Congratulations Mommy! You are in your second trimester.
The tough first trimester is now over and this is supposed to be the “honeymoon phase”. Whew, it had its tough moments with morning sickness, fatigue, and a lot of emotions, but hey, we made it through!
The second trimester feels like stepping into a magical realm of relief and renewed energy.
Now, imagine flipping a page in the big book of pregnancy –that’s what entering the second trimester feels like. Morning sickness is taking a little break, and I swear, energy is my new best friend. They weren’t kidding about that pregnancy glow – it’s real!
So, what’s up for this “golden period“? Less sickness, more energy, and all those amazing changes they promised. It’s like getting the VIP pass to a smoother ride.
This is the phase when you will know about the gender, travel for some baby moon, share this exciting news with friends and family, feel the baby kicks, see the belly grow in size, pregnancy glow, etc.
And guess what? It’s not just about baby prep; it’s about pampering ourselves, savoring the journey, and creating moments we’ll cherish forever. So, let’s dive into the second trimester to-do list, celebrating the joys and embracing the preparations that lie ahead!
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Second Trimester To-Do List
The second trimester starts around the 14th week and ends by the 27th week. It starts from months four to seven of your pregnancy.
Here is my list of things that I felt were important to be done in the second trimester, so I can focus on more important things in the Third Trimester and give myself enough time to relax.
1. Order a Pregnancy Journal:
It’s one of those pregnancy memory books that you would like to gift your baby when they can understand the emotions in it.
Think of it as a personal space where you can write about those tiny kicks, ultrasound pics, gender-reveal pics, belly bump-growing pics, funny cravings, and all the exciting moments of getting ready to be a parent. It’s a book where both To-be Mom and Dad can pen down their emotions for the baby.
It’s like creating a memory book that captures the awesome journey of bringing a little one into the world.
My favorite pregnancy journal is: Pregnancy Journal
2. Know the Sex of the baby:
Knowing the baby’s sex is like discovering a sneak peek into the future, whether it’s going to be pink dresses or little superhero outfits. It’s the exciting moment when you get to learn more about the tiny human growing inside you and start imagining all the fun adventures that lie ahead.
If you’re fortunate, you may discover the baby’s gender during the First Trimester while going through the blood work of genetic testing. Otherwise, the ultrasound around week 20 becomes a significant and surprising moment, unveiling the mystery of your baby’s gender.
3. Gender Reveal Party:
Now when you know the gender of the baby, you need to decide how you want to reveal this to friends and family. Usually. During the 5th month is the best time to reveal this.
There are various choices – throw a gender reveal party with friends and family, ask your close ones to throw this party for you especially when you want this to be a surprise for the parents, share a cute gender reveal photo on social media, or keep it a secret.
There are various Gender Reveal Party kits available on Amazon. My favorite is:
While parties are fun, they can add pressure, especially if you have a preference. My favorite is to keep it a surprise .
4. Consider Baby Names:
Now that you’re aware of the baby’s gender, your mind naturally shifts to naming possibilities, and you begin crafting a list that will lead to the ultimate decision in the third trimester.
It’s during the second trimester that you will find the ideal moment to engage in conversations with your partner about potential names, drawing inspiration from friends, movies, books, and more. This timeframe proves to be the optimal period for brainstorming and expanding your collection of baby names.
5. Start buying Maternity Clothes:
You might notice your usual clothes feeling snug, with your breast size increasing and becoming more tender. It’s the right moment to consider investing in comfortable maternity clothes that can last you till the end of pregnancy. Here are some recommendations for high-quality and exceptionally comfortable clothing options.
6. Start Clearing Out Stuff from your Wardrobe:
During your second trimester, it’s time to declutter your closet – basically, start sorting through your clothes and decide what to keep, toss, or donate.
It’s like getting your wardrobe in order as part of your to-do list while you’re in the middle of your pregnancy.
Making space for comfy and cute maternity wear might just make you feel more organized and ready for the changes ahead.
7. Get Some Exercise and Walk:
Add a bit of walking and exercise to your to-do list. It’s like giving your body some gentle movement – not too intense, just a good stroll to keep you feeling active and healthy during this part of your pregnancy.
8. Plan a BabyMoon:
It’s like a vacation for you and your partner before the baby arrives. Consider it a special trip to relax and enjoy some quality time together before things get busier. Add it to your to-do list because it’s a chance to have a little getaway, just the two of you, and create some wonderful memories before the baby’s big arrival.
Before the start of your Third Trimester, if your healthcare provider allows, this is a good time to relax and travel.
9. Inform at Workplace:
During your second trimester, make it a point to share the news about your pregnancy at work – it’s like giving your colleagues and boss a heads-up. Also, it’s a good heads-up for your manager if things become difficult during the Third Trimester.
10. Explore the Maternity Leave Policies:
During your second trimester, make sure to review your workplace’s maternity leave policies – it’s like examining the company’s plan for when your baby arrives.
Include it in your to-do list because you want to be aware of the available time off and the support provided.
This process will also give you insights into your financial situation for the next year.
Trust me, understanding these policies can be time-consuming and complex, and you may need to reach out to your HR or a third party handling maternity leaves, multiple times to grasp the impact on your finances, the duration of leaves allowed, and the possibility of dividing them into segments throughout the year if needed.
Starting this process sooner will make it easier for you as you approach the end of your pregnancy.
12. Register for a few Prenatal Classes: birth, labor, breastfeeding, first aid, newborn care, and maternity leave :
Put it on your to-do list because these classes teach you important stuff about pregnancy, labor, and taking care of a newborn. It’s kind of like a crash course to make sure you’re prepared and confident when the big day arrives.
13. Research Pediatricians:
It’s crucial to know who will be taking care of your little one once they arrive. Think of it as choosing a guide for your baby’s health journey, making sure you find someone you trust and feel comfortable with. Doing this now helps you feel more at ease and prepared when your bundle of joy makes its debut.
14. Celebrate Milestones:
Capture the growing bump in monthly photos.
15. Start creating your Baby Registry:
There are various places where you can create registries like Amazon, Babylist, Target, Walmart, macys and more.
In your second trimester, begin making your baby registry – think of it as creating a wishlist for all the stuff you’ll need when the baby arrives. Add it to your to-do list because it’s like telling friends and family the things you’d love as gifts for your little one.
It’s an exciting way to prepare for your baby’s arrival, making sure you have all the essentials ready. Read books on baby care or join apps to read every week’s progress
16. Get some Dad books:
Add this to your to-do list because these books offer helpful advice and insights into fatherhood. It’s a perfect gift for Dad-To-be.
It’s a way to prepare for the exciting journey of becoming a dad, covering everything from baby care to mom’s 9 months of pregnancy phase to navigating the challenges of parenthood.
Think of it as a guide to boost your confidence and make sure you’re ready for the adventures of fatherhood when the baby arrives.
Here are a few favorites that I ordered for my husband :
- We are Pregnant :
We are Pregnant - The Expectant Father :
The Expectant Father
17. Increase the Intake of Proteins and Fruits:
Grab some protein-packed foods and delicious fruits to keep yourself and your baby strong and nourished during this important phase of pregnancy.
18. Start sleeping on your side:
When in this phase, you won’t be able to sleep anymore on your back. It will put pressure on your spine and will increase the backache.
While it’s often recommended to sleep on your left side during pregnancy for optimal oxygen-rich blood flow to the uterus, the truth is, you should feel free to choose the side that feels most comfortable for you.
19. Get a Pregnancy Pillow:
These special pillows are designed to help ease discomfort and support your growing belly. These pillows are body-hugging pillows and great support to the back.
My few favorites are :
20. Start discussing about Baby Shower with your partner:
Add it to your to-do list because it’s a way to gather friends and family for gifts, games, and good times before the baby arrives. Think of it as a joint effort with your partner to make sure the baby shower reflects both of your styles and preferences. So, start chatting about the baby shower plans for a memorable pre-baby bash!
21. Start discussing about Maternity Photo Shoot with your partner:
It’s a special way to document this precious time and create lasting memories. Consider it a joint decision with your partner to make sure the photoshoot reflects your style and captures the joy of expecting a little one.
So, start talking about the maternity photo shoot for a wonderful keepsake of this unique chapter in your lives!
22. Start watching Happy and Fun Movies or Series :
Grab some popcorn, find a comfy spot, and indulge in movies or series that bring a smile to your face as you enjoy this stage of your pregnancy, the baby enjoys it too.
23. Reduce the Stress level :
Add some walks, yoga, and happy movies in your to do list to reduce your stress and mood swings.
24. Plan for some help needed in the Third Trimester and Postpartum :
In your second trimester, start thinking about getting some help for the Third Trimester, and after the baby arrives – it’s like setting up support so you’re not overwhelmed. Put it on your to-do list because having assistance can make the last trimester and the initial postpartum period smoother.
Think of it as planning to have friends, family, or hired help available for things like meals, chores, or just lending a hand when you need it.
25. Make Dentist and Eye Checkup Appointment :
It’s a fact that pregnancy can make you more prone to dental and eye problems. You might experience blurriness or notice an increase in your eye prescription. Pregnancy can also make your teeth and gums more sensitive, leading to potential gum bleeding. It’s advisable to schedule regular appointments to keep a check on these aspects of your health during this time.
In addition to these task lists, remember to consistently take your supplements and pay extra attention to your diet. Feel free to check out my blog for recommendations on the Best Prenatal Vitamins
My blog on Healthy Snacks for Pregnancy Cravings can healthily satisfy all your pregnancy cravings.