Second Trimester To-Do List

Your doctor will want to monitor your weight and blood pressure, fetal heartbeat, size of uterus, urine, edema, and any other symptoms that should be watched.

Talk to other moms about a family practice physician or a pediatrician.

Get a sturdy car seat that fits well into the style of the seat where it will be fastened. Make sure to follow the instructions for installation so that your baby seat is secured properly. To learn more about the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) recommendations for child passenger safety - and to find car-seat inspection locations near you, visit www.nhtsa.dot.gov, and look for "Child Safety Seats."

No excuses! Although your tummy is getting bigger, always buckle up low across the hips. This is the safest way to protect both you and your baby.

The old saying "eat for two" is not necessarily true. However, you don't want to start any diets while pregnant. Make sure you eat plenty of foods high in protein, calcium and iron.

Six to eight 8-ounce glasses of fluids a day is essential, and will help you avoid dehydration and constipation. Water is essential for your changing body.
Stick with your exercise program.
Work out faithfully with all the techniques your doctor recommends and look for pointers in the "Fitness" section provided by Baby Boot Camp.

Get plenty of sleep while you still can! After the baby is born, a schedule is harder to keep.

Talking with other moms early on will give you an advantage to finding good local child care. A testimonial from a fellow mom is the best interview. It's not uncommon to find a long waiting list for childcare providers who take infants.

Start planning maternity leave and postpartum work schedule.
Tell your boss about your pregnancy.
Plan another Doctor visit.
Tell friends and family. This is generally a good time to announce the good news.

Start planning nursery; you are enterting a nesting phase!
Look into childcare options.
Doctor visit.
Standard mid-pregnancy ultrasound.
Amniocentesis and triple screen (week 15-18), please read the Mom's Over 35 page for more details.

Things to ponder:

Find out baby's gender?
Hear baby's heartbeat with stethoscope?
First baby kick?
Belly starting to show?

Start pediatrician interviews.
Research and sign up for childbirth classes.
Plan baby shower logistics (date, host, location, guests, etc.).
Schedule a Doctor visit.

Update or write will, including directions for child's inheritance and guardianship. This is a standard item of security, not something to hex or spook you.
Purchase life insurance.
Update 401K and retirement account beneficiaries.
Register for shower gifts.
Another Doctor visit.