First Trimester Checklist

Confirm your pregnancy with a home test and schedule your first prenatal visit

Weeks 4-6

Start taking prenatal vitamins with at least 400mcg of folic acid (ideally before conception)

ASAP

First prenatal appointment: medical history, blood work, urine test, blood pressure

Weeks 6-8

First ultrasound to confirm pregnancy, check for heartbeat, and estimate due date

Weeks 8-12

Blood tests: blood type, Rh factor, complete blood count, rubella immunity, STI screening

First visit

Discuss genetic screening options (NIPT, nuchal translucency) with your provider

Weeks 10-13

Nuchal translucency ultrasound (if opted in)

Weeks 11-13

Stop smoking, drinking alcohol, and using recreational drugs

Immediately

Review all medications (including over-the-counter) with your healthcare provider

First visit

Limit caffeine intake to 200mg per day (about one 12 oz cup of coffee)

Ongoing

Eat a balanced diet rich in folate, iron, calcium, and protein

Ongoing

Stay hydrated — aim for 8-10 glasses of water per day

Ongoing

Continue moderate exercise (walking, swimming, prenatal yoga) unless advised otherwise

Ongoing

Get adequate sleep — fatigue is very common in the first trimester

Ongoing

Avoid raw/undercooked meat, unpasteurized dairy, high-mercury fish, and deli meats

Ongoing

Avoid cat litter, garden soil (toxoplasmosis risk)

Ongoing

Calculate your due date and start tracking your pregnancy

Week 4-5

Research and choose your healthcare provider (OB/GYN, midwife, family doctor)

Weeks 4-8

Review your health insurance coverage for prenatal care and delivery

Weeks 4-8

Decide when and how to announce your pregnancy

When ready (many wait until weeks 12-13)

Start a pregnancy journal or use a tracking app

Anytime

Research maternity leave policies at your workplace

Weeks 8-13

Begin thinking about your birth plan preferences

Weeks 10-13

Look into childbirth education classes (they fill up early!)

Weeks 10-13