The journey towards motherhood is the most magical yet challenging experience a woman goes through. To address her fear, anxiety and consciousness, various experts have discussed and recommended on the complete list of checkpoints for ensuring a natural pregnancy.

First trimester

“When in the 1^st trimester, would-be-mommies should not rush but take time and gradually implement each lifestyle habit for a healthier pregnancy,” wrote Lindsay, author of popular pregnancy blog, Mother Rising

Initial preparatory activities include choosing care providers and doulas who’ll be there to support them throughout their journey.

Next, expecting women need to take enough rest and frequent naps, read good books and pregnancy journals during their first trimester. Also, this is the time when they need to follow a gentle exercise routine after a consultation with the doctor.

Regarding dietary habits, most experts suggest eating ‘pregnancy super foods’ whichever the expecting woman prefers. Additionally, they need to take prenatal vitamins along with folate in their 1^st trimester.

Women also need to prepare for morning sickness symptoms including thirst, tiredness, dizziness, sensitivity, nausea, vomiting, etc. Here, scheduling appointment with the doctor is of prime importance.

According to Lindsay’s checklist, besides all of these, it is equally important to spend some quality time with one’s partner.

Coming to the golden phase, second trimester checklist includes hiring a doula, continuing healthy dietary habits, undergoing ultrasound, attending baby wearing and cloth diaper workshops, etc.

Second trimester

Second trimester is the time when women can feel baby kicks and can plan for gender revelation of the unborn. Making bookings for a prenatal massage is another essential pointer in this second trimester checklist.

It is also the ideal time for couples to plan for a baby moon before the final transition to parenthood.

Third trimester

Once in the third trimester, a would-be-mother needs to prioritize sleep and schedule some alone time. She needs to get a pedicure, pamper herself, select baby’s name, shop for postpartum clothes and home birth supplies, prepare the packing list for hospital, and complete all paperwork.

Writing a birth plan is another major point in a third trimester checklist. As labor is unpredictable, one must be prepared with things like pain management methods, place of delivery, people who’ll be present during labor, etc.

Furthermore, it is the phase to take classes for breastfeeding, prepare to encapsulate placenta and make other arrangements for the child. For those who have pets, arranging for pet care is also important during the third trimester.

A proper pregnancy checklist can ensure a smooth and happy transition to parenthood.