Your Second Trimester Checklist

The second trimester can feel a little like the honeymoon period of pregnancy…morning sickness has hopefully abated, pregnancy fatigue isn’t quite as oppressive, and you’re not yet burdened by the third trimester symptoms that can slow you down. (Of course, second trimester symptoms aren’t exactly a walk in the park either, but many expecting parents find that this period is a bit of a reprieve!) Take advantage of this little spring in your step to start checking some essentials (including some pretty fun tasks!) off your pregnancy to-do list!

Second Trimester Checklist

▢ Sign up for childbirth, baby care, & breastfeeding classes.

Most new parents today have little to no experience caring for a baby (not to mention breastfeeding or giving birth!). Brush up on the basics before life gets really busy.

▢ Discuss prenatal diagnostic tests with your doctor.

There are two types of genetic tests you’ll have the option of getting during pregnancy: Screening tests, which determine your likelihood of your baby having certain conditions and diagnostic tests, which confirm whether or not a particular condition is present. Your doctor will be your best guide when it comes to figuring out which tests are right for you—and in the meantime, you can read our comprehensive prenatal genetic testing explainer.

▢ Interview baby nurses or postpartum doulas.

A hundred years ago new parents had a literal village of helpers—grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins to help hold the baby, fix a meal, and help Mom recover. Today’s parents don’t have that same robust built-in support system (to say the least!). That’s where—if it’s in your budget—a baby nurse or postpartum doula can help with those early days. Here’s what to know about hiring a postpartum doula.

▢ Learn about the standard practice at your place of birth.

Now’s the time to ask about the practice and accommodations at your hospital or birthing center so you can start putting together a realistic birth plan.

▢ Pre-register at the hospital or birthing center.

Hospitals or birthing centers often require you to register in advance. Do it now while you don’t have too much on your plate.

▢ Book a babymoon!

Not all pregnancy to-dos should feel like an undertaking! Soak up your final pre-baby moments with a Babymoon. The second trimester is an ideal time to take a little pre-baby vacay—at this point most expectant parents are no longer feeling nauseous, and you still have the green-light from your provider to travel. Want to do something closer to home? Consider a babymoon staycation instead!

▢ Make a baby name list.

Picking a baby name is probably one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make (no pressure!). To start to narrow it down, check out the top boy names and top girl names, plus browse our favorite baby names by starting letter, country of origin, meaning, and more!

▢ Create your registry.

Some baby must-haves and nice-to-haves are probably starting to come into focus. Capture them all with a baby registry. Lost about what to add? Check out these baby registry recommendations from Dr. Harvey Karp, helpful but overlooked baby registry items, and our comprehensive baby registry checklist. (You can register for SNOO with Happiest Baby’s registry!)

▢ Plan your nursery.

Here’s a fun to-do: Start thinking about Baby’s room! There are truly infinite directions you can go…with nursery layouts, nursery rugs, nursery lighting, nursery paint colors, and (duh) nursery themes. Oh, and don’t forget to plan for these sleep-boosting nursery staples! Happy planning!

▢ Share your pregnancy with loved ones.

Sure, you could just pick up the phone, fire off a text, or casually mention that you’re expecting over brunch. But if you’re looking to spread your baby news with a little more flair (think: incorporating your dog or announcing in a way that makes people laugh), consider one of these pregnancy announcement ideas (especially when it comes to sharing with VIPs, like your bestie or parents).

▢ Decide how & when you’ll announce at work.

After you share your big news with loved ones, there’s announcing to your boss, direct reports, and other coworkers. Be sure to read our advice for telling your boss you’re pregnant!

▢ Install smoke alarms & babyproof your home.

Sure, your little one won’t be pulling to stand or toddling around for quite some time, but there are still important steps you should take to get your home ready for your baby before they arrive (and particularly when it comes to fire safety!).

▢ Communicate your baby shower wishes.

If you’re fortunate to have someone throw you a baby shower, don’t be afraid to speak up about what you want out of the event! Peep these ideas for baby shower themes. Or, if it’s not your thing, consider a baby shower alternative. Wondering if you’re overstepping? Check out our baby shower etiquette guide. And everything else you need to know about baby showers here!

▢ Research cord blood banking.

If you decide to bank cord blood, you’ll need to let your care team know and order a kit ahead of your birth. Here’s everything you need to know about donating or banking cord blood.

▢ Build your pregnancy wardrobe.

That bump is probably getting pretty hard to tuck into your usual pair of jeans these days. Treat yourself to new maternity duds that’ll take you through these final two trimesters!

▢ Take maternity photos!

Even if you’re normally a little camera shy, someday you’ll cherish photo evidence of this special time! Here are a few maternity photo shoot ideas to consider.

▢ Bookmark our week-by-week pregnancy guide...

And sign up for our pregnancy newsletter, too! We'll guide you through the rest of your pregnancy with Dr. Harvey Karp's best tips!

Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.