14 Things to Do Before Baby Arrives

There's a lot to do before giving birth. Here's how to pace yourself and prepare for baby.

By Kerry Egan

istock

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First Trimester

Go with the Flow
Women like control. We try to conceive based on our age, our work schedule, or the seasons. But as you've figured out, your baby-to-be doesn't care about your schedule. Beth Provanzana, a Chicago mom of two, hoped to have her first child in the spring. Instead, Kate arrived in October -- just in time for a good Midwestern winter. As Beth remembers, "It bummed me out that I couldn't have that perfect June maternity leave; on the other hand, it was preparation for having kids -- you're no longer in control of everything."

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