71 steps · trimester by trimester
Pregnancy checklist by trimester: a practical to-do list
Pregnancy comes with a long, ever-changing to-do list. This trimester-by-trimester checklist breaks it into calm, manageable steps — from your first appointment to packing the hospital bag — so nothing important slips through the cracks. Tick things off as you go; your progress saves on this device.
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Medically reviewed guidance
Practical tools alongside trusted information.
Every pregnancy is different
This is a general guide, not a rulebook. Your timing, tests and needs will be personal to you — always follow the advice of your own doctor or midwife.
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- Book the next appointment
- Review supplements
- Prepare the hospital bag
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Everything from your first trimester to the hospital bag, baby essentials, documents and postpartum. Your ticks save automatically on this device.
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Sign in to syncThe early weeks — confirming your pregnancy and setting up care.
Often the most comfortable stretch — a good time to prepare.
The home stretch — getting ready to meet your baby.
Some items may be provided by your hospital — check before packing.
Practical basics by category — you don't need everything at once.
Looking after yourself matters as much as preparing for baby.
Safety first
When to call the doctor
Contact your doctor or maternity unit straight away if you have
- Vaginal bleeding or fluid leaking from the vagina
- A severe or persistent headache, or changes in your vision
- Severe or ongoing abdominal pain
- A noticeable drop or change in your baby's movements
- Signs of labour before 37 weeks (regular tightening, low back pain, pressure)
- High fever, or feeling very unwell
For more on the final weeks and the signs of labour, see our third trimester guide and labour & delivery guide.
Answers
Frequently asked questions
When should I pack my hospital bag?
Having your bag ready by around 35–36 weeks is a comfortable target, since babies can arrive earlier than the due date. If you have a higher-risk pregnancy or your doctor has advised it, pack sooner. Keep the documents and a going-home outfit for you and baby easy to grab.
What should I buy before the baby arrives?
Focus on the true basics first: somewhere safe for baby to sleep, a few clothes, nappies and wipes, feeding items, and a car seat if you travel by car. You can borrow, buy second-hand or add things gradually — babies need far less than most shopping lists suggest.
When should I choose a paediatrician?
Sometime in the third trimester is ideal, so you have a doctor lined up for your newborn's first check-up and vaccines. Ask friends, your obstetrician or your hospital for recommendations, and consider location and availability.
Do I need a birth plan?
A birth plan is optional but can help you think through your preferences — pain relief, who's with you, feeding — and share them with your care team. Hold it loosely: births rarely go exactly to plan, and your doctor's guidance on the day comes first.
When should I apply for maternity leave?
Check your employer's policy and local rules early — often in the second trimester — so you know your entitlement and notice period. In India, benefits like the Maternity Benefit Act and ESI may apply; our maternity schemes guide can help you check what you're eligible for.
How can my partner prepare?
Partners can come to appointments and classes, help pack the bag, learn the warning signs and the route to hospital, plan their own leave, and line up support for the early weeks. Sharing the mental load — not just the tasks — makes a real difference.
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