Pregnancy by the Week: A Complete Checklist for Preparation

Weekly Pregnancy Checklist: Complete Guide

Pregnancy is a journey — an extraordinary, exciting, and difficult journey. There’s plenty to consider as your pregnancy goes on, and it can get overwhelming at times. You want to be prepared, but you don’t want to be overwhelmed by lists and tasks, either. That’s where a weekly pregnancy checklist can be useful. Keeping track of and preparing for what’s ahead might help you feel more in control of this life-changing experience.
There are new things to prepare for, new milestones, new changes every week. So, let’s break it down. Stay organized with our weekly pregnancy checklist. Prepare for every stage of your pregnancy with this comprehensive week-by-week guide.

Here’s your weekly pregnancy checklist, crammed with all the things to monitor and prepare for, so you’re ready for the unexpected.

Follow Your Baby’s Growth and Milestones

With your baby growing each week, it’s useful to monitor how they’re progressing. Everything from the size of the baby to the developing of their organs is a new weekly adventure. You’re going to want to get into what’s going on inside you. Are you feeling the baby kicks? How big is baby this week? This ensures that you are always feeling connected and anticipating the next change.

In giving birth to our babies, we may find that we give birth to new possibilities within ourselves.

Myla & Jon Kabat-Zinn

Log Changes in Your Symptoms and Physical State

Your body is undergoing so many changes, and you’ll want to log any symptoms you might be having. Whether they are experiencing heartburn or swollen ankles or fatigue, tracking how you’re feeling can help you communicate with your doctor and manage discomfort. If you see anything unusual or concerning, document it. Tiny alterations can indicate larger shifts, and noticing can help you feel more agency instead of powerlessness.

Get. Ready. With this particular fix, to be able, there are.

It’s likely that you’ll have a check-up or appointment with your OB/GYN weekly or monthly. Make the time before your appointments about prepping. List any questions you have regarding your pregnancy. Unsure about a particular symptom? Or perhaps you want more information on your upcoming tests? Take these questions to your doctor so you’re always in the loop.

Log Your Weight Gain and Nutrition

Tracking your weight gain and nutrition is key to ensuring a healthy pregnancy. Your doctor will probably talk to you about weight gain goals, and it’s crucial to remain aware of what you’re eating. Focus on your nutrition, with lots of fruits, veggies, and protein. Pay attention to your fluid intake too — hydration matters too. If that helps, use a food diary or an app to log your meals.

Translate to your own language and create a baby registry

It’s never too early to think about baby gear! You don’t have to do it all in one shot, but it’s good to start thinking about adding things to your baby registry. That way, when your baby shower comes, you’ll actually be prepared. What do you really need? Just get the basics: diapers, baby clothes, a crib, a car seat. You can always add in more as you think of things but ensure the basics are, at least, covered.

Move Your Body with Safe-For-Pregnancy Workouts

Exercise in pregnancy is not just good for your body, it helps you prepare for labour. Try to also do some sort of light exercise that’s appropriate for your stage of pregnancy, each week. Good choices include walking, prenatal yoga and swimming. Staying active will help you sustain a healthy weight, lower stress levels, and keep muscles strong for the big day.

Prepare Your Birth Plan

Your birth plan doesn’t need to be set in stone, but it’s wise to start considering how you would like your birth experience to go. Do you want an epidural? A natural birth? Water birth? Compile a list of things you like, but be open-minded. Things can shift, and that’s all right. Knowing what you want will inform choices you make as labor nears.

Start Preparing Your Nursery

It’s well past time to start thinking about your nursery. You don’t need to have everything perfect, but preparing the basics is smart. That plan revolves around the baby’s nursery — a design that needs to be in place well before the baby arrives, so choose a color scheme, purchase the crib, and prepare a comfortable environment for you and baby. Ensuring that you create a calm, peaceful space for both of you is important to making certain your baby feels safe and loved.

Think About Your Maternity Leave Plans

There’s no such thing as too early when it comes to maternity leave. When do you intend to go on leave? How long do you intend to stay home? Do you know if you’ll go back to work immediately, or are you thinking of taking some extra time off? Get your plans in order with your employer. By knowing your maternity leave plans, you can focus on what matters — your baby — without the stress of work hanging over your head.

Look into Childcare Options

If you’re planning to go back to work after your baby’s born, it’s time to start planning for childcare. Will you need a daycare? Is a family member going to help? Begin looking into childcare options available to you in your area. Starting early helps, as many centers maintain waiting lists. The sooner you decide, the less stressful it will be when you return to work.

Stay on Top of Your Appointment and Tests

As your pregnancy continues, you’re going to have routine doctor appointments, tests and screenings. Keep an eye on upcoming appointments, such as blood work, ultrasounds and other medical tests. Make a simple calendar or get a pregnancy app to keep track of your appointments and ensure you aren’t skipping any important check-ups.

Consider Postpartum Care

It’s easy to get preoccupied by baby’s arrival, but don’t neglect your own recovery. Postnatal care is just as crucial as prenatal care. Consult your doctor about what you can expect during the postpartum period, and be sure to prepare. Have your postpartum basics prepped — nursing pads, pads, and support for after birth.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Get Left Behind, Mama!

Pregnancy is a tool they have to get through, but with a good checklist, you can be organized and focused. Monitor your baby’s growth, cope with your symptoms, and plan for the big day. Your home takes preparation; your finances, organization; your mind, focus. Give with one hand and take back with the other. This is your trip, and with a bit of preparation, you’ll be equipped for whatever’s next.

So, take a deep breath and plunge in. You’ve got this, mama!