Healthy Pregnancy & Birth To Do List: Month 1

Welcome to Month 1 of your month-by-month checklist guide to a healthy pregnancy and birth! This to-do list with a twist contains key tips and action items for optimal health and birth preparation, in addition to reminders for all the fun little things, too. Looking for later months? Stay tuned as we post months 2-10, plus postpartum, in the coming weeks! Check out our trying-to-conceive checklist. 

Healthy Pregnancy & Birth To-Do List: Month 1

The first month of pregnancy is weeks 1-4 and you probably won't even know you're pregnant yet! Week 4 is usually the earliest the average person can detect pregnancy. So if you've just received a positive pregnancy test and want to make sure you're on the best track for a healthy pregnancy and birth, this list is for you!

 Research and schedule interviews for your prenatal care provider - who you choose to provide your prenatal care and oversee your birth makes a difference in your satisfaction of the experience and in healthy outcomes! 

 Schedule your first prenatal appointment 

 Continue taking a folic acid supplement as well as a prenatal vitamin

 Learn about your health insurance coverage for prenatal care and birth (what's covered vs. out-of-pocket costs); if you're self-employed, look into a private disability policy

 Stop smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking any recreational drugs; if you need help quitting, contact your doctor ASAP

 If you're taking prescription medication, contact your doctor or midwife ASAP to ask if the medication(s) are safe during pregnancy, and if not, find alternatives

 Schedule a dentist appointment to keep your oral health in top shape during pregnancy

 Create a budget for prenatal care and baby's first 6 months 

 Get enough sleep -- aim for at least 7 hours a night

 Sign up for an early pregnancy class where you can learn ways to get your pregnancy off on the best start and keep it that way

 Start a pregnancy journal/diary app so you can record and look back on important and special moments

 If you're still waiting and testing, testing and waiting -- hang in there and try not to stress or obsess over the process