When I first found out I was pregnant one of my first thoughts was, “What do I do?”. Pregnancy was very exciting, yet extremely abstract and slightly terrifying. I didn’t for the life of me know where to start! If you are pregnant for the very first time this ultimate natural pregnancy checklist will steer you in the right direction for a healthy pregnancy, natural birth and happy postpartum! Let’s get started!
The Ultimate Natural Pregnancy Checklist
The following ultimate natural pregnancy checklist is broken down by trimester – first, second and third. For more detail (why and how), click through to see each trimester’s checklist.
- The Ultimate All Natural First Trimester Checklist
- The Ultimate Fun Second Trimester To-Do List
- The Best Third Trimester Checklist
First Trimester Checklist
Congratulations, you’re pregnant! If this is your first pregnancy, remain calm. Pregnancy is not an emergency. The following first trimester checklist isn’t a sprint – there is no rush. Take your time, and meander through this list and implement each task one at a time as it makes sense for you and your lifestyle.
- Enjoy frequent naps
- Take a quality prenatal vitamin with folate (not folic acid)
- Read first trimester pregnancy books
- Interview doulas
- Interview care providers
- Manage morning sickness symptoms
- Establish a gentle exercise routine
- Eat favorite pregnancy super foods
- Buy a pregnancy journal
- Schedule quality time with partner
Second Trimester Checklist
The second trimester is the golden trimester. Morning sickness fades, baby’s kicks are felt from the outside, an adorable baby bump emerges and the aches and pains are mostly delayed until the third trimester. The second trimester is for FUN! Use this ultimate fun second trimester to-do list to make the most of every week!
- Read a favorite second trimester pregnancy book
- Implement gentle exercise
- Resume healthy eating
- Book a prenatal massage
- Sign up for a childbirth class
- Hire a doula
- Establish care with the best provider
- Book an ultrasound
- Plan a gender reveal
- Schedule a maternity photoshoot
- Pick a pediatrician
- Attend a cloth diaper workshop
- Attend a babywearing workshop
- Register for baby
- Plan a babymoon
Third Trimester Checklist
The third trimester is the final homestretch before baby. Many things need to be done to ensure a healthy, natural and happy transition to parenthood. Use this third trimester checklist to get things done, without going insane!
- Prioritize sleep
- Get a pedicure
- Hire a housecleaner
- Continue gentle pregnancy exercise
- Schedule alone time
- Schedule social time
- Write birth plan
- Create packing list for hospital
- Tour the hospital
- Take a breastfeeding class
- Attend a breastfeeding support group meeting
- Read third trimester pregnancy books
- Communicate postpartum needs
- Download contraction timer app
- Buy comfortable clothes for postpartum
- Buy a postpartum survival kit
- Gather homebirth supplies
- Prepare for placenta encapsulation
- Prepare for water breaking
- Attend your baby shower or mother blessing
- Complete a natural baby registry
- Wash and organize baby clothes and diapers
- Finish baby nursery or mastursery
- Pick baby’s name
- Install carseat
- Meet with doula
- Plan for baby announcements
- Stock the freezer and pantry
- Stock up on consumables
- Finish thank-you’s
- Pay bills and catch up on paperwork
- Arrange for child and pet care
- Clean vehicles
The Ultimate Natural Pregnancy Checklist
Again, I highly encourage you to click through the following trimester checklists to read more information about why each task is on a list and how to implement it in the daily life.
Stephanie
Tuesday 14th of March 2017
I'm curious as to why the prenatals should have folate or folic acid? My ob wants me to take a prenatal and a folic acid supplement because research has found that a folic acid supplement has significantly reduced spina bifida.
Allie
Friday 8th of September 2017
Folate is the natural form of folic acid and is more easily absorbed by the body, so you will receive more benefits from REAL folate as opposed to synthetic folic acid!
Lisa
Friday 10th of March 2017
I love your list! So many great suggestions. I wish I would have gotten a prenatal massage! I would also add use birth affirmations. I started in the 2nd trimester. When do you think is a good time to start using affirmations?