Pregnant? Here's what you need to take care of each trimester:

First trimester (weeks 1-13): Start with folic acid, plan your first check-up with the midwife, sign up for maternity care, and consider prenatal screening.
Second trimester (weeks 14-26): Arrange the 20-week ultrasound, inform your employer, get vaccinations such as the whooping cough shot and sign up for antenatal classes.
Third trimester (weeks 27-40): Collect baby gear, draw up a birth plan, arrange maternity leave and prepare for the maternity period.

Why a checklist by trimester? It helps you stay organised, reduce stress and plan everything well. Use this guide as a guide to navigate your pregnancy step by step.

The first trimester of your pregnancy, what do you need to arrange?

1. First Trimester: Laying the groundwork

The first trimester, from week 1 to week 14, forms the basis for a healthy pregnancy. This is the time to take important steps and organise everything properly.

1.1 Make Your First Medical Appointment

Schedule an appointment with an obstetrician or gynaecologist. During this first check-up, your pregnancy will be confirmed and you will receive advice on nutrition and lifestyle. Things like your blood pressure will also be checked and you will receive practical information about what to expect.

1.2 Start With Pregnancy Vitamins

Start folic acid (0.4-0.5 mg) immediately to reduce the risk of neural tube defects with 70% ^[1]. In addition, take vitamin D (10 mcg) for your baby's bone development and immune system. A pregnancy multivitamin can help supplement other important nutrients.

1.3 Prenatal Screening: What Are Your Options?

Between weeks 9 and 14, you can opt for various prenatal screenings. Consider the NIPT, a blood test that detects genetic abnormalities, or the combination test, which combines a blood test and neck fold measurement. You can also have a term ultrasound to determine your exact due date.

1.4 Arrange timely maternity care

Register for maternity care as soon as possible, preferably as soon as you know you are pregnant. Check with your health insurer which organisations are covered so that you do not incur unexpected costs.

By following these steps, you will lay a solid foundation for a healthy pregnancy and enter the second trimester with confidence.

2. Second Trimester: Preparing for the Next Steps

The second trimester, which runs from week 15 to week 27, is a period when you often have more energy. This is a good time to take care of important matters and prepare for what is to come.

2.1 The 20-week ultrasound

The 20-week ultrasound is a comprehensive check-up to see how your baby is developing. This includes assessing organs, growth and the position of the placenta. Your midwife or obstetrician will explain everything you need to know about the results of this ultrasound.

2.2 Inform Your Employer

Between weeks 12 and 16, it is useful to inform your employer of your pregnancy. Discuss your due date, any adjustments in your workplace and the planning of your maternity leave. Make sure that agreements made are also recorded in writing.

2.3 Health: Vaccinations and Dentist

During this trimester, there are a few health issues to consider:

Vaccinations

The flu shot during your pregnancy.
The whooping cough vaccination, also known as the 22-week jab.

Dental check-up
Hormonal changes can make you more prone to gum disease. A check-up at the dentist is therefore a good idea.

2.4 Courses: Pregnancy and Parenthood

The second trimester is a good time to sign up for courses that prepare you for childbirth and parenthood. Here are a few options:

Course	Recommended Period	Topics
Pregnancy course	20-24 weeks	Breathing and relaxation techniques
Breastfeeding course	28-32 weeks	Nutrition and techniques
Parenting course	From 24 weeks	Care and practical tips

Check whether your health insurance covers these courses and register in time, as popular courses fill up quickly. With these steps, you will be well prepared for the latter part of your pregnancy.

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3. Third Trimester: Preparing for your baby's arrival

The third trimester (weeks 28-40) marks the final stage of your pregnancy. This is the time to get everything ready for your baby's arrival.

3.1 Baby stuff and Name choice

Make sure you collect the most important baby stuff in time. Here is a handy overview:

Category	Main Items
Sleep	Cradle or cot, mattress, bedding
Care	Nappies, care products such as cream and wipes
Clothing	Rompers, socks, a hat
Transport	Car seat, pushchair
Nutrition	Bottles, breast or artificial feeding supplies

When choosing a name, you can consider its meaning, family traditions and possible nicknames.

3.2 Food choice

It is good to think now about your preference for breast or bottle feeding. Both options require some preparation.

Breastfeeding:

Take a course to prepare.
Purchase practical supplies, such as nursing bras and nursing pads.
Consider contacting a lactation consultant for additional guidance.

Bottle feeding:

Choose suitable bottles and teats.
Orient yourself to different types of formula.
Arrange a bottle steriliser to keep everything hygienic.

3.3 Leave and Childbirth

Maternity leave:
Set the start and end dates of your leave and ensure a smooth transfer of work.

Make a concise childbirth plan outlining your preferences, such as location and possible pain management. Discuss this with your healthcare provider.

3.4 Aftercare

Start thinking about the support you will need after giving birth. This can range from practical help to professional care:

Ask family or friends to help with meals or shopping.
Consider domestic support if things get busy.
See if professional maternity care or other support services are needed.

Planning for the first few weeks can help you keep calm and structure during this exciting time.

Besides these preparations, there remain general tasks that are important throughout your pregnancy.

4. Continuous Tasks During Each Trimester

4.1 Insurance and financial planning

During your pregnancy, it is smart to keep a close eye on your insurance and financial planning. This will give you more peace of mind and space to focus on your pregnancy.

Here are a few key points to watch out for:

Check your health insurance for what is covered for antenatal care and maternity care.
Adjust your life insurance as your family grows.
Make a budget for baby gear and the period of your leave.

4.2 Building your Support Network

A good support network can make your pregnancy a lot easier. Focus on:

Family and friends who can help you, both practically and emotionally.
Contact with other expectant parents through antenatal classes.
Open and clear communication about what you need and what you expect.

4.3 Focus on Health and Wellbeing

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Advises pregnant women to exercise moderately for 150 minutes every week ^[1]. Get a good balance in your health:

Physical health:

Stay active with activities such as walking or swimming that are safe during pregnancy.
Make sure you have a varied diet and eat plenty of iron-rich foods.

Mental health:

Schedule moments to relax.
Discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.

Keep a notebook to write down questions for your check-ups. Keeping a consistent eye on these points will help you tackle trimester-specific tasks with more confidence.

Conclusion: Staying On Track During Your Pregnancy

Being pregnant brings a lot of changes and responsibilities. By dividing your tasks by trimester, you can go through this special period in an organised and step-by-step manner. This helps you stay organised and look ahead with confidence.

Make room for adjustments and support. No two pregnancies are the same, so it is important to tailor your checklist to your personal situation. Discuss your plans with your healthcare providers to prioritise and adjust your approach where necessary.

Here are a few practical tips:

Use your checklist as a guideline, not a rigid obligation. Adjust it when necessary.
Coordinate your schedule regularly with your partner.
Make sure you have enough moments of rest and time for yourself.

By dividing your tasks by trimester, you create a clear roadmap. However, remember that not everything has to be perfect. Focus on what is most important to you and let the rest go.

Connect with others. Sharing experiences with other expectant parents can provide you with valuable tips and emotional support. This makes the road to parenthood not only easier, but also more enjoyable.

With feasible planning and good guidance, you can look forward to your baby's arrival with confidence. Use this checklist as a handy guide, but don't forget to enjoy this special time in your life.

Do you have questions about specific aspects of your pregnancy? Check out the frequently asked questions below.

Frequently asked questions

Besides the checklist for each trimester, here we answer some frequently asked questions about pregnancy and preparation.

What should I arrange by trimester?

Here is an overview of what you can arrange for each trimester:

First trimester (weeks 1-13): Start taking folic acid, schedule your first check-up with the midwife, sign up for maternity care and consider prenatal screening if needed.
Second trimester (weeks 14-26): Arrange the 20-week ultrasound, inform your employer about your pregnancy, arrange for any vaccinations and start antenatal classes.
Third trimester (weeks 27-40): Gather everything you need for the baby, draw up a birth plan, arrange your leave and prepare for the maternity period.

"Taking folic acid during early pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of birth defects such as spina bifida and cleft palate" ^[1].

How do I prepare for the maternity period?

Good preparation for the maternity period can give a lot of peace of mind:

Register for maternity care before week 16 to be sure of a place.
The maternity nurse will help you with:
- The caring for your baby
- Breastfeeding counselling
- Supporting your own recovery
- Practical tips on nutrition and care

What if I need extra help?

If you need extra support, there are several options:

Discuss your needs and concerns with your midwife in time.
Ask family and friends for practical help, such as errands or household chores.
Check with your health insurer about additional care options available.