The Pregnancy To-Do List Every Woman Should Read

​Firstly, let’s get one thing out of the way… congratulations! I’m guessing that you were expecting that one. Well, just make sure you’re prepared for a whole lot more - you’ve got nine months of that to come!

Besides warding off the dozens of family members who will want to attend to you, you have other things to attend to during that nine months too. Everything from the way you announce your pregnancy, to organizing finances and keeping active, are vital. 

So, if this is your first time or heck, even your third time and you just need a little more help, look no further. 

Bookmark this post so you can keep checking back and crossing things off the list!

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Check that your pregnancy test is accurate
It’s very rare that a pregnancy test is wrong, but obviously, you must make sure you are actually pregnant before making plans. To do this, wait a few days then take another one. If it shows positive again, it’s almost certainly correct.

Tell your family - in the right way
And the right way isn’t just blurting it right out. This is a big deal, no matter how many kids you already have. It’ll affect your parents (babysitting anyone?) and could be a big confidence booster for your siblings who will become aunts/uncles.

So, take the time to sit them down - and make sure you make it a happy occasion. Tell everyone you have some fantastic news, and go in smiling. Perhaps you could buy everyone some baby themed shirts - there are plenty of places to get these, like having a browse online at Zoey's Attic.

It’s quite amusing to tell your family you’re expecting a baby when your brother is decked out in an ‘I’m going to be a brother’ top. Above all, emphasize your good health and financial stability, to incite confidence in your parents.

Staying active and exercising
The fitter you are, the more easily you’ll be able to cope with the birth. It’s perfectly normal to keep up your usual physical activity (yoga, running) for as long as you feel comfortable.

Image Source: Pixabay

​Exercise won’t affect the baby in any negative way. In fact, there is some correlation between how healthy you are and how healthy the child is - so stay fit! Don’t sacrifice your health routines until you feel you cannot continue.

Check your financial benefits
All employed women can receive 52 weeks/one year of statutory maternity leave, even if you’ve been employed just a month. If you choose to return to work early, you can request that your leave ends and you resume a full salary payment.

Your pension and insurance contributions are protected while you’re on leave, so don’t worry about those. Just try and relax! Your partner is also entitled to 26 weeks paid paternity leave, so you will still have two sources of income.

Start baby shopping!
You’re going to need a lot of goodies, so start stocking up! Obviously, all the gender-specific items can wait until you know what it is. Alternatively, you can buy unisex stretch suits, vests and socks, etc.

You’ll need a crib or Moses basket, with suitable bedding and a mattress. Don’t use pillows or duvets as they’re not safe for young babies. Double check that the cot doesn’t have gaps big enough to allow your baby’s head to get stuck, too.

And that’s the lot! Good luck with your pregnancy, and I hope this list proves useful!

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By IC Contributors