Skip to content

Top Navigation

Parents Parents
  • GETTING PREGNANT
  • PREGNANCY
  • BABY NAMES
  • BABY
  • TODDLER
  • BIG KID
  • FUN
  • HEALTH
  • PARENTING
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAY
  • News
  • THE STAY AT HOME GUIDE
  • SHOP
  • OUR MAGAZINES
  • MORE

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Your Profile
  • Your Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Parents

Parents Parents
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 22 Chore Ideas for Every Type of Kid

      Find a chore your kid loves to do, and start a habit of wanting to help out that'll last a lifetime. Read More Next
    • Top 5 Mom Friend Problems—And How to Fix Them

      Parenting is so much easier with good pals. Learn to overcome friendship hurdles and bond with women who get you. Read More Next
    • How to Sleep Train Toddlers and Big Kids

      I’m a pediatric sleep specialist who has seen it all, and I’m here to tell you that it’s not too late to get your child to (happily) stay in his own bed all night long. Read More Next
  • GETTING PREGNANT

    GETTING PREGNANT

    See All GETTING PREGNANT

    Your Chances of Getting Pregnant Every Day of the Month

    When sex coincides with your most fertile ovulation days, you'll increase your chances of getting pregnant. Get to know each phase of your cycle to make conception faster and easier.
    • Ovulation
    • Reproductive Age
    • Maximizing Your Fertility
    • Pre-Pregnancy Health
    • Trying to Conceive
    • Dealing With Infertility
    • Genetics
  • PREGNANCY

    PREGNANCY

    See All PREGNANCY

    Signs of Approaching Labor: How to Tell Your Baby is Coming Soon

    Anxiously awaiting your baby’s arrival? Learn to recognize the first signs of labor approaching, which signal that your little one might make an appearance soon.
    • Signs of Pregnancy
    • Pregnancy Week-by-Week
    • Giving Birth
    • Labor & Delivery
    • Pregnancy Symptoms
    • Due Date Calculator
    • Pregnancy Complications
    • Fetal Development
    • Gender Prediction
    • Baby Showers
  • BABY NAMES

    BABY NAMES

    See All BABY NAMES

    These Are the Most Popular Baby Names of 2020

    Curious which baby names stole the show this year? From new classics like Noah to tried-and-true faves like Ava, here are the top boy and girl names of the year so far, plus more naming trends to consider.
    • Baby Girl Names
    • Most Popular Names
    • Names by Origin
    • Twin Names
    • Baby Boy Names
    • Names by Religion
    • Celebrity Baby Names
    • Baby Name Quizzes
  • BABY

    BABY

    See All BABY

    How to Decode Your Baby's Cough

    Caring for a baby with a wet or dry cough? Listen for wheezing, hacking, or barking first, then read on to find out what's normal and when it's time to worry.
    • Newborn Care
    • Crying Baby
    • Health
    • Baby Development
    • Safety
    • Gear
    • Breastfeeding
    • Diapers
    • Sleep Issues
    • Feeding
    • Nursery
  • TODDLER

    TODDLER

    See All TODDLER
    • Preschool Activities
    • Behavior & Discipline
    • Toddler Development
    • Milestones
    • Potty Training
    • Starting School
    • Health
    • Safety
    • Childcare
  • BIG KID

    BIG KID

    See All BIG KID

    How to Deal With Bullies: A Guide for Parents

    Mean kids aren't just a middle-school problem. The trouble has trickled to the youngest grades. Learn how to spot it—and how to protect children of all ages from bullies at school.
    • Education
    • Health
    • Food & Nutrition
    • Bullying & School Problems
    • Child Development
    • Safety
    • Manners & Responsibility
  • FUN

    FUN

    See All FUN

    17 Budget-Friendly Kids’ Birthday Party Ideas

    A fun celebration doesn’t need to cost a pretty penny. Throw a memorable bash with these clever cost-cutting kids’ birthday party ideas.
    • Birthdays
    • Indoor Activities
    • Outdoor Activities
    • Arts & Crafts
    • Printable Coloring Pages
    • Kids' Entertainment
    • Best Toys
    • Holidays
    • Family Vacation Ideas
  • HEALTH

    HEALTH

    See All HEALTH

    All About Coronavirus COVID-19: A Concerned Parent's Guide

    Here’s everything you need to know about the disease that originated in Wuhan, China.
    • ADD & ADHD
    • Allergies
    • Autism
    • Cold & Flu
    • Coronavirus and COVID-19
    • Cough
    • Down Syndrome
    • Emergency Aid
    • Fever
    • Medication & Vitamins
    • Obesity
    • Rashes
    • Stomach Aches
    • Vaccines
  • PARENTING

    PARENTING

    See All PARENTING

    The Stay at Home Guide for Parents

    Everything you need to thrive at home as a family.
    • Positive Parenting
    • Parenting Style
    • Celebrity Parents
    • Family Dynamics
    • Divorce
    • Home
    • Adoption
    • Just for Mom
    • Money
    • Toy Recalls
    • Stroller Recalls
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    • Family Recipes
    • Baby Food
    • Toddler Finger Food Recipes
    • Hints & Tips
    • Healthy Eating
    • Birthdays
    • Holiday Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Meals
    • Food For Pregnant Women
  • HOLIDAY

    HOLIDAY

    See All HOLIDAY

    6 Easter Egg Science Experiments for Kids

    Smarten up your annual Easter tradition with these easy, educational egg dyeing ideas.
    • Christmas
    • New Year's
    • Valentine's Day
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Memorial Day
    • Father's Day
    • 4th of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
  • News
  • THE STAY AT HOME GUIDE
  • SHOP
  • OUR MAGAZINES

    OUR MAGAZINES

    See All OUR MAGAZINES
    • Parents
    • Parents Latina
    • Ser Padres
  • MORE

    MORE

    • Newsletters
    • Contests
    • ParentsIRL
    • Adulting
    • First Year Playbook
    • Celebrate Your Way

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Your Profile
  • Your Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Pregnancy & Birth
  3. Pregnancy Development Stages
  4. First Trimester Health
  5. 10 First Trimester To-Dos

10 First Trimester To-Dos

October 14, 2009
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
Congratulations on your pregnancy! You've seen the positive markers on an at-home pregnancy test and a blood test has confirmed you're expecting. Now what do you do? Our checklist will help you get through your first trimester and pave the way for the rest of your pregnancy ... and your new life with Baby!
Start Slideshow

1 of 13

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Your First Trimester of Pregnancy

Credit: StockByte/ Veer

What's first on your pregnancy to-do list? Get ready for the next nine month with these helpful tips. We'll guide you through your early-pregnancy essentials and get you on track for your next two trimesters (and beyond!).

1 of 13

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 13

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Find a healthcare provider

Credit: iStockphoto

Which is right for you, an ob-gyn or midwife? Prenatal health care is paramount in ensuring the continued health of you and your growing baby over the coming months. Ask family, friends, and co-workers to recommend a favorite doctor if you don't yet have one.

2 of 13

3 of 13

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Pregnancy Month by Month: Month 1

3 of 13

Advertisement

4 of 13

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Make your first prenatal appointment

Credit: istock

Time to call your doctor and make your very first prenatal appointment. Chances are it will involve confirming your pregnancy as well as some preliminary tests and paper work. (Somewhere around week 8 you'll likely have your first meeting with your doctor.)

4 of 13

5 of 13

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Know what's safe ... and what's not

Credit: PhotoAlto

Are you taking a prenatal vitamin? Do you know what foods to avoid or be sure to include in your daily diet? Now is the time to familiarize yourself with pregnancy dos and don'ts.

  • Pregnancy safety

5 of 13

6 of 13

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Eat healthfully

Stock your kitchen with healthy foods. Need ideas? Check out our recipes for healthy snacks.

6 of 13

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 13

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Stay hydrated

According to the American Pregnancy Association, drinking more fluids during pregnancy is essential. Your body needs more water to help support your and your Baby's growing blood volume. Not enough water can lead to constipation, fatigue, and even preterm labor. Time to fill your glass!

7 of 13

8 of 13

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Exercise regularly

Credit: StockByte/ Veer

Check out prenatal exercise classes in your area. Moderate exercise is a great energy booster. Check with your doctor about limitations and suggestions that are appropriate for your pregnancy. Not sure how to get started? Try these easy prenatal yoga tips.

  • Prenatal Yoga workout

8 of 13

9 of 13

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Know your rights

Credit: Fancy Photography/Veer

When you're ready, be sure to contact your HR representative and/or employer to announce your pregnancy. Before that meeting, be sure to explore maternity leave options in your workplace. Get to know the basics of maternity leave during and after pregnancy.

  • Maternity leave facts

9 of 13

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 13

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Budget for Baby

Credit: Veer

Set a maternity and baby budget ... and try hard to stick to it. You can keep costs down by buying certain items used, and do your homework! There are many hidden and surprising costs to being a parent.

  • How to save money

10 of 13

11 of 13

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Connect with your insurance provider

Credit: BananaStock

Learn about your health insurance's maternity coverage and check on how best to add your newborn to your family's health care plan. Having all your questions answered now can save you a lot of time and money later. Be sure to brush up on your health insurance basics.

  • Your insurance rights and information

11 of 13

12 of 13

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Decide where and how you'll give birth

Credit: Fancy Photography/Veer

It isn't too early to decide on where you'll give birth to your baby. Now is the time to research local hospitals, birthing centers, and other options (such as home birth). To help you organize your ideas, consider mapping out a birth plan.

  • Create your own birth plan

12 of 13

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 13

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Get lots of rest

Credit: Stockbyte/ Veer

Make time for naps when possible, and try to get to bed early. Your body is growing and changing -- and Baby needs you to be healthy and alert! Having troubles getting some good Zzzz? Our sleep solution tips can help you attain a peaceful and productive night's sleep.

Copyright © 2009 Meredith Corporation.

All content on this Web site, including medical opinion and any other health-related information, is for informational purposes only and should not be considered to be a specific diagnosis or treatment plan for any individual situation. Use of this site and the information contained herein does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your own health or the health of others.

  • Sleep essentials

13 of 13

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 13 Your First Trimester of Pregnancy
2 of 13 Find a healthcare provider
3 of 13 Pregnancy Month by Month: Month 1
4 of 13 Make your first prenatal appointment
5 of 13 Know what's safe ... and what's not
6 of 13 Eat healthfully
7 of 13 Stay hydrated
8 of 13 Exercise regularly
9 of 13 Know your rights
10 of 13 Budget for Baby
11 of 13 Connect with your insurance provider
12 of 13 Decide where and how you'll give birth
13 of 13 Get lots of rest

Share options

Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Login

Parents

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • About Us
  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Customer Service this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Advertise this link opens in a new tab
  • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
  • From Our Sponsors this link opens in a new tab
  • Affiliate Program this link opens in a new tab
  • Sitemap

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
  • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en EspaƱol this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
  • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
Parents.com is part of the Parents Network. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.parents.com

View image

10 First Trimester To-Dos
this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.