First Trimester Pregnancy Checklist

Congratulations! You have become pregnant, and are about to embark on one of the greatest journeys of your life. There are a few things you can do during this first few months to make sure your pregnancy is a healthy and happy one:

_____ CELEBRATE!!! Plan an announcement party with family and friends, or a romantic dinner with your partner to celebrate this exciting event.

_____ Schedule your first prenatal visit with your physician when you're about nine weeks along. Discuss how often you will need to visit her for checkups.

_____ Discuss any medications you are taking with your physician.

_____ Start taking a prenatal vitamin that contains folic acid.

_____ Begin reading books about pregnancy. While each woman is different, a goal of at least one good book a trimester is a good start.

_____ If you haven't already, quit using recreational or illicit drugs, and stop smoking.

_____ Start drinking lots of fluids, particularly water. Set a goal of 8 glasses a day.

_____ If your family has a history of genetic disorders, consider prenatal testing.

_____ Decide where you want to have your baby, whether at home, a birth center or a hospital.

_____ Consider starting a pregnancy diary and having someone take a picture of you (and your expanding belly) each month.

_____ Start getting a good night's sleep every night.

_____ Listen to your body's signals, such as morning sickness and exhaustion.

_____ Establish a support system of friends, family and caregivers.

_____ Enroll in prenatal exercise classes.

_____ Have someone take a photo of you every month so that you will have a record of how your body changed during pregnancy.

_____ Register yourself and your partner for a pregnancy class.

Each pregnancy, expectant mother, and unborn child is different. Your pregnancy may not progress the same as the information found here. The information here is based on the average pregnancy. It's not meant to be a replacement for any advice your may receive from your doctor. If you have any concerns about your pregnancy, we advise you to contact your doctor.

Sophia Levis

Sophia Levis lives in Marietta, Georgia and has three daughters.