Your First Trimester Checklist
Congratulations on your pregnancy!
Sometimes knowing what to do or who to contact can be overwhelming. To help, here is a checklist of 20 things you might want to consider investing in during your first trimester of pregnancy:
A DOULA- this is probably the most important person to start saving for or booking in early pregnancy. Doula’s are trained professionals who provide physical, emotional, and informational support during pregnancy and childbirth, and also postpartum! They are essential throughout your journey and your midwife will be able to provide a list of local doulas in the area they usually work with or recommend as well. Doulas have been shown to improve birth outcomes and experiences for women. Don’t wait to book one!
Prenatal vitamins: These are specially formulated to meet the nutritional needs of both you and your baby. There are a few tips though to help you navigate choosing: you want to look for prenatal vitamins that include folate vs. folic acid; additionally, take into consideration that you should continue your prenatal vitamins postpartum as well and may be taking them for a long period. There are several great brands to choose from (i.e. Mary Ruth, Smarty Pants, Rainbow Light, Thorne, PinkStork, just to name a few options). They can come in several variations from capsules, gummies, or liquid if you have issues taking them. Additionally, some will have iron in them as well, this occasionally causes belly upset and can add to nausea/vomiting in early pregnancy. Make sure to take a look at the label to know what you are taking. Ask your midwife or provider for clarification if you have questions and bring them to your first OB appointment to review together.
Maternity clothes: As your body changes, you may find that your regular clothes no longer fit comfortably. The first trimester is a good time to start thinking about clothing changes. Pro Tip: Ask your friends/family for maternity clothes to save some $$ or buy at consignment sales. You can also use the old hair-tie trick through the buttonhole.
Breastfeeding Books or Classes: If your goal is to breastfeed your baby it is never too early to start looking into prenatal breastfeeding courses, resources, or books. Check out Nurture Lactation (https://nurturelactationkc.com/) and the classes, support groups, and events they have!
Body pillow: A body pillow can provide extra support and help you get a good night's sleep. For some this works well, for others, several pillows surrounding them do just as good as having a pillow in between their legs for back support.
Nausea relief: Nausea and vomiting are common in the first trimester, so you may want to have some ginger chews/drops, tea, or other remedies on hand to help.
Comfortable shoes: Your feet may swell during pregnancy, so comfortable shoes are a must-have. For some women, their feet grow and they never return to their pre-pregnancy shoe size!
Water bottle: Staying hydrated is important during pregnancy, so invest in a good water bottle (and a good-sized one to prevent having to always refill it!)
Belly balm/moisturizer: To soothe itchy skin as you grow, consider using a belly balm or oil. There are several to choose from. Coconut oil also works very well for this.
Pregnancy journal: Documenting your journey can be a great way to reflect on your experience and share it with your baby later in their life. There are so many great journals. You will enjoy reading back on these as your child grows up and remembering this special time.
Maternity bra: Your breasts will likely change during pregnancy, so investing in a comfortable and supportive bra is important. However, most will recommend waiting to do new size measurements until at least the late second or early third trimester when you typically see the most change in breast tissue. In the beginning, you may want a larger size for the tenderness or sensitivity most women experience.
Snacks: Eating small, frequent meals can help alleviate nausea, so stock up on healthy snacks. Always carry snacks!
Pregnancy books: Reading about pregnancy and childbirth can help prepare you for the journey ahead. Your midwife or provider may have a list to give you of recommended books to read. Our top recommendation: Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth and The Birth Partner.
Comfortable underwear: As your body changes, you may find that your regular underwear no longer fits comfortably.
Exercise or Activity in Pregnancy: There are so many ways to stay active in pregnancy, whether that is through yoga or other exercise. Invest in yourself during pregnancy and start early. Yoga can help you stay active and relaxed during pregnancy and can be helpful in labor as well.
Compression socks: Swelling in your legs and feet is common during pregnancy, so consider investing in compression socks or looking into options. Often, insurance will cover a portion of this so take advantage of that!
Heating pad: A heating pad can help relieve back pain and other discomforts associated with pregnancy. You can also create one at home that molds to your body easily through various DIY methods.
Pregnancy seat belt adjuster: this is a special seat belt that not only is more comfortable in pregnancy but also protects the baby in the event of a crash. (ex Tummy Shield). Otherwise, make sure the regular seat belt is always at the level of the pelvis and not on your stomach to protect the baby as it grows.
Maternity support belt: A support belt can help alleviate back pain and support your growing belly. This typically comes in handy in later pregnancy, however, some people find they need it earlier.
Car seat: While it may seem early, investing in a car seat is an important step to ensure your baby's safety. Research options early and save up for this important piece.
