Pregnancy Checklist

Congratulations!  This is a guide to your pregnancy to help you understand expectations and plan for your prenatal care and delivery.

Pregnancy Checklist

Gestational Age

Checklist

6-9 weeks

  • 1 inch long
  • Heart is functioning
  • First prenatal appointment around 8 weeks. An ultrasound is not usually done at this visit. Your first ultrasound will be at 11-12 weeks of pregnancy.
  • Review any prescription medications you are currently taking with healthcare provider.
  • Routine prenatal labs.
  • Complete cystic fibrosis and spinal muscular atrophy genetic screening tests.

10-15 week

  • 2-3 inches long
  • ½- 1 oz
  • Limbs formed
  • First ultrasound (11-12 weeks)! If you’ve already had an ultrasound earlier in your
    pregnancy, you do not need a repeat ultrasound at 11-12weeks.
  • We should be able to hear your baby’s heartbeat by listening with a fetal doppler
    on your belly. All of your lab results will be reviewed with you at this visit.
  • Genetic screening for chromosomal abnormalities. Can also find out gender from
    this lab (7-10 days after drawn) if you want to know.
  • Consider feeding method planned.

16-20 weeks

  •  8-10 inches
  • 7-14 oz
  • Office visits continue every 4 weeks.
  • Ultrasound to look at baby’s anatomy at 18-20 weeks
  • Schedule childbirth education classes and/or breastfeeding course.
  • Many patients begin to feel the baby move close to 20 weeks of pregnancy
    (although this varies person to person)!

21-26 weeks

  • 11-14 inches
  • 1.75-3 lbs
  • Baby may hiccup
  • Begin interviewing pediatricians or family practice providers – both can provide
    newborn care.
  • Check out childcare options if returning to work.
  • If you’re planning to breastfeed your baby, you were given a prescription for a
    breast pump at your 20-week office visit. Fill out the attached forms and submit
    them so you’ll have your pump before delivery.

27-30 weeks

  • 14-16 inches
  • 2.5-3.5lbs
  • Taste buds develop
  • Blood tests for anemia and gestational diabetes.
  • Rhogam injection (if indicated for Rh negative blood types) at 28 weeks with lab
    tests.
  • Start buying baby equipment including car seat!
  • Consider contraceptive options post-partum and discuss with provider.
  • Start working out details about maternity leave with employer – provide office
    with FMLA form (our office will complete within 10 days of receiving it).

31-35 weeks

  • 16-19 inches
  • 4-6 pounds
  • Brain development
  • Strong “kicks” may be
    visible from outside
  • Tdap vaccine to protect your baby from whooping cough will be given to you at
    your 32-week visit. Your partner and any other family members having contact
    with you should contact their healthcare providers about getting the vaccine prior
    to your baby arriving.
  • Complete childbirth education classes.
  • Organize transportation plan to get to hospital.
  • Tour Elliot hospital.
  • Install car seat – inspection available at local fire department (you need to call
    fire department to set up appointment).
  • Baby might “drop” into pelvis.
  • Plan childcare arrangements for other children during hospital stay.
  • Choose a pediatrician or family practice provider to care for your baby.

36 weeks – delivery

  • 19-20 inches
  • 7-8 pounds
  • Lungs mature
  • Skin smooth and pink
  • Appointments weekly.
  • May pass mucus plug.
  • Having a boy? Make decision on circumcision.
  • GBS screening test at 36 weeks.
  • Cannot travel by air after 36 weeks.
  • Check cervix for cervical dilation at 40 weeks (your due date!).
  • Plan induction at 41-42 weeks if you haven’t gone into labor.