A baby is growing inside you, your body is changing, your hormones are jumping, and you are up for a great ride. There are plenty of things you can do to make this journey as safe and pleasurable as possible. Prepare for what’s about to come and prepare well. This pregnancy checklist will help you make your pregnancy fun, systematic and memorable:

Tips for the first trimester:

Take your prenatal vitamin and insurance for baby’s health:

As soon as you are overwhelmed by the news of pregnancy, start taking a prenatal vitamin with 400 mcg of folic acid. This reduces the risk of neural-tube defects. Do a good research options for securing your upcoming baby’s health. One such move towards good health of your baby would be preserving his umbilical cord blood stem cells. Click here to read more about cord blood basics, benefits and umbilical cord blood stem cell banking facilities in India. Get all these questions answered well in advance.

Choose your Ob/Gynec:

It is time to look for an ob-gyn. If you don’t have one already, look for factors like proximity from your house, insurance coverage and which practice will best suit your perfect birth experience. Once you have chosen, book an appointment.

Schedule a check-up and take the tests:

In addition to your physical check-up, around the 10^th week you will have an ultrasound to check the baby’s heartbeat. Verify the due date with your ob/gyn.

During week 11 and 14, pregnancy screenings are given for pregnancy related plasma protein, HCG and blood tests that determine the risk of Down syndrome and trisomy. No matter what, you must take these tests between weeks 11-15.

Tips for the second trimester:

Enrol in a childbirth education class:

This is your 12-15^th week of pregnancy, you must enrol in a childbirth education class. The class goes on for 6 to 12 weeks and ideally you would want to finish by your 37^th week, in case you go into labour early. This class should cover the labour and birth process, also breathing and comfort measures.

Discuss your maternity leave and Set up the baby’s room:

If you are a working professional you will have to inform your Supervisor or Boss about your pregnancy on time. Discuss your maternity leave and all prospects of how work will be handled when you are gone. Once this is done, focus on setting up your baby’s room. Setting up your little one’s room along with planning the furniture can take quite some time. It is better to start now and occupy yourself with the best thing ever.

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Take a peek at your baby:

Around week 20, you will have an ultrasound. This is the time you check the growth of the baby and make sure all organs are developing properly. This is probably the time when you find out the sex of your little one.

The birth plan discussion and a babymoon:

Start discussing a birth plan with your partner and family members. Decide whom you want beside you during the birth of the baby. If you wish to go for a babymoon and are craving it, now is the best time to do it. Don’t push it, go for it.

Take the glucose screening:

During week 26-28, take the glucose screening to test for gestational diabetes.

Tips for the third trimester:

Start shopping and have a baby shower:

Start shopping for things you will need in the hospital like nursing bras, night gowns, baby clothes, diapers and wipes. Have your baby shower ideally two weeks before your due date so that you can shop for the things that didn’t come as gifts.

Choose a baby nurse and get help for the kitchen:

Interview and choose a nurse for your baby. Choose the best one as this person will be with your baby in their earliest days of life. Ensure to talk to your family and partner to get assistance with cooking and household chores, so that you can focus on the baby completely.

Choose a paediatrician and pack your hospital bag:

It is the perfect time to go scouting for the best paediatrician for your child. Do a good research and choose the best doctor, a one that your child will adore and like visiting. At the same time, start packing your hospital bag with all the essentials you and the baby will need. http://13.126.47.98/blog_/?p=595

Read up about breastfeeding:

If you intend to breastfeed which is best for the baby, get yourself completely prepared. Read up in depth about breastfeeding and also involve your partner in this learning. Do have a conversation with your doctor regarding the same as they will be able to give you the best tips.

Live this journey of your baby growing inside you with immense joy and positivity. While you enjoy the ride and keep yourself happy, don’t miss out on one time opportunity for preserving your baby’s cord blood stem cells, ensure that you take a presentation from reputed stem cell banks in India. Enjoy your pregnancy, relax and keep this pregnancy checklist with you through the 9 months, it’s sure to stand by you like a long lost friend!