The Ultimate First Trimester Checklist (For First Time Moms)

Congratulations, mama-to-be! Embarking on your journey through pregnancy, especially as a first-time mom, is an exciting and transformative experience. The first trimester is often filled with a whirlwind of emotions, physical changes, and the anticipation of what’s to come. To help you navigate this crucial period with confidence and ease, I’ve compiled the ultimate first trimester checklist. From health appointments to lifestyle adjustments, we’ve got you covered every step of the way.

Thankfully, the first trimester isn’t overloaded with chores, giving you a chance to take it day-by-day. Whether you’re spending your days over the toilet or napping a few extra hours during the day, this guide will help you stay ahead of the stress and navigate your pregnancy with ease.

Alright, enough chit-chatting… Let’s dive in! –

1. Sharing the news

That moment when you see those two little lines on the pregnancy test – it’s a whirlwind of emotions, from excitement to nervousness and everything in between! Of course this is subjective to the way you are choosing to share your pregnancy. While sharing the news with your partner is undoubtedly a must, there’s no rulebook that says you have to broadcast your pregnancy to the world the second you find out. Often, people feel pressure to tell people right away that they are pregnant and let me tell you… it’s perfectly normal to keep your pregnancy a secret for as long as you need to.

Let’s face it – It is YOUR pregnancy! No one else’s. There are aspects of pregnancy that you might not feel comfortable sharing with the world just yet. And that’s totally okay! By keeping your pregnancy under wraps for a little while, you can enjoy this special time without feeling like your every move is being scrutinized by well-meaning (but nosy) friends and family members.

However aside from your partner, when you are ready to share with your friends and family… this is easily the most *exciting* part!

How I Told My Husband

When my husband and I told our families about our second baby, I made my almost 1-year-old daughter a cute denim jacket with “BIG SIS” letter patches on the back. We invited them over, set up the camera, and waited to see how long it took for them to notice! It took some family members longer to process than they would like to admit, but it made some pretty funny videos to look back on. Nonetheless, such a fun and nonchalant way to break the exciting news.

If you wanted to make something similar, you could always order a cute denim jacket pre-made off Etsy. If you want to DIY it like I did, I have the items I used to make the jacket on my Amazon Storefront linked here! It’s a super easy and fun project- I even sized up the jacket, so she can wear it to the hospital to meet her baby sister in August.

2. Make Your First Prenatal Appointment

Why Schedule Your First Prenatal Appointment?

At the end of the day, the safety of you and your baby is the biggest priority. Scheduling your prenatal visit with your chosen doctor is a proactive step to ensure both you and your sweet baby’s health stay on track.

What to Expect During Your First Prenatal Appointment?

During this appointment, you can expect to have your pregnancy confirmed! They typically will also provide the following:

• Medical History Review: You will be asked to answer questions to determine if you’ll be considered low or high risk
• Physical Examination: Which may include collecting vitals
• Lab Tests: Your provider may order blood tests to check blood type, iron levels, infections, and more.
• Ultrasound: Depending on how far along you are, your provider may perform an ultrasound to confirm an estimated due date.
• Discussion of Prenatal Care: This is your chance to ask all the questions! Sometimes it’s hard to know all the questions to be asking… Be sure to check out 20 Essential Questions For Your First Prenatal Visit to be well-prepared that first appointment!

Scheduling your first prenatal appointment marks the kickoff to your journey towards a healthy pregnancy and a fabulous birth story! So, gear up, be curious, and dive headfirst into this prenatal adventure! Cheers (with your sparkling juice) to embarking on this exhilarating new chapter in your life!

3. Start Taking Your Prenatal Care Seriously

Once that pregnancy test shows positive, it’s time to say “Farewell” to your beloved wine nights and retinol skincare treatments, and say hello to pickle juice at midnight paired with a milkshake. Taking prenatal care seriously from the start is crucial for ensuring the health and well-being of both you and your baby. Here’s how to embark on this journey with dedication and care:

• Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins Daily (if you haven’t already): Prenatal vitamins are not “one-size-fits-all”. Be sure to talk to your doctor about which one is best suited for the specific needs of your pregnancy.
• Start to Consider More Nutrient-Rich Foods: Fuel your body and nourish your growing baby with a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
• Avoid Harmful Substances: Say no to alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs, as they can pose serious risks to your baby’s development.
• Prioritize Self-Care: Take time to rest, engage in gentle exercise, and practice relaxation techniques to manage stress and promote overall well-being throughout your pregnancy. Just remember, always listen to your body!

4. Educate Yourself

If you’re not much of a book reader like me, now’s the perfect time to start! Alternatively, you can follow my lead and explore podcasts or audiobooks to learn all about the ins and outs of pregnancy. Here are a few podcasts I have loved learning from:

• The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast – This podcast covers any topic you could ever think of. Each episode is short and sweet for the busy gals like me!
• Is it Normal? The Pregnancy Podcast With Jessie Ware – Covers pregnancy week-by-week with an OBGYN guest on each week.

Next, I’d recommend getting a good pregnancy tracking app to stay updated on what is continuing to happen to your body each week! My personal favorite would be the Premom app. I have consistently used this with both of my pregnancies and even in between pregnancies! You can do it all with this app- Track your cycles, predict ovulation, and monitor your pregnancy. I also love that it has saved all of my notes and symptoms, so I can go back through to compare my current pregnancy for fun.

Last but certainly not least, check to see if your provider’s office offers Child Birth or Breastfeeding Classes. As this is certainly not a first trimester must-do task, it’s always helpful to know that it exists. My husband and I signed up for the childbirth course our hospital provided, which gave us a tour of the hospital rooms and step-by-step guide on what to expect during the delivery process. It was a great experience for both of us, making it feel surreal and incredibly exciting.

5. Create a Baby Budget

Creating a baby budget is an essential step in preparing for the arrival of your little one.

Start by outlining all potential expenses, from diapers and clothing to medical bills and childcare. Consider one-time costs like nursery furniture and ongoing expenses such as formula or diapers.

Next, evaluate your current income and savings to determine how much you can allocate to your baby budget each month. Don’t forget to account for any changes in income or expenses that may occur during maternity or paternity leave. Prioritize your spending by focusing on necessities first, then allocating funds for optional items like toys or luxury baby gear. Remember, you may want to have a baby shower so consider the help from others as well.

Don’t forget to review and adjust your budget regularly as your baby grows and your family’s needs change. With careful planning and consideration, you can create a baby budget that provides financial security and peace of mind for your growing family.

6. Start a Baby Registry

This part was so fun for me! Nothing is better than starting to shop for your little one and picturing them wearing all the adorable outfits you find. If you start now, you can adjust and edit what you may or may not need as your pregnancy progresses. My first pregnancy, I truly didn’t know what to shop for or what newborns absolutely needed. The internet does a good job of telling you that you need things that aren’t necessarily a must-have.

That’s why I’ve curated a newborn essentials checklist for all the first-time moms who were a little lost in the chaos like I was. You may be asking yourself, where do I start? I would recommend setting up a registry through an app or website that you love.

My favorite registry app is Babylist. Not only did I love it as a user, but I’ve also received amazing feedback from family and friends who used it to purchase gifts from my registry. It’s very easy to navigate and allows you to add multiple gifts from different stores, including Amazon, Target, Pottery Barn Kids, small business online stores… the list goes on!

7. Treat Yourself

You know you deserve it! Pregnancy can be exhausting, treating yourself during the first trimester of pregnancy is not only a delightful indulgence but also an important act of taking care of your growing baby during this transformative time. As your body adjusts to the changes of pregnancy, it’s essential to prioritize your well-being and comfort. Treat yourself to moments of relaxation, whether it’s enjoying a soothing prenatal massage or getting a mani-pedi. Embrace gentle exercise to help alleviate fatigue and boost your mood if your body calls for it.

I was graced with 14 weeks of “morning” sickness that lasted all hours of the day during my last pregnancy, so exercising was never a thought in my mind. And that is perfectly okay! We’re all just doing the best we can. Most importantly, listen to your body and honor its needs, whether that means taking a nap when you’re feeling tired or simply giving yourself permission to slow down and rest. By nurturing yourself during the first trimester, you’re not only keeping you happy but you’re keeping growing baby happy as well.

I don’t know who needs to hear this but… you’re doing GREAT. You’re doing everything you need to be doing. Reading this blog is your first step towards many months of excitement and preparation. Congratulations again, on this beautiful journey into motherhood!