Working moms are always short on time. Our lists make things a little easier -- just print and you're good to go!
The first trimester is all about taking care of yourself and letting others do the same.
- Choose your OB/GYN carefully -- they’re soon to be on your speed dial.
- Schedule your first prenatal visit and circle that due date on your calendar!
- Stop drinking, smoking and cut back on caffeine -- duh!
- Indulge! Try and get that extra hour of sleep, it will do you good and there won’t be time once baby arrives!
- Like broccoli and orange juice? Fabulous! You’ll need that folic acid, a good prenatal vitamin, and 8 glasses of water a day. (Hint: To offset nausea, try taking your vitamin supplements before bedtime.)
- Start scribbling. A pregnancy journal is the place to jot down your thoughts and changes in your body – it’s a great gift to yourself.
- Breasts! Yup, they’re getting bigger. Time to buy a good maternity bra.
- Massage? Lunch? Movie? Yes, yes, and yes! Let your husband, mother, girlfriend, sister, brother spoil you silly!
- Let the world know! Share the news with friends and family. (hint: don’t forget your employer. Brush up on your company’s maternity leave policy, too.)
- Develop your birth plan: Natural birth? Epidural? Doula?
- Pick your pediatrician -- you may even get a lollipop on your way out!
- Need childcare? Now’s a good time to check out your options.
- Get your living trust and will in order -- it’s not fun, but necessary.
- Time to retire your belly band and start shopping! You need maternity clothes and stylish fashions await.
- Create your baby registry. Everything from crib to stroller.
- Sign up for childbirth classes. Everything from Lamaze to lactation.
- Exercise! Prenatal yoga, Pilates or just talking a walk is a bonus for your belly.
- Celebrate your belly -- strike a pose for some pregnancy photos!
- Birth announcements and thank you notes - you’ll want to order and address them early.
- Sign up for infant CPR class and have your infant car seat professionally installed.
- It’s time for your baby shower! Enjoy!
- Paint your nursery, be bold! Try pumpkin, grass or strawberry instead of the old standards.
- Got laundry? Now’s the time to wash all those adorable layette items and organize your nursery.
- Choose a name! Don’t tell anybody unless you want lots of opinions!
- Make spreading the news about baby’s arrival easier -- create an email/phone tree that includes your pediatrician.
- Eyeing that pricey but gorgeous diaper bag? Now’s the time to splurge! (Hint: Daddy could use one, too!)
- Pack your hospital bag! You’re ready, you’re set, now go have your baby!
