

• Schedule the anatomy ultrasound at 18–22 weeks — this checks all major organ systems and can reveal the baby's sex if desired
• Complete the glucose challenge test at 24–28 weeks to screen for gestational diabetes — no preparation required for the initial screen
• Research and tour hospitals or birth centers by week 20 — waitlists for preferred facilities fill up; register at your chosen facility
• Take a childbirth education class (Lamaze, Bradley, or hospital-based) that completes before week 35
• Begin researching pediatricians — interview at least 2 before birth and confirm your insurance network; your baby's first appointment is within 2–5 days of discharge
• Start the nursery setup — paint and assemble furniture now while you have energy; furniture should be anchored to walls

Third Trimester (Weeks 28–40)

• Schedule a Tdap vaccine between weeks 27–36 — it passes whooping cough immunity to the baby before they can be vaccinated at 2 months
• Complete Group B Strep (GBS) swab test at 35–37 weeks — if positive, you'll receive IV antibiotics during labor; it's common and manageable
• Pack your hospital bag by week 36: your ID and insurance card, birth plan, phone charger, snacks, a going-home outfit for the baby, and clothing for a 2–3 night stay
• Install the infant car seat and have it inspected at a certified car seat inspection station — many fire stations offer this free
• Finalize your birth plan — document preferences for pain management, labor positions, who's in the room, cord clamping, and skin-to-skin contact

Delivery Prep

• Know the threshold for going to the hospital: contractions 5 minutes apart for 1 hour (5-1-1 rule), water breaks, or any bleeding or decreased fetal movement
• Have your labor support team on standby from 38 weeks forward — confirm childcare plans for existing children and pet care
• Notify your HR department and begin FMLA paperwork at least 30 days before your due date if you plan to take leave