Trimester Checklistfirst Trimester

First Trimester Checklist

Essential tasks and appointments for weeks 1-13 of pregnancy.

Best to start: As soon as you get a positive pregnancy test

Overview

The first trimester is a time of major changes as your body adjusts to pregnancy and your baby's organs begin forming. This checklist helps you navigate important early pregnancy tasks.

Many first trimester tasks focus on establishing prenatal care, making healthy lifestyle changes, and managing early pregnancy symptoms.

Medical Care

  • Take a home pregnancy test
  • Schedule your first prenatal appointment (usually around 8 weeks)
  • Choose a healthcare provider (OB-GYN or midwife)
  • Have your first ultrasound (dating scan between 7-13 weeks)
  • Complete first prenatal lab work (blood type, Rh factor, STD screening, etc.)
  • Discuss prenatal vitamin recommendations
  • Review any medications you're taking for safety
  • Get screened for genetic conditions if desired
  • Schedule nuchal translucency screening (11-14 weeks) if desired

Lifestyle Changes

  • Start taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid (400-800 mcg)
  • Stop alcohol consumption completely
  • Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
  • Avoid raw fish, deli meats, unpasteurized cheese, and high-mercury fish
  • Limit caffeine to 200mg or less per day
  • Review workplace safety and accommodations needed
  • Avoid hot tubs, saunas, and overheating
  • Stay hydrated - drink 8-10 glasses of water daily

Financial Planning

  • Review your health insurance coverage for pregnancy and birth
  • Understand your maternity leave policy
  • Begin budgeting for baby expenses
  • Consider if you'll use FSA/HSA for pregnancy expenses
  • Research childcare options and costs
  • Look into life insurance
  • Start or increase emergency savings

Emotional & Social

  • Decide when to announce your pregnancy
  • Tell your employer (consider timing)
  • Join pregnancy support groups or online communities
  • Talk to your partner about parenting expectations
  • Consider if you want to find out baby's sex
  • Discuss how to handle unsolicited advice
  • Manage anxiety about miscarriage risk
  • Start pregnancy journaling if desired

Education

  • Learn about first trimester symptoms and what's normal
  • Research pregnancy dos and don'ts
  • Read about fetal development week by week
  • Learn about prenatal testing options
  • Start researching birth options (hospital, birth center, home birth)
  • Begin reading pregnancy books
  • Follow evidence-based pregnancy accounts on social media

💡 Helpful Tips

  • ✓Don't worry if you can't keep food down - your baby gets what it needs from your stores
  • ✓Rest as much as possible - first trimester fatigue is real and temporary
  • ✓Keep crackers by your bed for morning sickness
  • ✓Take photos of your changing body
  • ✓It's okay not to feel excited every moment - pregnancy emotions are complex
  • ✓Miscarriage risk drops significantly after seeing heartbeat on ultrasound
  • ✓Many women feel better in the second trimester

Related Checklists

Second Trimester Checklist →Prenatal Appointment Schedule →

💾 Tip: Use your browser's print function (Ctrl/Cmd + P) to save or print this checklist for easy reference.

This checklist is a general guide. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations based on your specific situation.

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