Pregnancy To Do List | Before Baby Comes

Have you started a pregnancy to do list? Sometimes ALL the things become overwhelming while your waiting for your newborn to arrive and it can really help to write it all down in a list.

Having everything organized is pregnancy goals… right? But, don’t worry about everything on the list too much. You’ll most likely not end up having to do everything on the list.

As a mom of 3, I know the pressure that comes with preparing for a baby to arrive. Even the third time around I had a full to do list.

Making the Best Pregnancy Checklist

There are no doubt tons of things you want to add to your pregnancy checklist.

Before you add unnecessary stress to your to do list read these tips.

• Keep your list small and stress free with only MUST DO items.
  
  Researchers at UCLA found that pregnant mothers who were less stress had a healthier pregnancy and delivery. So, definitely don’t make your to do list a stressful thing. It’s supposed to help!
  
• Discuss your list with your spouse. Some of these tasks are things you can share together.
  
• Ask for help when you need it. I’m sure there is a tribe of family and friends that are excited about new baby. See if there is anything any of them can do to help check things off your to do list.

What should be on my pregnancy checklist?

The first trimester is an early stage, but there are still some things to think about.

1. Eating Healthier

   One of the first things on your to do list should be making easy changes to your diet.

   It’s important to discuss with your doctor what is and isn’t okay to eat during pregnancy. Giving up caffeine and certain types of food are things you may have to consider.
   
   The American Pregnancy Association recommends increasing nutrient rich foods in your diet for a healthier pregnancy.
   

   Eating healthier during pregnancy is not always easy, especially if you are constantly having pregnancy cravings for sweet treats and greasy food. My go-to craving for my first pregnancy was ketchup with scrambled eggs, which was something I just couldn’t work out of my diet.

2. Know what to expect
   
   Get ready for 9 long months of pregnancy by knowing what to expect from start to finish. I love this list of pregnancy statistics to give you an idea of what other moms go through during pregnancy.
   
3. Choosing a Baby Name

   The earlier you start thinking about baby names the longer you’ll have to come to an agreement with your spouse.

   Keep baby names in mind, that way you aren’t scrambling for a baby name when it’s time to fill out the birth certificate.
   
4. Keeping a journal
   
   Write down your pregnancy experience. Keep a journal of the ups and downs throughout your pregnancy, how you were anticipating baby’s arrival, and how you felt when baby finally came.
   
5. Baby Budgeting
   
   When you have extra time you might want to think about working out a baby budget.
   
   Babies costs can add up, especially if you include pregnancy costs (hospital fees, etc.). So, it’s a good idea to start applying for free baby stuff, free breast pump, and free pregnancy supplies in the beginning of your pregnancy so you get the most freebies for your baby.
   
   Hospital and medical bills can also add a lot on top of baby costs, but don’t worry, there are lots of ways to save on medical related pregnancy expenses.
   
6. Cord Blood Banking

   I hadn’t heard of cord blood banking until recently and find it very fascinating.Planning for a baby is such an exciting time. Many families include cord blood banking into their baby plan because it could be useful for their child’s medical treatment later on.

   The stem cells from cord blood has been used to treat many types of cancer and medical disorders.

   This is an option that I definitely wish we were aware of when we had our last two babies.We will definitely be discussion saving for cord blood banking for my next delivery in January!

   Considering cord blood banking during the first trimester is a good option if you are on a budget and want to start paying for this service ahead of delivery.
   
   Cord blood banking is an easy process and could be potentially life saving. If you are thinking about saving your baby’s stem cells through cord blood banking you can learn more at cordblood.com.
   
7. Saving for Baby’s Future

   Now is a great time to think about saving money for your baby’s future. This is a big decision with lots of options. Choosing which type of savings plan to start and how much money to put away each month is something you can talk about and decide with your spouse.

8. Finding out the Gender
   
   Deciding whether to find out the gender of your baby is another huge decision. Your spouse or other family members may want it to be a surprise, while you want to know. Knowing the gender may make it easier when deciding which clothes or nursery items to buy. While, not knowing may make those decisions harder.
   
   Healthline explains that most expecting mothers can find out the gender of their baby at 14 weeks.
   
9. Registering for Baby
   
   Even if you aren’t planning on having a baby shower it might still be a good idea to register for your coming baby.
   
   Many times friends, family members, and co-workers will want to purchase a gift and ask where you are registered.
   
   There are also perks that come with a lot of registries. Most give you some free samples, coupons, and shipping when signing up, which can save you money in the long run.
   
   My personal favorite is the Amazon Baby Registry, which will give you a free baby box with the first order from the registry that’s at least $10. Their baby box is filled with great items for your baby including full size samples from well known baby brands.
   
   Take an in depth look at the do’s and don’ts of creating an Amazon Registry HERE!
   
10. Preparing for Delivery
    
    As you get closer to delivery you should add some items to your checklist that will help you prepare for the endgame, delivery!
    
    Taking lamaze or childbirth classes, deciding on natural birth or use of pain medication, hiring a doula, deciding who will be in the delivery room, and planning for someone to bring you meals when you get home from the hospital are just a few of the things you may want to add to your to-do list.
    
    

Which important pregnancy decisions have you had to make? I would love to hear from you in the comments below!