The first trimester of pregnancy is a time of many changes for your body. Moms-to-be tend to move through the first trimester with gentle steps. This is the time when a miscarriage is most likely to occur, but that does not mean you cannot make some healthy lifestyle changes to prepare for baby. A first-trimester checklist can be used to prepare for baby, establish a set of guidelines for choosing proper health care, and as a list of helpful reminders.

Check off each box that applies to you!

         Choose a doctor or midwife
         Interview potential doctors
         Contact health insurance company about coverage
         Start a pregnancy and birth budget
         Discuss the financial effects of pregnancy and baby with partner
         Stop smoking
         Stop drinking
         Stop using street drugs
         Talk to your physician about any prescription medications
         Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day
         Visit the doctor at least once per month or every 4 weeks
         Do not dye or perm hair
         Stop drinking coffee and other caffeinated beverages
         Exercise daily
         Start taking prenatal vitamins
         Eat foods rich in folic acid
         Eat iron-rich foods
         Increase daily intake of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables
         Nap as much as possible as fatigue is common
         Eat fish with low levels of mercury no more than 2 days per week
         Do not eat undercooked meat
         Do not eat unpasteurized dairy products
         Do not eat cold cut deli meats
         Allow someone else to clean out the kitty litter, if applicable
         Limit exposure to chemicals
         Try to limit stress and tension
         Complete all prenatal tests
         Report any bleeding or fever to your doctor 
         Refrain from heavy lifting
         Take pictures of your growing belly