The second trimester is an important time for your baby’s development, and it’s also a time when you can start to enjoy your pregnancy more. There are many things you’ll want to do during the second trimester, from taking care of yourself to preparing for the birth of your baby. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive second trimester to do list, along with a printable second trimester checklist so you can make sure you don’t miss anything important! No more wondering, “what should I do in the 2nd trimester“, we got you covered with this ultimate to do list for the 2nd trimester.
When does the second trimester officially start?
The second trimester typically starts around week 13 of pregnancy and lasts until week 28. This is often considered the “honeymoon phase” of pregnancy, as many women feel more energetic and less nauseous during this time. Due to this new energy, you’ll want to do so much more during this trimester and you should!
What to expect in the 2nd trimester?
In the second trimester, you can expect your belly to continue to grow as your baby does. You may also start to feel movement from your baby, known as “quickening”. This is an exciting time for many women, as it’s the first time they really feel like they’re pregnant! other common symptoms in the second trimester include back pain, heartburn, and constipation.
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25 Things To Do in the Second Trimester Ultimate Pregnancy List + Checklist
Now that you know what to expect in the second trimester, let’s get into our ultimate to do list for the second trimester! Below you will find the must-dos of the second trimester in preparation for the baby!
1) Get regular prenatal checkups
- Get regular prenatal checkups: This is important to make sure both you and your baby are healthy and to catch any potential problems early.
2) Buy Maternity Clothes
Buy Maternity Clothes: You’ll probably start to need them at some point during the second trimester.
- Get a belly band: A belly band can help support your back and relieve some of the pain caused by your growing belly.
- Invest in comfortable shoes: Your feet may start to swell during the second trimester, so it’s important to have comfortable shoes that fit well.
- Try a maternity support belt: If you’re experiencing back pain, a maternity support belt can help relieve some of the discomforts.
Recommended Maternity Clothes:
3) Sleep on your side ( Pregnancy Pillow)
- Get a good pregnancy pillow: A pregnancy pillow can help you sleep comfortably which you will truly appreciate later on. Grab you a really comfortable full-body support pregnancy pillow that will make sleeping while pregnant a whole lot easier! If you use our code “MYMOTHERHOODMADEEASY” you can get $50 off this super nice pregnancy pillow that supports your whole body and is super soft!
4) Moisturize Your Skin (Pregnancy Belly Stretch Marks)
- Moisturize your skin: This can help prevent stretch marks and keep your skin feeling soft and healthy. If you really want to prevent stretch marks, we totally recommend these products that prevent stretch marks.
5) Eat healthy foods (Folic Acid During Pregnancy)
Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables: Eating a healthy diet is important for both you and your baby.
- Make sure you’re getting enough folic acid: Folic acid is important for preventing birth defects. You can get it from leafy green vegetables, legumes, and fortified foods.
- Take a prenatal vitamin: A prenatal vitamin can help ensure you’re getting all the nutrients you need during pregnancy (Always consult your own doctor first to determine which is the best one for you, as well as how much folic acid you need in your prenatal pills).
- Drink plenty of water: Drinking enough water is important for both you and your baby.
6) Exercise
Exercise: Exercise is important for your health and can help reduce the risk of developing pregnancy complications.
- Take a walk: Walking is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air.
- Swim: Swimming is a great low-impact exercise that’s perfect for pregnancy.
- Join a prenatal yoga class: Prenatal yoga classes can help you stay fit and relaxed during pregnancy.
7) Announce Pregnancy (pregnancy announcement ideas reference)
Announce your pregnancy: You may want to wait until you’re a little further along to announce your pregnancy, but it’s up to you. Most moms announce their pregnancy during the second trimester.
- Tell your family and friends: They’ll be excited to hear the news!
- Post it on social media: If you’re comfortable with it, announcing your pregnancy on social media is a great way to let your friends and family know.
Related Content:
- 15 Fun and Creative Spring Pregnancy Announcement Ideas
- Super Cute Pregnancy Announcement Ideas
- 15 Ways to Tell Your Friends You’re Pregnant This Fall: Autumn Baby Announcement Ideas
8) Start Planning for Baby’s Arrival
Start planning for baby’s arrival: It’s never too early to start thinking about what you’ll need for when the baby comes.
- Create a registry: A baby registry can help you keep track of what you need and what you’ve already got.
- Start budgeting for baby: Having a baby can be expensive, so it’s important to start planning for the additional costs.
- Choose a pediatrician: You’ll want to choose a pediatrician before your baby is born.
- Join a parenting group: Parenting groups can be a great way to meet other parents and get advice.
9) Find out the Baby’s Gender (if you want to know)
Find out the baby’s gender: If you want to know, there are a few ways to find out the baby’s gender.
- Ask your doctor: Your doctor can usually tell you the baby’s gender during an ultrasound.
- Have a genetic test: If you’re having twins or triplets, you may be able to find out the baby’s gender through a genetic test.
- Wait until the baby is born: If you don’t want to know the baby’s gender beforehand, you can wait until he or she is born.
- Get a letter with the baby’s gender to give to your estimated “keeper of the gender” so you can have a gender reveal party!
10) Gender Reveal Party
Have a gender reveal party: A gender reveal party is a fun way to let your friends and family know what you’re having.
- Send out invitations: You can send out invitations online or through the mail.
- Decide on a theme: There are lots of great themes to choose from, so pick one that you think will be fun.
- Make some food: You’ll want to have some snacks and drinks for your guests.
- Get a cake: A gender reveal cake is a great way to let everyone know what you’re having.
- Have some fun: Enjoy your party and celebrate the fact that you’re going to be a parent!
11) Create a baby registry (baby registry ideas)
- Choose what you need: There are a lot of different things you’ll need for your baby, so it’s important to choose carefully.
- Add items to your registry: You can add items to your baby registry online or in person.
- Ask for help: If you’re not sure what you need, ask your friends and family for help.
- Get started early: It’s never too early to start planning for your baby’s arrival.
- Be prepared: Having a registry can help you be prepared for when the baby comes.
Related Content:
- Must Have Products On Your Baby Registry
- 10 Reasons Why Every Mom to Be Needs An Amazon Baby Registry
12) Start planning Baby Shower
Start planning: It’s never too early to start planning for your baby shower.
- Choose a date: You’ll want to choose a date that’s convenient for you and your guests.
- Send out invitations: You can send out invitations online or through the mail.
- Decide on a theme: There are lots of great themes to choose from, so pick one that you think will be fun (check out these spring baby shower themes).
- Make some food: You’ll want to have some snacks and drinks for your guests.
- Get a cake: A baby shower cake is a great way to let everyone know what you’re having.
- Have some fun: Enjoy your party and celebrate the fact that you’re going to be a parent!
13) Create a list of baby names to choose from
- Choose a style: You’ll want to choose a style of names that you like (for example Southern, Space related, French, Nature related, Hippie Boho Style, Gender Neutral ).
- Consider your family: If you have a family, you’ll want to consider their names when choosing baby names. Maybe you decide that you want your baby to have your grandma’s first name as a middle name, or maybe you want a jr.
- Think about meaning: Names can have a lot of meanings, so think about what you want your child’s name to mean.
- Choose a name: Once you’ve considered all of these factors, it’s time to choose a name for your baby.
- Make a list: You’ll want to make a list of names so you can keep track of your favorites.
- Narrow down your choices: Once you’ve made a list, you’ll need to narrow
14) Book a Babymoon Vacation
Book a Babymoon Vacation: If you’re thinking about booking a babymoon vacation, there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind.
- Choose a destination: You’ll want to choose a destination that’s convenient for you and your partner.
- Book your flights: Once you’ve chosen your destination, you’ll need to book your flights.
- Make sure you have travel insurance: Travel insurance is a must when you’re pregnant.
- Pack your bags: You’ll want to pack carefully when you’re pregnant.
- Enjoy your trip: Relax and enjoy your last vacation before the baby comes!
15) Take a birth class
Take a childbirth class: A childbirth class can help you prepare for labor and delivery.
- Choose a class: There are a lot of different classes to choose from, so pick one that you think will be helpful. You can take a childbirth class for a Natural Birth, Epidural, or C-section.
- Register for the class: You can usually register for a childbirth class online or in person.
- Attend the class: Make sure you attend all of the classes so you’re prepared for labor and delivery.
- FREE Birth Preparation Workshop
- Birth It Up: Natural Series
- Birth It Up: Epidural Series
- Free Beginner Prenatal Course
- Birth It Up: C-session Series
16) Read Pregnancy Affirmations
- Choose a book: There are many different pregnancy affirmation books to choose from.
- Read the affirmations: Take some time to read the affirmations and think about what they mean to you.
- Apply the affirmations: Use the affirmations to help you stay positive during your pregnancy.
17) Start thinking about breastfeeding
- Talk to your doctor: Your doctor can give you information about breastfeeding.
- Talk to a lactation consultant: A lactation consultant can help you get started with breastfeeding.
- Join a support group: There are many different breastfeeding support groups available.
- Read a book: There are many great books about breastfeeding that can help you learn more about it.
- Watch a video: There are many great videos about breastfeeding that can help you learn more about it.
Recommended Course: Milkology (Breastfeeding 101 Course)
18) Create a birth plan
- Talk to your doctor: Your doctor can help you create a birth plan.
- Talk to a doula: A doula can help you create a birth plan.
- Join a support group: There are many different birth plan support groups available.
- Grab our FREE Birth Plan Template
19) Rest and relax
- Get a massage: A pregnancy massage can help you relax and ease muscle pain.
- Go to a spa: A day at the spa can help you relax and rejuvenate.
- Take a bath: A relaxing bath can help you unwind after a long day.
- Take a nap: Napping can help you get the energy you need to get through your day.
20) Research childcare options
- Talk to your doctor: Your doctor can give you information about childcare options.
- Talk to a child development specialist: A child development specialist can help you choose the right childcare option for your family.
- Join a support group: There are many different childcare support groups available.
21) Dream Journal
- Buy a journal: You’ll need a place to write down your dreams.
- Write down your dreams: Every time you have a dream, write it down in your journal.
- Reflect on your dreams: Take some time to reflect on what your dreams mean to you.
22) Plan nursery
- Choose a theme: You’ll want to choose a nursery theme that you love.
- Pick out furniture: Once you’ve chosen a theme, you’ll need to pick out furniture for the nursery.
- Decorate the nursery: Once you’ve picked out furniture, you can start decorating the nursery.
- Get organized: You’ll want to get organized so you know what you need for the nursery.
- Get started on the nursery: Once you’ve planned everything out, you can start working on the nursery.
23) Write a letter to baby
- Buy a journal: You’ll need a place to write the letter.
- Write the letter: Write down your thoughts, feeling, and hopes for your baby.
- Seal the letter: Once you’re finished writing, seal the letter and put it away.
- Give the letter to the baby: When the baby is older enough to understand (or having a baby themselves), give them the letter and let them know how much you love them.
24) Enjoy your pregnancy!
- Relax: Pregnancy is a time to relax and enjoy your body.
- Exercise: Exercise can help you stay healthy during pregnancy.
- Eat healthy: Eating a healthy diet is important for both you and your baby.
- Get enough sleep: Getting enough sleep is important for both you and your baby.
- Take care of yourself: Pregnancy is a time to take care of yourself and your baby.
- Have fun: Enjoy your pregnancy and have fun!
- Connect with other moms: Connecting with other moms can help you feel supported during pregnancy.
25) Start Planning for Maternity Leave
- Talk to your employer: You’ll need to talk to your employer about your maternity leave.
- Choose a start date: You’ll need to choose a start date for your maternity leave.
- Choose an end date: You’ll need to choose an end date for your maternity leave.
- Create a plan: Once you’ve chosen a start and end date, you’ll need to create a plan for your maternity leave.
- Get organized: You’ll want to get organized so you know what you need for your maternity leave.
- Get started: Once you’ve planned everything out, you can start working on your maternity leave.
Printable Second Trimester To Do Checklist
Don’t forget to grab out FREE Printable Second Trimester To Do Checklist to stay on track during your pregnancy.
FAQs about the Second Trimester, and what to do during the second trimester
If you still have questions and concerns, check out these frequently asked questions that moms typically have about the second trimester, and what to do in it, below:
What should I be doing in my second trimester?
There are many things that you should be doing in your second trimester, including:
- Relaxing and enjoying your pregnancy
- Exercising
- Eating a healthy diet
- Getting enough sleep
- Taking care of yourself and your baby
- Having fun!
What are the 5 most important things on the Second trimester to do list checklist?
The 5 most important things on the second trimester checklist are :
- Staying Healthy and Active
- Regular Prenatal Checkups
- Baby Registry / Baby Shower
- Planning Maternal Leave
- Taking a Child Birth Class
What should I avoid during second trimester?
There are a few things that you should avoid during your second trimester, including:
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Cigarettes
- Illegal drugs
- Raw fish
- unpasteurized milk and cheese
- processed meats.
Avoiding these things will help you have a healthy pregnancy.
What trimester is the hardest?
The third trimester is typically the hardest, as your body is preparing for labor and delivery. However, every pregnancy is different, so some women find the first trimester to be more difficult.
Do and don’ts in second trimester of pregnancy?
Some things that you should do in your second trimester include:
- Relaxing and enjoying your pregnancy
- Exercising
- Eating a healthy diet
- Getting enough sleep
- Taking care of yourself and your baby
- Having fun!
Some things that you should avoid during your second trimester include:
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Cigarettes
- Illegal drugs
- Raw fish
- unpasteurized milk and cheese
- processed meats.
Avoiding these things will help you have a healthy pregnancy.
How should I sleep in second trimester?
You should sleep on your sides during your second trimester to improve circulation and decrease swelling. You may also want to use pillows to support your back, belly, and legs.
Last Thing You Need to Know About the Second Trimester Must Dos for Newly Pregnant Moms
The second trimester is an exciting time as you prepare for the arrival of your baby! By following our Second trimester to do list, you can help ensure that both you and your baby are healthy and happy. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!
Did we miss anything on our second trimester to do list? Let us know in the comments below! Don’t forget to share this ultimate Second trimester to do list with your friends and family on social media (Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, etc.)
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