A mother’s to-do list often seems never ending. “I feel like I chase my tail most days. Just when I think one list is taken care of, I realize I get to start all over the next day!” says Bridget Winters, Overland Park mom. When you add the list of what needs to be done to prepare for a new addition, it can be truly overwhelming. Have no fear: Your step-by-step guide on what to watch for and what to take care of is here for you!
First Trimester
What to watch for
Congratulations on your pregnancy! There are some wonderful moments in the first trimester, beginning with the fun of making that all-important announcement. “Sharing the news when we found out we were expecting our kids was amazing,” says Sandi Greene, Olathe mom. “I loved thinking of creative ways to tell everyone and seeing the reactions. Great memories.”
Your body will start going through some changes in the first 12 weeks, as well. Breast tenderness, a changing appetite, changing sleep patterns and morning sickness are just a few things to look out for. “I felt sick morning, noon and night with my first baby. Thankfully, the sickness was limited to the first trimester!” says Kate Miller, Overland Park mom.
What to do
Begin by putting together your lists and getting organized. A few things to help you start off are:
Plan how to tell your family and friends! Talk to your partner about what feels right to the two of you and enjoy the smiles and well-wishes.
Start your registry. Even if you don’t plan to have a shower, having a registry is a great way to stay organized. It maintains a list of the baby items you are interested in and allows you a completion discount when you make your purchases.
Set a budget with your partner. Budgeting for a new baby isn’t always an easy process. Lots of changes are coming to the family bottom line, and staying in front of them will make the adjustment easier on you and your partner.
Second Trimester
What to watch for
Your bump has arrived! During the second trimester, many expectant mothers start to show a baby bump. You also can look forward to the return of some of the energy lost during the first trimester. “The second trimester is the best! You feel human again, and it is a great time to get things done before you go back into hibernation during the third trimester,” says Brenda Morse, Olathe mom.
What to do
Weeks 13 to 25 are an exciting time. Baby is growing a lot, and you are learning new things about your bundle of joy. If you are interested in finding out Baby’s gender, ask during your ultrasound, around weeks 18 to 20. And here are a few things to add to your to-do list during this time:
Get out your maternity clothes. If you are building a maternity wardrobe from scratch, start with the basics. Once you have a few pieces you are comfortable wearing, you will be able to build your maternity style. Nursing tank tops are a great investment—they can be worn under maternity shirts and used for nursing after baby arrives!
Plan a shower. Gifts or no gifts, having a party to celebrate Baby is fun for everyone.
Start Baby’s room. Work on getting your nursery put together while your energy is up.
Third Trimester
What to watch for
Welcome to the home stretch! The final 12 weeks before Baby arrives is an exciting time that seems to pass quickly and very, very slowly at the same time. “The last few weeks, I changed almost daily from wishing Baby would hurry up and arrive and wishing time would slow down because I was so nervous!” says Mary Keegan, Kansas City, KS, mom. In the third trimester, many moms-to-be experience back pain and Braxton Hicks contractions. If you are experiencing discomfort, talk to your OB/GYN about ways to help you get some comfortable rest.
What to do
Have a shower. Enjoy some time with friends and family celebrating Baby! Put your feet up and relax—this is an exciting time.
Take a babymoon. You don’t have to leave town to book some special time with your partner. Adding a new family member will be a big change, and enjoying some rest and relaxation with your special someone will get you both recharged and excited for the big day.
Check off those lists. Make sure you are on top of your to-do lists. Take your tour of the hospital and pack your bag, select a pediatrician, make sure your paperwork is filed if you are planning to take leave from work, and have a plan with your partner and family for heading to the hospital when the time arrives!
Metro moms weighed in on the top pieces of advice they received that made bringing home Baby a bit easier. Here’s the list:
- Find out whether your insurance covers a breast pump and purchase it before Baby comes.
- Make freezer meals and have a stocked freezer for the nights you are too tired to cook.
- Put together a list of addresses ahead of time for baby announcements.
- Buy some in-between clothes for after Baby’s arrival so you don’t feel you have to fit into your old size right away.
- Pre-wash half of Baby’s clothes. Leave the tags on some items in case Baby grows too quickly to wear all the items in the smaller sizes.
- Be sure you and your partner know how to swaddle and change a diaper before the big day.
- Find your newborn photographer early. Most newborn sessions are taken within 10 days of Baby’s birth, so know whom you will have take the pictures and book your session early.
Melissa Bellach is a freelance writer and mother of two living in Overland Park.
As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.