Pregnancy & Baby Checklist: Complete Guide from First Trimester to Newborn Care
By: BabyG Parenting Team
First Trimester Checklist (Weeks 1-12)
The first trimester is crucial as your baby's major organs begin to form. This is the time to establish prenatal care, start prenatal vitamins, and make important lifestyle adjustments.
Essential Tasks
- Schedule your first prenatal appointment
- Start taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid
- Get blood work and initial tests done
- Schedule first trimester screening (11-13 weeks)
- First ultrasound to confirm pregnancy (6-8 weeks)
- Check rubella and hepatitis B immunity
- Discuss any medications with your doctor
Lifestyle Changes
- Stop alcohol and smoking
- Limit caffeine (under 200mg daily)
- Avoid raw fish, raw meat, unpasteurized foods
- Get adequate rest and sleep
- Stay hydrated
Second Trimester Checklist (Weeks 13-27)
The second trimester is often called the "golden period" as morning sickness typically subsides. This is a great time for important screenings and to start preparing for baby's arrival.
Essential Tests
- Quad screen or second trimester screening (15-20 weeks)
- Anatomy scan / detailed ultrasound (20-24 weeks)
- Gestational diabetes screening (24-28 weeks)
- Anemia screening
Preparations
- Research hospitals and birthing options
- Sign up for childbirth education classes
- Start thinking about baby names
- Begin setting up the nursery
- Plan for maternity/paternity leave
- Start prenatal exercises (with doctor approval)
- Consider hiring a doula
Third Trimester Checklist (Weeks 28-40)
As you approach your due date, it's time to finalize preparations. Pack your hospital bag, complete the nursery, and prepare for labor.
Essential Tests
- Group B Strep (GBS) test (35-37 weeks)
- Non-stress tests (NST) if recommended
- Regular monitoring of baby's position
- Cervical checks as due date approaches
Birth Preparation
- Pack hospital bag
- Write your birth plan
- Pre-register at the hospital
- Install car seat (have it inspected)
- Finalize newborn essentials
- Plan route to hospital
- Prepare emergency contact list
- Arrange postpartum help
Hospital Bag Checklist
For Mom
- ID, insurance card, hospital paperwork
- Birth plan copies
- Comfortable robe and slippers
- Nursing bras and pads
- Toiletries
- Phone and charger
- Snacks and drinks
- Going home outfit
- Pillow from home (optional)
For Baby
- Going home outfit (2-3 options for size)
- Car seat (installed and ready)
- Receiving blanket
- Newborn diapers
- Hat and mittens
Newborn Essentials Checklist
Feeding
- Bottles and nipples (if formula feeding)
- Breast pump (if breastfeeding)
- Nursing pillow
- Burp cloths
- Bottle brush and drying rack
Diapering
- Diapers (newborn and size 1)
- Baby wipes
- Diaper cream
- Changing pad
- Diaper bag
Sleeping
- Crib or bassinet
- Firm mattress
- Fitted sheets (2-3)
- Swaddles or sleep sacks
- Baby monitor
Bathing & Grooming
- Baby bathtub
- Baby wash and shampoo
- Soft washcloths
- Hooded towels
- Baby nail clippers
- Digital thermometer
Postpartum Checklist
For Mom's Recovery
- Peri bottle for postpartum care
- Postpartum pads
- Comfortable underwear
- Pain relief as prescribed
- Stool softener
- Healthy snacks for breastfeeding
- Water bottle
Important Tasks
- Schedule 6-week postpartum checkup
- Register baby's birth
- Apply for birth certificate
- Add baby to insurance
- Schedule newborn pediatrician appointments
- Set up newborn photography (if desired)
Mental Health
- Monitor for signs of postpartum depression
- Accept help from family and friends
- Rest when baby sleeps
- Stay connected with support system
Why Use a Pregnancy Checklist?
Pregnancy brings an overwhelming amount of information and tasks to manage. A well-organized checklist helps you:
- Stay Organized: Keep track of appointments, tests, and preparations without relying on memory alone.
- Reduce Anxiety: Knowing what's coming and being prepared reduces stress and worry.
- Ensure Nothing is Missed: Important tests and preparations are easy to overlook in the excitement of pregnancy.
- Track Progress: See how far you've come and what's left to do at a glance.
- Share with Partner: Keep your partner informed and involved in the preparation process.
How to Use BabyG's Pregnancy Checklist
Our interactive checklist is designed to make pregnancy preparation simple and stress-free:
Easy Check-Off System
Simply click on any item to mark it as complete. A satisfying checkmark appears, and the item is crossed off your list. Click again to uncheck if needed.
Automatic Progress Tracking
Watch your overall progress bar fill up as you complete items. See your completion percentage at the top of the page for instant motivation.
Category Organization
Items are organized into logical categories: First Trimester, Second Trimester, Third Trimester, Hospital Bag, Newborn Care, and Postpartum. Focus on what's relevant to your current stage.
Persistent Storage
Your progress is automatically saved in your browser. Come back anytime and pick up right where you left off - no login required!
Reset Options
Need a fresh start? Reset individual categories or the entire checklist with a single click.
Trimester-by-Trimester Guide
First Trimester: Foundation Building
The first 12 weeks are crucial for establishing prenatal care and making important lifestyle changes. Key focus areas include:
- Confirming pregnancy and calculating your due date
- Starting prenatal vitamins (especially folic acid)
- Scheduling your first prenatal appointment
- Making dietary and lifestyle adjustments
- Understanding early pregnancy symptoms and when to call your doctor
Second Trimester: The Sweet Spot
Often called the "honeymoon phase" of pregnancy, weeks 13-27 typically bring more energy and less nausea. This is the time to:
- Complete important screenings like the anatomy scan
- Start planning the nursery
- Research childcare options if needed
- Take childbirth education classes
- Begin shopping for baby essentials
Third Trimester: Final Preparations
The home stretch! Weeks 28-40 are all about finalizing preparations:
- Pack your hospital bag (by 36 weeks)
- Install the car seat
- Finish the nursery
- Pre-register at the hospital
- Know the signs of labor
- Prepare freezer meals for postpartum
Essential Prenatal Tests Timeline
Understanding when various tests occur helps you prepare mentally and logistically:
First Trimester (Weeks 1-12)
- Week 6-8: First ultrasound to confirm pregnancy and due date
- Week 8-12: Initial blood work (blood type, Rh factor, CBC, immunity tests)
- Week 11-13: First trimester screening (NT scan + blood work for chromosomal abnormalities)
Second Trimester (Weeks 13-27)
- Week 15-20: Quad screen or cell-free DNA testing
- Week 18-22: Anatomy scan (detailed ultrasound)
- Week 24-28: Glucose tolerance test for gestational diabetes
Third Trimester (Weeks 28-40)
- Week 28: Rh antibody screening (if Rh negative)
- Week 35-37: Group B Strep (GBS) test
- Week 36+: Weekly appointments with cervical checks
Hospital Bag Packing Guide
Pack your hospital bag by 36 weeks - babies can arrive early! Here's a detailed guide:
Documents & Essentials
- Photo ID and insurance cards
- Hospital pre-registration paperwork
- Birth plan (multiple copies)
- Phone and charger (maybe a portable charger too)
Comfort Items for Labor
- Lip balm (lips get very dry during labor)
- Hair ties and headband
- Massage oil or lotion
- Focal point or photos from home
- Music playlist
- Pillow from home (use a colored pillowcase so it doesn't get mixed up)
Postpartum Essentials
- Nursing bras (2-3, wireless and comfortable)
- Nursing pads
- Comfortable robe for skin-to-skin and visitors
- Slippers with grip
- Loose, comfortable going-home outfit
- Toiletries (toothbrush, face wash, etc.)
For Baby
- Going-home outfit (pack 2-3 sizes)
- Receiving blanket
- Car seat (installed and inspected)
- Newborn hat and mittens
Newborn Must-Haves vs Nice-to-Haves
Baby product marketing can be overwhelming. Here's what you actually need:
Essential (Buy Before Baby Arrives)
- Car seat - required to leave the hospital
- Safe sleep space (crib, bassinet, or pack-n-play)
- Diapers and wipes
- Basic clothing (onesies, sleepers, socks)
- Feeding supplies (bottles or nursing supplies)
- Burp cloths
- Baby thermometer
Nice to Have (Can Buy Later)
- Baby swing or bouncer
- Play mat
- Baby carrier or wrap
- Diaper pail
- Baby bathtub (you can use the sink at first)
- Baby monitor (especially if baby sleeps in your room initially)
Wait and See
- Specific bottle brands (babies can be picky)
- Pacifiers (some babies don't take them)
- Specific swaddles (preferences vary)
- Nursing pillow (some moms prefer regular pillows)
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start using the pregnancy checklist?
Start as soon as you confirm your pregnancy! The first trimester has important tasks like starting prenatal vitamins and scheduling your first appointment.
Is my checklist progress saved?
Yes! Your progress is automatically saved in your browser's local storage. You can close the page and return anytime to continue where you left off.
Can I use this checklist on my phone?
Absolutely! Our checklist is fully responsive and works great on mobile devices.
What if I'm having twins or multiples?
Most items still apply, but you'll need to double up on baby essentials and may have additional prenatal appointments. Consult your healthcare provider for a multiple-specific care plan.
I'm adopting - is this checklist useful for me?
Yes! While prenatal medical items won't apply, the newborn essentials, hospital bag (for birth parent support), and postpartum sections are very helpful for adoptive parents preparing for baby.
Tips for First-Time Parents
- Don't Buy Everything at Once: Get the essentials before baby arrives, but wait on specialty items until you know what your baby actually needs.
- Accept Help: When people offer to help, say yes! Whether it's meals, cleaning, or holding baby while you shower.
- Trust Your Instincts: You know your baby better than anyone. Don't be afraid to advocate for your child.
- Sleep When Baby Sleeps: This advice exists for a reason. Rest is crucial for recovery and mental health.
- It Gets Easier: The first few weeks are the hardest. Things do get better as you and baby find your rhythm.
- Ask for Help: If you're struggling, reach out to your healthcare provider. Postpartum depression is common and treatable.