Pregnancy Health and Preparation Check List
First Trimester:
Week 1-7: Baby’s heart and face as well as the placenta are taking shape and forming.
Symptoms: Fatigue, breast tenderness and perhaps morning sickness.
To do:
-
- Eat well
- Take Prenatal Vitamins
- Schedule first pregnancy check-up with an OB/GYN or Midwife
- Schedule first Chiropractic visit to prevent major back pain during pregnancy
- Be excited at the new change
Week 8-13: Baby doubles in size and begins building bones and cartilage.
Symptoms: Morning sickness, constipation and perhaps some insomnia.
To do:
-
- Eat fiber to combat constipation
- Take B6 vitamin liquid and/or Sepia to combat morning sickness (you will want a doctor’s recommendation on what kind)
- Blood work with your Doctor
- Second Chiropractic visit to prevent major back pain during your pregnancy.
Second Trimester:
Week 14-19: Baby starts sucking and you may begin to feel some movement or kicks.
Symptoms: Weight gain, dental issues, baby movement, low back pain and leg cramping.
To do:
-
- Start taking a Calcium and Magnesium blend nightly to give baby enough to build strong bones and prevent leg cramps for mom (you will want a doctor’s recommendation on dosage)
- Yoga or Stretching for low back and butt muscles
- Chiropractic visit for low back and butt as they may be getting painful from the hormones in your body
- Start using belly cream to prevent stretch marks
- To prevent gestational diabetes take a blood sugar support if you are having more sugar cravings
Week 20-27: Baby starts to breath and facial features form.
Symptoms: Linea Nigra may appear (dark line down center of the belly), belly button pops out, and swelling of feet and ankles may occur. You can’t deny you are pregnant!
To do:
-
- Anatomy Check Ultrasound – this is when you can find out the gender
- Chiropractic visit for low back adjustment but as the baby continues to grow, it gets painful from the hormones in your body
- Begin Acupuncture to help prepare body for labor
- Start a Labor Prep class: (we like “Birthing from Within”)
- Register at a store or online for your baby shower- while you still feel mobile enough to wander the baby store
- Decide if you are using a doula
- Decide if you want to do placenta encapsulation and then hire a doula to do this
Third Trimester:
Week 28-35: Baby’s brain is growing fast, starts sucking and breathing and testicles will drop if present.
Symptoms: Aching back due to enlarging belly, frequent urination, and possible Braxton Hick’s contractions.
To do:
-
- Pack the hospital bag (see list of recommended items)
- Finalize Birth Plan and discuss with midwife or OB/GYN
- Take hospital tour either in person or virtually
- Chiropractic visit to make sure baby is in the head down position
- Acupuncture to prepare for labor
- Start or finish the baby’s nursery
Week 36-41: Some doctors say you are full term and baby can come anytime now.
Symptoms: Aching back due to enlarging belly, frequent urination, possible Braxton Hick’s contractions and excitement to meet baby.
To do:
-
- Put car seat in the car
- Keep old towels or pads in the car in case your water breaks (doesn’t happen to all women)
- Acupuncture two times a week during weeks 39 and 40 to prepare for labor
- Chiropractic one time during weeks 38 and 39. If you go to 40-41 you may want to come in again
- Start labor tincture and homeopathic regimen to support a smooth labor (you will want a doctor to help you with this)
Post Partum
Symptoms: Back pain, perineal tearing, hemorrhoids, breast tenderness and nipple pain, fatigue and crying spells.
To do:
-
- Adrenal Support (talk to your doctor) for fatigue and crying spells
- Sitz bath herbs to heal perineal area
- Suppositories for hemorrhoids
- Pad-siciles ( soak several large pads in witch hazel or water and place in a bag in the freezer to help with tearing pain)
- Raspberry tea for uterine tonic
- Homeopathic remedies to help healing (talk to your doctor)
- Epsom Salt bath: 1 cup Epsom Salts in hot bath. Soak 15-20 minutes. Helps speed healing and sooth tissues.
- Tea or Herbs if you need to increase milk production
Hospital Bag:
Baby:
*Make sure the car seat is in the car about three weeks before your due date and make sure it is secure.
1. 2 receiving blankets – for me muslin is best since we’re having a July baby
2. Cap – but probably won’t use due to heat
3. 2 pairs scratch prevention mittens
4. 2 pairs of little newborn socks
5. Hand sanitizer for use after touching hospital items
6. Baby wipes – cloth or wet depending on your preference
7. Nail clippers, comb, and coconut oil for baby’s bottom (to prevent meconium from sticking) and a nasal aspirator
8. Newborn diapers
9. 3 undershirts
10. 2-3 “Going home” outfits as you may change your mind on which one you like best!
11. Pediatrician information
Mom/Dad:
1. Flip-flops
2. At least 4 large size pads or Depends underwear
4. Socks that are comfy
5. Sports bra and nursing bra
6. 3 pairs underwear
7. PJs that make nursing easy
8. Going home outfit – maxi dress or large stretch pants to fit over pad, and loose at waist
9. Snacks for you and dad – bars, honey sticks, fruit smashes, popsicles, juice
10. Kleenex and sanitary wipes for hospital items
11. Gum – helps some people focus during labor
12. Phone numbers of your “must call” list:
a. Parents
b. Siblings
c. Doula – who is doing placenta encapsulation
13. Pen for paper work
14. Hair tie / head band
15. Travel size deodorant, body wash, shampoo, Chap Stick, toothbrush, hair comb, and make-up for pictures if you want
16. Camera
17. Cell phone and charger
18. Laptop and charger for movies or while resting
19. Nipple cream
20. Change for the vending machine