Pregnancy can both be an exciting and stressful news for a woman, especially if you are expecting your first child.
There are so many things you need to do, it can be overwhelming if you’ve never been a parent before.
To help you plan ahead, we compiled a checklist of the important things you should do leading up to child birth.
First Trimester
The first trimester is the first 12 weeks of the pregnancy.
This period is crucial for the baby’s development.
Getting your health in order
During the first few weeks of fetal development, it is important you eat healthy. It is also best if you do not smoke and drink while you are pregnant. However, if you have unhealthy habits, it’s never too late to change.
See an Obstetrician/Gynecologist
You’ll want to book an your Obstetrician/Gynecologist in the first trimester, often around week 8.
A Obstetrician/Gynecologist can
- Help you establish viability (listening for a heartbeat)
- Confirm the number of fetuses (single, twins, triplets, or more?)
- Run some time-sensitive tests
- Tell you your estimated due date
Eating and Sleeping habits
The most common symptom of early pregnancy is exhaustion. If you are tired, you can take a short 20 minute power-naps to help you regain energy.
You may also develop cravings for specific foods like sour plums, instant noodles, etc. You can eat these, but like all food, eat in moderation.
Second Trimester
The second trimester is between week 13 to 26 of pregnancy.
During this period, the fetus will go through a lot of changes (eg. develop organs).
Inform Your Boss and Colleagues
Most women do not tell their boss until they’re in their second trimester, when the risk of miscarriage declines. It is important that you inform your colleagues, so they can keep a lookout for you.
Maternity Clothes
Most women don’t need maternity clothes until their second trimester, when your belly starts to pop.
You may be able to save money by asking family and friends if they have any maternity clothes which they no longer use. They may agree to lend or give their maternity clothes to you.
Maternity Insurance
Maternity insurance is a term insurance that can be bought during the pregnancy period. The main purpose of the plan is to cover for pregnancy complications and congenital illness for the new born baby.
Depending on the plan, expectant mothers between week 13 and 36 week of pregnancy are eligible to apply for the plan. If you are interested to learn more, contact your FLA Organization financial planner for more information.
Other Insurance
If you don’t have the habit of reviewing your insurance plans regularly, it is a good time to do so during your 2nd trimester. In case things don’t work out the way you planned, you need to know how much money you can claim from your insurers.
Third Trimester
The third trimester is from week 27 until delivery, which is usually around week 40.
During this trimester, your baby will gain significant body mass and weight.
Choosing a Baby Name
If you haven’t decided on your baby’s name yet, the middle of the third trimester is a good time to start brainstorming. Any later and you may have to think of a name in the recovery room.
Stop Working
Most women can safely work right from start to the end of pregnancy, but it’s always nice to take one week leave before you go into labor.
Postpartum (After Birth)
The first 3 months after giving birth is called Postpartum or the “fourth trimester”.
The postpartum can be a difficult period for the baby. Before your baby can adjust to life outside the womb, you should try to keep your baby calm by replicating life in the womb as closely as possible. This can be achieved by:
- Holding the baby close
- Gently swaying or rocking the baby
- Making swishing or shushing noises
- Swaddling
- Giving the baby opportunities to suck, either during breastfeeding or by using a pacifier
This period can also be very tiring for new parents. It is vital to rest as much as possible. To make life a little easier, get help from family and friends. This can be in the form of meals, babysitting older siblings, or cleaning or laundry as needed.
After giving birth, a woman will experience Lochia, or bleeding and vaginal discharge, that continues for 4–6 weeks after birth. Her breasts may be sore and leak as she adjusts to breastfeeding.
Many women experience mood swings, or “baby blues,” after birth. This is usually due to the fluctuation in hormones. Some may also experience postpartum depression after childbirth. This includes feelings of intense sadness, fatigue, anxiety, and hopelessness that can affect her ability to care for herself and the baby.
Postpartum depression is treatable, so anyone experiencing these symptoms should speak to a doctor as soon as possible.
All content on this Web site is for informational purposes only and should not be considered to be a specific diagnosis or treatment plan for any individual situation. 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.
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