You're now 14 weeks in - congratulations! In honor of (hopefully) reduced morning sickness and increased energy, this is a list of things to do during the second trimester to prepare for baby’s arrival.
GENERAL
Continue taking a prenatal vitamin with folate daily.
Start organizing any baby items you’ve purchased or received as a gift.
Wash clothes and bedding in baby-safe detergent.
Store baby clothes by size.
Create your baby registry.
Locate any documents you and your partner will need on labor day. If any are missing, apply for new copies.
Decide if you’ll be having a baby shower. If so,
Choose a date and location.
Start a guest list.
Decide if you want maternity and/or newborn photos. If so, book a photographer.
Research cord blood banking to decide if you want to bank your baby’s umbilical cord blood.
Plan a babymoon! Whether it’s an extravagant trip to Cabo or a special weekend staycation on the couch. You’ll never regret setting aside this dedicated pre-baby time.
Interview childcare providers (daycare, nanny). Join a waitlist if applicable.
Make an appointment with an OB-GYN that accepts your health insurance and delivers at your preferred hospital.
DOCTOR, DOCTOR!
Schedule a hospital tour.
Start filling out your birth plan.
Elevate your feet in the evenings to prevent or reduce swelling.
Consider taking a breastfeeding class if you plan to try breastfeeding.
Consider taking a birthing class that caters to your birth plan.
MONEY, HONEY!
Make sure you’re up to date on payments with your doctor’s office or midwife.
Make sure that your beneficiaries are up to date (e.g. 401k, 403b, IRA, life insurance, etc.).
Write or update your will.
Consider purchasing life and/or disability insurance for you and your partner.
Check to see if you qualify for financial assistance (WIC, Medicaid, single-mother-specific grants).
Inform your employer that you are pregnant, and state your intentions for taking maternity leave. Note that FMLA requires at least 30 days notice.
If your partner is also planning to take leave, remind them to inform their employer.
Create or add a buffer to your emergency savings fund. Typically, this should have 3-6 months of living expenses.
Consider enrolling in your employer’s Dependent Care FSA if it’s offered, and you will be incurring childcare expenses.
Draft a list of recurring expenses you expect once the baby is born.
Diapers
Baby Wipes
Childcare
Feeding Supplies (Milk collection and storage, formula, etc.)
Higher water/electric bills from increased utility usage (e.g. dishwasher, laundry machine, baths, etc.)
Clothing
Baby gear, toys, books
Prenatal Vitamins
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