Congrats, mama! Whether this is your first baby or you’ve done this before, finding out you’re pregnant can be a mix of excitement, nerves, and a million questions all at once. I remember staring at that positive test wondering what to do next. As a labor and delivery nurse, you’d think I’d have it all figured out, but honestly, I still felt that same rush of emotions most moms do in those early weeks.
That’s why I put together this guide. The first trimester can feel like a blur of new symptoms, appointments, and planning, but having a list helped me feel a little more grounded. This checklist isn’t about doing everything perfectly, it’s about taking care of yourself, preparing step by step, and feeling supported along the way.
Let’s take a deep breath together and walk through what to focus on in these first thirteen weeks.
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First Things First: Immediate To-Dos After a Positive Test
1. Schedule Your First Prenatal Appointment
One of the first things to do is call and set up your first prenatal visit. Most providers won’t see you until you’re around 8 to 10 weeks, so don’t worry if it feels like you’re waiting a while, that’s normal.
If you haven’t chosen an OB or midwife yet, now’s a great time to ask around for recommendations or check out a few online reviews. And just a reminder, if your first choice doesn’t feel quite right, it’s okay to switch. You deserve someone who makes you feel comfortable and supported.
At that first appointment, you’ll go over your health history, have some blood work done, and possibly get an ultrasound depending on how far along you are. Your provider might also offer genetic testing options. If you want to feel more prepared, I shared a list of important questions to ask at your first prenatal visit, which helped me get the most out of mine.
2. Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins
If you weren’t already taking a prenatal vitamin, now’s the time to start. These are packed with nutrients your baby needs, especially folic acid, which helps with early development. Some women feel nauseous after taking them, so if that’s you, try switching brands or taking them at night with a small snack.
I found that taking mine before bed made a big difference when morning sickness hit. You can also try gummy versions if swallowing pills is tough. Everyone’s different, so don’t be afraid to test out what works best for you.
3. Stay Hydrated
Hydration is so important when you are pregnant, but I know from experience that drinking plain water can be hard when you’re queasy. You’ll need about 50% more fluids during pregnancy, so keeping a water bottle nearby really helps reach this goal
If water is making you gag, try adding lemon, cucumber, or a little electrolyte powder. Coconut water or low-sugar sports drinks can also help, just watch for high sugar levels. I used to keep flavored water packets in my bag so I’d have something to sip on the go.
Need more ideas? I wrote a whole post with 17 hydration hacks that helped me get through those early weeks without feeling completely dehydrated.
Read Next: Preparing for Pregnancy: 7 First Trimester Must-Haves You Can’t Do Without
4. Get a Handle on Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is no joke, and for many of us, it doesn’t just happen in the morning. I had days where just thinking about food made me queasy, and the wrong smell would send me running.
Start by noticing any patterns – is it worse at certain times of day or with specific foods? Then try a few simple tricks:
- Keep crackers or small snacks with you at all times
- Sip ginger tea or suck on ginger candies.
- Try Preggie Pop Drops or mints to keep your mouth feeling fresh.
- Eat small meals more often.
- Switch up when you take your prenatal vitamins.
- Acupressure bands can also help.
There are so many different natural morning sickness remedies you can try, you just have to find out what works for you!
Related: Surprising Early Pregnancy Symptoms You Might Not Expect
Taking Care of Your Body
1. Simple Ways to Stay Active in the First Trimester
If you’re feeling exhausted or queasy, the idea of working out might sound completely unappealing. But the right kind of movement can actually help ease some of those early pregnancy symptoms, especially bloating, fatigue, and even mild nausea.
Start simple. A short walk, some prenatal yoga, or stretching can go a long way. If you already have a workout routine, talk with your provider about what’s safe to continue. The goal here isn’t to train for a marathon. It’s just to support your body as it goes through some big changes.
The most important thing is to listen to your body. Just move when it feels good, and rest when it doesn’t. Even small amounts of activity can make a difference.
2. Eating Well When Everything Sounds Awful
Food is a touchy subject in first trimester. Your cravings might be all over the place, and sometimes just the thought of eating can turn your stomach. But when you can manage it, try to give your body a little of what it needs to support both you and your baby.
Folate, iron, calcium, and protein are especially important in early pregnancy, so when something does sound good, try to work in:
- Leafy greens like spinach or kale
- Citrus fruits for vitamin C
- Beans and lentils
- Lean proteins like chicken, turkey, or tofu
- Dairy or fortified options like yogurt or milk
And if some days all you can manage is crackers or plain toast, that’s completely fine. This isn’t the time to worry about eating perfectly. It’s about giving yourself some grace and doing what you can to get through. The important thing is to keep nutrition going into your body as best you can.
3. Start Moisturizing Early to Help Prevent Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are totally normal, but moisturizing early can help keep your skin more elastic as your body grows.
Even if your bump isn’t showing yet, this is a good time to get in the habit. Look for creams or oils with ingredients like cocoa butter, vitamin E, or shea butter. Don’t forget areas that often get overlooked – hips, thighs, breasts, and even the backs of your arms.
I started using this brand in the first trimester and fell in love with it! It became part of my nighttime routine and I continued it post partum because the scent was so relaxing to me!
Planning Ahead
1. Deciding When (and How) to Announce Your Pregnancy
Telling people you’re pregnant is such an exciting moment, and there’s no rule for when or how to do it. Some wait until after the first trimester, while others share the news right away. It’s all about what is right for you and your spouse!
You might tell close family and friends first, later sharing the news on social media. Again, there’s no right or wrong way to share the news! Start brainstorming some fun ideas on how to surprise all the special people in your life and make sure it feels personal to you.
2. Baby Name Brainstorming (Because It’s Never Too Early)
Even though it’ll be a little while before you find out if you’re having a boy or girl – unless you’re planning to do an early SneakPeek test – there’s no reason you can’t start dreaming up names now.
This can be one of the most fun parts of early pregnancy. Whether you’re into something classic, modern, or a little unique, I’ve got tons of baby name ideas to help you get inspired.
Make a list, share ideas with your partner, or just save a few favorites for later. You’ve got time, but it’s always fun to see what names start to stick.
If you’re looking for inspiration, here are a few favorite lists to get you started:
3. Start Looking Into Childcare Early
It might feel like you have plenty of time, but if you plan on heading back to work after your baby arrives, you probably want to start researching childcare now. Some places have long waitlists, especially for newborn spots, and starting early gives you more options.
Look into what’s available near you – daycare centers, in-home care, or trusted family members – so you can start figuring out what is the best fit for your family. Touring a few places or setting up calls can give you a better of each center and help make your decision. Plus it is one less thing to worry about when you have a newborn.
4. Begin Budgeting for Baby
While babies are so cute and a joy to have, the sure can be expensive! Between hospital bills, baby gear, and all the adorable outfits, it adds up quickly. Starting a simple budget early can help you spread out your spending over the course of your pregnancy and not empty your pockets all at once.
Make a list of essentials you’ll need over the next few months, and see what you can buy secondhand or borrow. There’s no need to get everything right now, but starting your search now can help you score the best deals. (Especially if you plan ahead for big sales like Amazon Prime Days or Black Friday)
If you’re already eyeing all the darling outfit, I have a bunch of simple ways you can save money when buying baby clothes!
5. Get Ready with a Few Maternity Clothes
You probably don’t have much of a bump if any yet, but chances are some of your clothes are starting to feel tight due to bloating. You don’t need to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe right now, but having a few maternity basics on hand can help you feel more comfortable.
Look for stretchy leggings, comfy tees, and a good pair of maternity jeans or shorts depending on the time of year. And shoes – definitely make sure you have a pair of flats or sneakers that feel good. If you find something that fits well now, chances are you’ll wear it a lot later too.
Self-Care & Emotional Wellness
1. Take Time to Document Your Pregnancy
You may not have a bump yet, but it’s not too early to start documenting this pregnancy for the memories. A pregnancy journal can be a simple way to write down what you’re feeling, and many have easy prompts to help you get started. Even just jotting down a few thoughts each week can help you remember what these early days were like.
If you want to take bump photos, it doesn’t need to be complicated. Just snap a quick picture at home. Some moms like to use the same outfit or background each week, but you definitely don’t have to. Do whatever feels easy and fun for you.
2. Make Date Night a Priority
With so much focus on the baby, it’s easy for you relationship with your partner to take a backseat. But growing your relationship is even more important now than ever as you take on this transition to parenthood together.
You don’t need to do anything fancy. A simple dinner at home or a walk together is enough to catch up and spend time with each other. Making time for your relationship now can help you stay connected when things get busier later on.
3. Rest When You Can
Exhaustion in the first trimester is real and can hit you like a freight train. Your body is working hard to grow a baby, even if it doesn’t always show on the outside yet. It’s okay to slow down. Take naps when you need them, go to bed early, or just give yourself permission to take it easy.
There will always be things to do and lists to check off, but rest is just as important. Taking care of yourself now will help you stay healthy and feel better in the months ahead.
4. Build Your Support System
The early weeks of pregnancy can feel a bit lonely, especially if you haven’t told many people yet. Talking with other moms, whether online or in person, can really help.
You might try a pregnancy app with a community feature, join a local group, or just reach out to friends who’ve been through it. Having a few people to check in with can make things feel a little easier.
Helpful Extras
1. Sign Up for Amazon Prime
When you’re pregnant (and especially after baby arrives) anything that saves you a trip to the store can be a life saver! If you don’t already have an Amazon Prime subscription, it’s worth looking into. Fast shipping and discounts on baby products make stocking up a lot easier, and with one of the largest selections of baby products, it’s a great place to set up your baby registry when you’re ready later in pregnancy.
Streaming shows or movies can help pass the time when sleep is hard to come by, and if you’d rather listen than watch, an Audible subscription is great for catching up on books without having to sit down and read.
2. Apps, Books, and Other Resources
Sometimes it helps to have a few go-to resources to answer questions or just feel more connected during pregnancy. A good pregnancy app can keep you updated on what’s happening each week, and there are plenty of books that offer practical advice without being overwhelming.
If reading isn’t your thing right now, podcasts or even short videos can be great for learning on the go or when you just want something easy to listen to.
3. Think About Joining a Pregnancy Group
Whether it’s online or local, being part of a group where you can share questions, tips, or just vent a little can be really helpful. It doesn’t have to be anything big – just having a place to talk to other moms going through the same thing can make you feel more supported.
What Comes Next
The first trimester can feel like a whirlwind, but once you’ve made it through these early weeks and start feeling more like yourself again, things usually start to settle a bit. As you move into the second trimester, you will hopefully have more energy, fewer symptoms, and a cute growing bump that makes it all feel a little more real.
If you’re ready to start thinking about what’s ahead, I’ve got a Second Trimester Checklist to help guide you through the next part of your pregnancy. We’ll go over everything from planning your baby shower, starting a nursery, and important milestones, plus many more things you’ll need to do during that middle portion of your pregnancy.
And if you’re still tossing around baby name ideas, starting to plan your registry, or just curious about what’s ahead, stick around – there’s plenty more here to help you get ready and feel good about what’s coming next.
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