Second Trimester: Checklist

ou've made it through the first trimester. If you haven't already spread the news, you are now in the proverbial "clear."

Many dub this trimester the "honeymoon period" since:

• You'll start to show (and not just feel "fat")

• You're not as large as you might get in the third trimester, so you're not yet completely uncomfortable. (There's a lot to look forward to, huh?)

• Hopefully any physical discomfort, i.e., morning (aka all day) sickness, from the first trimester will have subsided.

• Many ladies experience a heightened sense of sensation due to the increased level of blood flow. This translates quite positively in the boudoir...

Print this checklist to mark your completed items.
An interactive checklist is coming soon! 

	Health/Medical
	Continue seeing your OB/practitioner.
	Pre-register at the hospital (if they’ll let you).
	Decide if you’re going to bank your baby’s cord blood. If so, order the kit from your desired provider.
	Lifestyle
	Continue your healthy eating and exercise habits.
	Start doing your Kegel exercises.
	Enjoy a pregnancy massage (or two… or three… or…).
	Give in to those nesting instincts: Finish old projects, organize photo albums, clean out closets.
	Invest in a body pillow if you are having trouble sleeping.
	Planning
	Register for childbirth education classes (if you are planning on taking one).
	It may seem depressing, but you need to be practical. If you don’t already have these items, look into life and disability insurance, as well as creating a will.
	If you are going to paint the nursery, consider zero or low V.O.C. options. Otherwise paint the room as early as possible and air out the room to dissipate any odors or fumes.
	On The Job
	If you’re working and no one has yet noticed your expanding waistline, tell your employer and co-workers about your pregnancy.
	Begin looking into childcare if you are planning on working after the baby is born.
	Look into the Family and Medical Leave Act. (See What to Expect From Your Maternity Leave)
	Fun Stuff!
	Buy or borrow maternity clothes.
	Start shopping for nursery furniture and decor.
	Start creating your gift registry (or registries!) if you are planning on going this route.
	Go on a vacation or a "babymoon." (Talk to your practitioner about their recommended travel guidelines. Some suggest not traveling too far after your second trimester; others extend their "travel deadline" to 32 weeks.)
	Buy a baby name book (or visit The Cradle's Baby Name Search) and start thinking of your little one's name!  Our favorite book? The Baby Name Bible & Beyond Ava & Aiden: The Enlightened Guide to Naming Your Baby.
	Move on to Third Trimester: Checklist