Healthy Pregnancy & Birth To Do List: Month 2

Welcome to Month 2 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 3-10, plus postpartum, in the coming weeks! Check out our trying-to-conceive and month 1 checklists!

Healthy Pregnancy & Birth To-Do List: Month 2

Weeks 5-8 of pregnancy is when most people begin to feel some changes physically and emotionally. Most people get their pregnancy confirmed by their OB or midwife by the end of this month. The first 8 weeks of pregnancy are the most critical to your baby's health, as it's when your baby's body and organs develop. Be sure to seek prenatal care and follow the most critical guidelines for a healthy pregnancy.  

 Continue to research and interview prenatal care providers - 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! Learn how a midwife differs from an OB/doctor. 

 If you haven't already, schedule your first prenatal appointment 

 Attend your first prenatal appointment -- be sure to discuss any/all health concerns and answer questions you have 

 Continue taking a daily folic acid supplement and prenatal vitamin; if nausea has kicked in, take your vitamins with a meal

 Nausea? Eat smaller more bland meals, avoid noxious smells, and eat foods high in carbohydrates and low in fats. Carbonated beverages and sports drinks can help, too. 

 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

 If you haven't already, stop smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking any recreational drugs; if you need help quitting, contact your doctor ASAP

 If you haven't already checked, contact your doctor or midwife ASAP to ask if the prescription medication(s) you take are safe for pregnancy, and if not, find alternatives

 Start looking at your diet/eating habits to find ways to add in more nutrients (eat more colorful foods!)

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

 Create or finish your 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

 Download a pregnancy tracker app to help you stay organized

 Exercise when you have the energy, even if it's a short walk around the block