Healthy Pregnancy & Birth To Do List: Month 4

Welcome to Month 4 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 fun things, too. Looking for later months? Stay tuned as we post months 5-10, plus postpartum, in the coming weeks! Take a look at the checklists from previous months.

Healthy Pregnancy & Birth To-Do List: Month 4

Weeks 13-16 of pregnancy: welcome to the second trimester! Hopefully during these weeks, any pregnancy nausea you've been experiencing will let up or disappear entirely. If not, hang in there! The following are the most helpful and healthy things you can do during this month of pregnancy.     

 Attend your second prenatal appointment -- be sure to discuss any concerns and answer the questions you've been saving for the appointment. Learn about optional prenatal tests before you go. 

 Care provider check in: are you happy with the care you're receiving? Switching to a new office/provider can make a huge difference. 

 Take your daily folic acid supplement and prenatal vitamin.

 It's never too early to start planning for child care. Start your research and get your name on a wait list if possible/necessary.  

 Pants and bra feeling a little snug? It may be time to adjust your maternity clothes wardrobe. No need to go out and get everything at once -- shop for a few key/versatile items to get you through this growing phase. 

 Mental health check in: do you feel like yourself? If something feels off, don't wait -- talk to your doctor; prenatal mood disorders are common and treatable.

 If you're ready, make a plan to tell family, friends, and your place of employment about your pregnancy.

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

 Start your baby registry now so you'll be ready for your baby shower. 

 Keep tracking questions between prenatal appointments.  

 Aim for 25-30 minutes of exercise 3-5 days a week. Keep it simple with a walk near your home or work. 

 Research and sign up for a quality childbirth class that begins later in your second trimester or early third. Lamaze has excellent class options, in person and virtual!  

 Work with your employer to start planning for your maternity leave. 

 Cut yourself some slack! Pregnancy means you don't always feel your best, so don't be so hard on yourself if you don't have your regular energy to do things and go places. If you feel like you need to rest or say "no," do it.