Hey Mama! If you’re in your second trimester, you might know that it’s often referred to as the “honeymoon phase.” The second trimester of pregnancy, which begins around week 13 and ends around week 27, is often considered the "sweet spot" of pregnancy. If you're lucky, your morning sickness and exhaustion will start to ease up, and you'll feel a burst of energy—while the baby is still small enough that you can avoid the discomfort and physical limitations that come with a larger belly.
It's a great time to enjoy being pregnant, but the second trimester is also a crucial time for prenatal care and preparing for the baby's arrival. In this article, we'll cover a second trimester checklist to help you prepare for your little one's arrival. If you’re still preparing to get pregnant, or still early on, feel free to check out our first trimester pregnancy tips or our month-by-month pregnancy to-do list. So grab a cup of tea, put your feet up, and let's get started!
Set an Exercise Routine
If you haven't already, now is a good time to start exercising. You can try some water exercises, prenatal yoga, Pilates, or join a walking group—whatever suits you.
Moisturize
Taking care of your body should be your top priority, as a happy mama makes a healthy baby. Moisturizing will help you prevent stretch marks and itchy skin.
Get Maternity Clothes
Between 12 and 18 weeks, most moms start to look pregnant. So, to stay comfortable, you’ll need maternity clothes that fit you. Keep in mind that your body size will keep changing throughout the pregnancy, so it may make sense to buy a few key pieces at a time.
Plan for Finances
Welcoming a new member of the family means new financial responsibilities, so plan ahead.
Prepare Your Older Children
If you have an older child or children, the newborn will bring even more change to their world than to the parents. Luckily, you have nine months to prepare your kid mentally for being a sibling. In addition, make sure to have someone ready to take care of the elder siblings when the baby arrives.
Research Childcare Options
It’s best to start researching childcare options early, and try to put your name on the waiting list for daycare if you’re living in an area where daycare centers are in high demand.
Visit the Dentist
If you're pregnant, it is highly recommended to visit your dentist and get your teeth cleaned. It’s not something you want to let go—and it’s definitely not something you want to deal with in the third trimester or when you have a newborn!
Take Some Time to Decide on Diapering Options
Deciding between cloth diapers and disposable diapers is a big decision. The second trimester is a great time to decide between cloth diapers and disposable diapers, so that you can purchase the diapers you need, and even add them to your registry. Here are some things to consider when making your choice:
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Cloth diapers can save you money in the long run and are better for the environment. They come in different styles, such as prefold cloth diapers and all-in-ones. While they require more work than disposable diapers, many moms find them rewarding and cost-effective.
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Disposable diapers are easy to use and convenient. They come in many sizes and styles and can be thrown away after use. While they can be expensive and not eco-friendly, they are useful for busy moms.
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Hybrid diapering is when you cloth diaper part-time and use disposable diapers the rest of the time. This can be useful if you want a backup plan, if your childcare isn’t able to use cloth diapers, or if you simply want to ease yourself into the cloth diapering world.
Start Sleeping on Your Side
By mid-pregnancy, it's recommended to stop sleeping on your back and start sleeping on your side. You can use pillows to make it more comfortable.
Plan Your Baby Shower
According to tradition, moms usually don't throw their own baby showers, so a relative or friend does it for them. However, you can certainly give your opinions on how you want the baby shower to be.
Childproof Your House
Make a list of things you want to change around your house before the little one arrives to make the home safe for them. Ask your partner, a professional, or a handy friend to help you with the changes that require handling dangerous chemicals, lifting heavy furniture, or going up and down the stairs.
Design the Nursery
Creating a cozy and safe space for your little one is an exciting part of pregnancy, and now is the perfect time to make sure you have it all lined up! Here are some essential things to consider when preparing your nursery:
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Choosing a crib, changing table, and other nursery furniture: When shopping for a crib, look for one that meets current safety standards and is sturdy. A changing table with storage can be a convenient addition to your nursery. Make sure the furniture you choose fits well in the room and complements your decor.
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Decor and theme ideas: A fun part of creating a nursery is choosing the decor and theme. From bright and playful to calm and soothing, there are many styles to choose from. You can paint the walls or add wallpaper, hang artwork, and choose bedding that matches your theme.
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Must-have nursery items, including a baby monitor and diaper pail: A baby monitor allows you to keep an ear on your baby while they sleep, and a diaper pail is a convenient way to dispose of dirty diapers. Other must-have items include a dresser, crib sheets, and swaddles.
Get Things That Make Parenting Easier
Some parenting and baby products will help you with the shift to parenthood and make parenting easier, such as:
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A baby monitor
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Baby wrap
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Reversible stroller
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Formula dispenser
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Diaper cream applicator
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Diaper caddy
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Portable sound machine
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Sleep sack
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Nasal aspirator
Second Trimester Checklist
As a fellow mom, I know how overwhelming it can be to prepare for a baby's arrival, especially during the second trimester. To help make things easier, I've put together a checklist of some important things you should consider and when.
During Your Fourth Month:
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Create a registry for baby essentials like clothes, feeders, and more during your fourth month of pregnancy.
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If both you and your partner agree, plan a gender reveal party once you find out the sex of your baby.
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Take a look at your company's leave policy and plan when and for how long you want to take leave after the baby is born.
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Start practicing kegel exercises to help you during labor and delivery.
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Make sure to attend all of your regular checkups with your doctor, especially during your fifth and sixth months of pregnancy.
During Your Fifth Month:
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Look for a range of childcare options near you and choose what works best for your family.
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At 20 weeks, go for your mid-pregnancy ultrasound to check on your baby's growth.
During Your Sixth Month:
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Schedule your oral glucose tolerance test to check for gestational diabetes during your sixth month of pregnancy.
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Find a pediatrician before the baby's due date so you can consult them for advice during the first few months.
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Check your beneficiary designations for life support, childcare, pensions, IRAs, and other plans.
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Make sure you’ve started to put together your baby & mom’s hospital bag.
Wrapping Up Your Second Trimester To-Do List
You're doing amazing, Mama! You're one step closer to being ready for your little one's arrival. By following this second-trimester checklist, you'll have everything you need to make your pregnancy and new motherhood journey a success.
At Nicki's Diapers, we specialize in cloth diapering, and we're here to help you every step of the way. From a wide range of cloth diapering options to diapering accessories and more, we have everything you need to make your pregnancy and new motherhood journey a success.
Our team of experts is always available to answer your questions and provide personalized support, so you can focus on enjoying your pregnancy and bonding with your baby. And don't forget to take some time for yourself, Mama—you deserve it!
