The 2nd Trimester Checklist [By Month]

As you transition into the second trimester, you might find that your morning sickness has diminished somewhat, while your anticipation—and your belly size—is increasing rapidly. Are you curious about your baby’s gender? How do you plan to share the thrilling news of your pregnancy? This is the moment to ponder these matters and beyond. Whether it’s drafting a birth plan or organizing your baby shower, there are plenty of enjoyable (and crucial!) tasks to add to your agenda for the fourth, fifth, and sixth months.

Things to Do While 4 Months Pregnant

At four months pregnant, you’re in the second trimester, which is often considered the most comfortable phase of pregnancy.

Schedule your anatomy scan

Your doctor may perform an anatomy scan between weeks 18 and 22. This scan checks your baby’s development and can also identify your little one’s gender. If you choose to find out, now is the time to plan a sweet gender reveal!

Think about your birth plan

Do you want an epidural? Can you try different birth positions? There’s a lot to think about on the big day, and a birth plan can help you prepare. A birth plan is a personalized guide that outlines your preferences for labor and delivery. It’s a flexible tool to communicate your wishes to your healthcare providers and can cover the following:

• Delivery location: Whether you want to give birth at a hospital, birthing center, or at home
• Labor protocol: When to call your doctor, when to go directly to the hospital, and how you will get to your delivery location
• Support system: Who you want present during your labor and delivery, such as your partner and a doula, if desired
• Preferred delivery position
• Pain relief preferences, such as epidural or natural methods
• Wishes about umbilical cord cutting: Do you want your partner or the doctor to cut it?
• Desire for immediate skin-to-skin contact with your baby after delivery
• Considerations if unforeseen circumstances arise, such as an episiotomy or C-section

Of course, labor and delivery are unpredictable experiences, but what’s most important is the health and well-being of you and your baby. Still, a birth plan is a helpful way to communicate what’s important to you and allows your support system to be your advocate.

Create pregnancy announcements

Share your happy news! Be as creative or as traditional as you desire. Incorporate your ultrasound scan, other children, your pets, or your hobbies. There are so many clever and heartfelt ways to announce and celebrate your little one’s pending arrival.

Stay healthy with a gentle workout routine

Exercise boosts your mental health and can help you gain less weight during pregnancy and prepare for labor and delivery. Stay physically active with walking, yoga, stationary biking, and swimming. If you exercised pre-pregnancy, you may be able to continue working out at the same level. Check with your doctor about which exercises are best for you. 

Take bump photos along the way!

Document your pregnancy with weekly or monthly bump photos. Someday your baby will love looking at pictures of themselves in your belly, and you’ll have a sweet reminder of this precious time.

Things to Do While 5 Months Pregnant

The months are going by fast. At five months pregnant, you’re at the halfway mark and it’s time to check some fun and practical tasks off your to-do list.

Get started on the baby registry

Newborns are tiny, but their needs aren’t. From furniture to diapers to a car seat, babies require an abundance of supplies and gear. Get a head start by putting your baby registry together. Talk to your doctor or experienced parents for suggestions, look online for recommendations, and read reviews.

Here’s a quick list of some of the necessities you may want to have on hand:

• Car seat that meets NHTSA recommendations
• Stroller
• Baby carrier
• Playard
• Baby swing
• Diapers
• Breast pump
• Burp cloths
• Bottles
• Crib or bassinet
• Dresser
• Changing table and changing pad
• Fitted crib sheets and firm, flat mattress
• Diaper pail
• Rocking chair or glider
• Nightlight
• Baby monitor
• Baskets or bins
• Age-appropriate toys
• Laundry hamper
• Baby clothes hangers

Start to decorate the nursery

The nursery is a cozy haven where you’ll spend moments cuddling with your baby, singing lullabies, and staring at every move your little one makes. Choose a nursery style or theme, select a color palette, hang baby-friendly artwork, and create a serene and joyful space for your upcoming arrival. Be sure to add the items you need and want to your baby registry—family and friends will want to help fulfill your wish list.

Invest in a pregnancy pillow

You may not need it quite yet, but a pregnancy pillow may soon come in super handy for getting those all-important Z’s as your body changes in the upcoming months.

Whether you choose a small wedge pillow or a full-length body pillow, these pillows can provide extra support and cushioning for your back, belly, hips…basically wherever you need it most. Plus, their use continues postpartum as they can also provide support during nursing.

Things to Do While 6 Months Pregnant

At six months pregnant, you’re likely sporting a baby bump and starting to experience some aches and discomforts as your center of gravity shifts. The following are a few things to do as you wind down your second trimester.

Consider hiring a doula

A doula is a specially trained individual who provides non-medical physical and emotional support before, during, and after labor and delivery. They aim to make childbirth a positive experience, and their responsibilities typically include:

• Helping you create a birth plan
• Sharing stress, anxiety, and pain reduction techniques
• Providing guidance, resources, encouragement, and nurturing
• Supporting birth partners

For more information and to find a doula, inquire with your hospital or healthcare provider or visit the DoulaMatch.net or DONA International websites.

Prepare for the baby shower

Everyone wants to celebrate your little one! While the baby shower may not happen until the third trimester, now is the optimal time to start preparing for this sweet event and let everyone know to save the date.

If possible, let your family and friends do the legwork, while you concentrate on your gift registry, the guest list, and picking a cute maternity outfit for the occasion.

Schedule your glucose screening test

Between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy, your doctor will likely perform a glucose prenatal test to screen for gestational diabetes. The test involves drinking a sugar solution, followed by a blood test to measure your glucose level.

Enjoy This Second Phase of Your Pregnancy

You’ve got a lot going on in the second trimester. Rely on your OB-GYN for guidance, and lean on your family and friends for additional support. And remember: In between all the appointments and activities, try to take time to relax and savor the special moments as you anticipate the new addition to your family.