Pregnancy to-do list by trimester
Short answer: the first trimester is about appointments and paperwork, the second about planning and shopping, and the third about getting the bag, the car seat and the home ready. Split each task between you and your partner so neither of you carries the whole list.
This is a general planning list, not medical advice. Tests, timing and care should follow your doctor or midwife.
First trimester (weeks 1–13)
- Hospital: book your first prenatal appointment and start a list of questions for it.
- Paperwork: check your health insurance coverage and your workplace's parental leave policy.
- Self-care: write down the medicines and supplements you take to show your care provider.
- Partner: put appointment dates in a shared calendar and come to a visit if possible.
Second trimester (weeks 14–27)
- Hospital: ask about childbirth classes and when to pre-register at the hospital.
- Paperwork: plan the dates for parental leave and tell your employer when you are ready.
- Shopping: make a baby gear list (car seat, sleep space, stroller, clothes) and set a budget.
- Home: clear a space for the baby and plan any furniture changes.
- Partner: compare baby gear and take charge of the shopping list.
Third trimester (weeks 28–40)
- Hospital: go over your birth plan at a checkup and confirm when to call once labor starts.
- Shopping: pack the hospital bag for mom, partner and baby.
- Home: install the car seat, wash newborn clothes and stock easy meals.
- Paperwork: keep ID, insurance and hospital forms in one folder.
- Partner: plan the route to the hospital, arrange care for pets or older children and keep the phone charged.
Make the list share itself
A list only works if both of you can see it. Cradlio has a built-in pregnancy to-do list grouped by weeks and sorted into hospital, shopping, paperwork, home and self-care. Mark each item Me, Partner or Together, add your own, hide the ones that don't fit and share the list as text — no sign-up.
FAQ
What should a first time mom do first?
Book the first prenatal appointment, start a list of questions for it, and check the paperwork side: insurance and your workplace's leave rules. Everything else can wait a few weeks.
What can my partner take over?
Paperwork, research and logistics: leave forms, comparing baby gear, setting up the nursery, installing the car seat and planning the route to the hospital.
I am behind on my list — is that a problem?
No. These lists are a guide, not a schedule. Move unfinished items to this week, hide the ones that don't apply and focus on what your care team asked you to do.
Get a week-by-week pregnancy to-do list: Cradlio (Google Play)