This post contains affiliate links.
Now that you’ve made through the first trimester, this second trimester checklist will help you stay in the know of what to expect and what you should be doing over the next 12 weeks.
With your bump constantly growing and (hopefully) morning sickness disappearing, it’s time to use some of your energy to tackle what’s coming next!
Let’s get to it –
The Second Trimester at a Glance
As all the books and gurus suggest, it is during these next few weeks that some – if not most – of your first trimester symptoms begin to go away. Don’t worry if you still find yourself a little nauseous or tired because each mama’s pregnancy is unique to her.
I will say that you have some pretty exciting things to look forward to, though.
The most special?
Being able to feel your little precious baby.
Those little flutters will turn into evident summersaults by your little bundle of joy, evidence that life is developing at full steam ahead in your belly.
During this trimester, you should continue to see your primary care provider (doctor or midwife), typically once a month (unless you are considered high risk).
Oh, and let’s not forget the other big milestone – finding out the gender!
Can we say gender reveal party?! Eeek!
Between the appointments and continual body changes, here’s my essential list of things to do and expect in your second trimester –
Second Trimester Checklist
01. Consider having a baby shower
Now is the time to decide if you’d like to have a baby shower.
Even if this isn’t your first baby, it’s still a good idea to have one to help alleviate some of the financial burdens of having a baby.
If you choose to have one, gather some help (friends, family, and/or coworkers) and brainstorm styles and themes.
There are so many to choose from today!
02.Set up your baby registry
Diapers, baby wipes, bottles, baby onesies, teething toys, bath tubs, strollers, car seats, blankets – oh my!
Now do you see why it’s smart to have a baby registry?
It can be overwhelming to think about all the things you need and could use with bringing a baby into the world.
Be sure to utilize a baby registry that will give you ideas of things you can add to your list.
Don’t forget to ask for gift cards as well to cover anything not purchased.
03.Make a guest list for your baby shower
Once you have decided to have a baby shower, you’ll want to take some time to create your guest list.
If you have someone hosting your shower for you, they’ll definitely need this list sooner or later so they can begin contacting prospective guests and getting RSVPs.
04.Tell your employer you are pregnant and plan your maternity leave
Now that you’ve hit a comfortable trimester to begin telling others, your employer should be informed that you are expecting. It’s also wise to go ahead and plan your maternity leave as the weeks and months will seem to fly by.
05.Plan your baby budget
There may be things that won’t make it to your baby registry and rightfully so. To help save money on the things you plan to purchase yourself, create a baby budget and utilize resources for wise spending.
Goodbuy Gear is definitely one of the best kept secrets for scoring designer baby gear at a fraction of the price. Check out their current inventory, including many items that aren’t even used (open box).
Besides purchasing gently used, you can also explore some of my baby gear dupe round-ups:
- 7+ DockATot Alternatives (+The Best DockATot Dupe!)
- 5+ Keekaroo Peanut Changer Dupes You *Need* To See (+Keekaroo Alternatives)
- 3+ *Really Good* Babyletto Crib Dupes You *Need* To See
Alternatively, if you *happen* to be a teacher, bookmark this awesome list of summer jobs for teachers for some extra cash to add to your baby budget!
06.Plan your nursery
Take it from someone who knows… you don’t want to wait until you can barely see your feet to start working on your baby’s nursery space.
If anything, start with choosing a nursery theme and planning out what you’ll need to bring it to fruition (furniture, paint colors, etc.).
07.Continue prenatal doctor appointments
If you are generally in good health, your doctor may only want to see you an average of once a month (until the 3rd trimester).
Try not to miss these appointments as this is when you can have all your questions answered and stay in the know of what to expect in the coming weeks.
08.Plan your gender ultrasound
Waiting until birth to find out the gender can be too much for some (but totally worth the wait if you can). Others choose to take a friend along in preparations for having a gender reveal.
Regardless of what you plan to do, it is during the second trimester that you can find out the gender of your baby.
09.Have a glucose screening test
Although this isn’t particularly mandatory, if blood sugar and/or diabetes has been an issue for you, it’s a good idea to have it done. The earlier the doctor can detect any issues, the sooner he/she can work with you on a plan of action.
10.Decide whether you will do genetic screening tests
Some expecting parents choose to opt out of this testing; however, others would like a peace of mind in knowing if their baby may have any genetic issues.
The screening will typically “screen the fetus for aneuploidy; defects of the brain and spine called neural tube defects (NTDs); and some defects of the abdomen, heart, and facial features” (ACOG).
11.Do some important research
During the second trimester, there are several key things you’ll want to research depending on your labor, delivery, and postpartum care needs:
- Prenatal classes: These come in handy especially if you are planning to have a natural labor and delivery. It is strongly encouraged that your partner attend them with you.
- Doulas: Their job is to help aid you during the labor process. Again, they work wonders if you are planning a natural childbirth journey.
- Pediatricians: Your baby will need a doctor and you don’t have to wait until they are born to choose one. Start interviewing and researching different doctors now.
- Childcare: If you have to return back to work, it’s a good idea to become familiar with the variety of childcare options available in your area. Some facilities may have a waiting list!
12.Take bump pics
There are many apps that you can use to help create all the cutesy patootsy baby bump pics. Or, you can opt in for simply taking your own and storing them in a special folder on your phone. You’ll be surprised of how incredible the body grows in such a short time!
Looking for some cute baby bump captions for Instagram? I put together the ultimate *mega-list* to inspire you!
13.Buy some maternity clothes
Whether you need them now or not, now is the perfect time to purchase a few pieces of maternity clothing. There is something about the way these clothes are made that makes expecting more enjoyable (especially when you don’t have to worry about something being too tight).
I really loved going swimming while I was pregnant – there’s just something so calming to being in the water for me! If you’re in the same boat and stuck wondering what will actually fit on that ever-changing bod – I *LOVE* this list of plus or mid size Amazon bikinis – blogger Casey shows actually *ordered* them all and even shows you how they fit, plus what she thinks of them.
Worth the money? Obvi.
14.Stock up on second trimester essentials
As your belly grows and your body endures the constant changes, there are a few must-have essentials that I highly recommend:
- Moisturizer lotion
- Stretch mark cream or belly butter
- Belly band (or strips)
- Essential oils
- This pregnancy pillow
- Heating pad
- Pregnancy teas
15.Move
If you spent most of your first trimester in the bed or hanging over the toilet, that’s okay! It’s never too late to start incorporating some pregnancy workouts!
In fact, even if you simply walked a little bit each day, that will go a long way.
16.Prepare to start sleeping on your side
And this is where the full body pillow comes in handy. Some women can still sleep comfortably on their stomachs during the second trimester; however, eventually you’ll be tossing from one side to the other.
A good body pillow will help you have a good night’s rest (one of my biggest regrets from my first pregnancy was not buying this pregnancy pillow sooner!).
17.Go to the dentist
It’s still save to have your teeth cleaned and check for any deficiencies possibly cause by being pregnant.
Remember to tell your dentist that you’re expecting and should stay clear of any x-ray and other equipment that could pose issues for your pregnancy.
18.Plan some freezer meals
Cooking will be the last thing on your mind once your baby arrives! Even if you plan to have a meal train, that too will eventually stop.
To help alleviate the stress of having to cook and take care of a newborn, starting brainstorming freezer meals now (and check out my go-to list of pregnancy freezer meals here).
I personally wouldn’t start making them until the third trimester as most freezer meals only last up to 3 months.
If you can, solicit the help of friends and family to get your freezer nice and stocked!
18.Plan a Babymoon – or Schedule in Some Special Date Nights
A babymoon is a super special trip that expecting mamas go on with their husband as a bit of a final hurrah before life gets a whole lot busier.
Some couples plan a simple staycation where they live, others choose to venture to the closest getaway town, and still others go big — I even have a girlfriend who did a babymoon in Europe! (And if you do choose this adventurous option, you *have* to check out this list of some of the most beautiful sunsets in Europe – I mean, what’s more romantic, really? Convince your hubby to baby moon on the Amalfi Coast? Bookmark this *essential* list of useful italian phrases while you’re at it!)
Alternatively, if you want to stay local, you need to check out this *dreamy* list of babymoon destinations in the USA!
While the CDC notes that some airlines won’t let pregnant women fly after 36 weeks, cruise lines are often more stringent. The Government of Canada recommends travelling between 18 and 24 weeks if you’re planning a trip while pregnant.
Second Trimester Checklist Wrap-Up
Whew! It’s not so bad, right?
I genuinely hope this second trimester checklist will help you stay on top of all things second trimester in a (hopefully!) stress-free way.
This is certainly a special journey and every aspect of it is worth embracing – even the morning sickness. 🥴
If you haven’t done so already, consider getting some type of pregnancy diary or journal so you can document every precious moment of this blessed time.
Although it’s tough, try to remember how special this time is, too, mama. You’ve got this!
Read Next:
49+ *Important* Things To Do Before Baby Arrives (Third Trimester Checklist)
7+ *Best* Baby Bjorn Bouncer Dupes (and Alternatives)
The 11+ Cutest, *Buttery-Soft* Bamboo Baby Pajamas I’m Obsessed With
