Healthy Pregnancy & Birth To Do List: Month 7

Welcome to Month 7 of your month-by-month checklist guide to a healthy pregnancy and birth! This to-do list with a twist contains key tips and action items for optimal health and birth preparation, in addition to reminders for fun things, too. Looking for later months? Stay tuned as we post months 8-10, plus postpartum, in the coming weeks! Take a look at the checklists from previous months.

Healthy Pregnancy & Birth To-Do List: Month 7

Weeks 25-28 of pregnancy: out with the old and in with the new -- trimester, that is! In the 7th month, you'll finish out your second trimester and begin the third and final leg of your pregnancy. During the third trimester, your baby increases in weight and finishes up brain and lung development critical for life on the outside. The following are helpful and healthy things you can do during this month of pregnancy.     

 If you're hiring a doula, now is a great time to start interviewing (if you haven't already). 

 Begin childcare interviews.  

 Care provider check in: Are you happy with your care? Any red flags? It's still not too late to make a switch -- your choice of care provider can have a significant impact on your birth care and outcome.  

 Continue taking your daily folic acid supplement and prenatal vitamin.

 Hopefully by now, you've signed up for childbirth and/or body/breastfeeding classes. Be sure to pack water and snacks to keep your brain and body happy during class time!  

 Mental and emotional health check: The latter months of pregnancy can take a mental and emotional toll on your well being. Talk to a therapist and/or your doctor if you're feeling overwhelmed.  

 Work on or finish writing a postpartum plan. Your doula or childbirth educator can help provide input on this.  

 Hard as it may be in late pregnancy, keep reaching for at least 7 hours of sleep at night and nap or rest when you can.  

 Finish your baby registry and send out the link to your shower invite list. Already had your shower? Work on thank-you notes! 

 Learn the signs of preterm labor and call your doctor/midwife if you notice anything unusual or concerning.  

 Learn about kick counts and how this practice can help you monitor the health of your baby.  

 As you get bigger and (often) uncomfortable, exercise can feel increasingly difficult, but staying active has huge benefits -- on sleep, mood, and physical endurance during labor. Even a walk around the block helps!  

 Arrange for childcare for your other children for when you go into labor. 

 Pack a bag for the hospital or birth center and have it easily accessible. 

 Schedule/attend pediatrician interviews.