Healthy Pregnancy & Birth To Do List: Month 6

Welcome to Month 6 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 7-10, plus postpartum, in the coming weeks! Take a look at the checklists from previous months.

Healthy Pregnancy & Birth To-Do List: Month 6

Weeks 21-24 of pregnancy: on the back end of your second trimester! Many people are regularly feeling baby kick and move during this time, and starting to feel increased physical discomforts as your body adjusts to a growing pregnancy. The following are helpful and healthy things you can do during this month of pregnancy.     

 You've made it half way (-ish... 40 weeks is just an estimate and many first pregnancies go past 40 weeks) -- celebrate your progress with a night out (or in!). 

 Care provider check in: Are you still happy/satisfied with the care you're receiving? Switching to a new office/provider can make a huge difference, and it's not too late! 

 Continue taking your daily folic acid supplement and prenatal vitamin.

 Follow up: Did you sign up for a childbirth class and breastfeeding class?  

 Mental and emotional health check: Do you feel like yourself? Do you feel overwhelmed, like you can't handle everything? If not, don't wait -- talk to your doctor. Prenatal mood disorders are common and treatable.

 Start thinking about a postpartum plan. Consider the kind of support you'll want and who best to provide that support. 

 Struggling with getting the sleep you need? Go to bed 30 minutes earlier tonight. Or, start with 15 minutes if that feels too hard. Thirty minutes before sleep, wind down with a book or so relaxing deep breathing -- avoid screens. Try to get at least 7 hours of sleep a night.  

 Research strollers, slings, car seats and more, then update your baby registry. 

 Keep tracking questions between prenatal appointments.  

 Keep up the good work exercising! Feeling frustrated or unmotivated? Grab a friend and go for a walk. Social connection makes exercise more fun and your mental health will benefit from both! 

 Planning a baby shower? Work to finalize location, guest list, and menu. 

 Maternity leave planned? Wrap up any final details if necessary. 

 Start researching pediatricians. Ask family, friends, and your childbirth class teacher for recommendations.  

Tags