Healthy Pregnancy & Birth To Do List: Month 3

Welcome to Month 3 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 4-10, plus postpartum, in the coming weeks! Check out the early months checklists!

Healthy Pregnancy & Birth To-Do List: Month 3

Weeks 9-12 of pregnancy -- the final stretch of the first trimester! You may really start to feel like your pregnant this month -- and you may not; everyone experiences pregnancy differently. Find out what to focus on this month.    

 Attend your first prenatal appointment -- be sure to discuss any/all health concerns and get your questions answered. 

 Unhappy with your chosen care provider? Switching care providers early in your pregnancy is easier than in later months.

 Take your daily folic acid supplement and prenatal vitamin.

 Still nauseous? Eat smaller more bland meals, avoid noxious smells, and eat foods high in carbohydrates and low in fats. Carbonated beverages and sports drinks can help, too. If your nausea is unmanageable, talk to your care provider about medication that can help. 

 If you're still struggling with smoking, drinking alcohol, or taking recreational drugs, seek help from your doctor or a recovery specialist

 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.

 Pay attention to your diet/eating habits to find ways to add in more nutrients. Eating more colorful foods is a surefire way to boost nutrition.

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

 Sign up for an early pregnancy class to learn how to get your pregnancy off on the best start and keep it that way.

 Make a note of any questions that pop up in between prenatal appointments. Write them down in your pregnancy tracker app or a notebook. 

 Research prenatal-specific exercise classes near you. Exercise helps keep your body strong for pregnancy and birth, and provides a boost of energy. 

 Decide when to tell family, friends, and coworkers about your pregnancy. There's no "right" time -- choose what feels right for you. 

 Tight pants already? It's not uncommon, even this early. Switch to stretchy pants/leggings when possible, and give other pants a little more room with the rubber band trick.