Now that you’ve made it past that 1st trimester, you’ll need to get started on your pregnancy checklist – 10 things to do in the 2nd trimester. You’re probably finally feeling a lot better and have more energy and less inclination to vomit on a daily basis! Though you may not sense it, but time is moving fast and there is so much to be done during your 2nd trimester to prepare for your labor and your baby’s birth. Below is your 2nd trimester check list. You’ve got 10 things to do in your 2nd trimester. If you can get these 10 things done before your 3rd trimester of pregnancy begins, you will feel a lot more prepared for labor an birth. You will also feel better educated, better informed, and more confident in your ability to calmly handle labor and birth. Now get started on this 2nd trimester pregnancy check list!
1. Every expecting parent MUST watch the eye opening The Business of Being Born. in your 2nd trimester.
This documentary will be eye opening for every expecting couple. I don’t think you should give birth without seeing this film. Even years later, after this documentary first came out, it is still relevant. Watching this will really motivate you to get started on your 2nd trimester pregnancy checklist.
2. Read Ina May’s Guide To Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin in your 2nd trimester:
Ina May Gaskin is a well-known midwife. She is brilliant in explaining how the normal process of labor and birth work. Reading this book as part of your 2nd trimester pregnancy checklist will give you more confidence and prepare you confidently for the birth of your child.
3. Tour Your Birth Place and Ask the Following Questions in your 2nd trimester of pregnancy.
Touring your birth place can be anxiety producing for some people. So seeing what is normal at your birth place is a good way to understand what you may want or not want during your labor and birth. Check off this task from your 2nd trimester pregnancy checklist early to help you figure out what will be the best birth experience for you. Some of these questions may be covered in the tour and you might not even have to ask them. But take them along with you in case.
Questions to ask HOSPITAL LOGISTICS & ROOM INFORMATION
Are all labor and delivery rooms private or do some share rooms?
Are the bathrooms private or shared?
Are all the rooms the same as the one(s) we’re being shown? Will I be in one room during my entire stay, or will I be moved to a separate postpartum room?
How many births take place at this hospital on average each day?
What happens if the L&D floor is full? How often does that happen?
Is this a teaching hospital? Do you utilize students or residents? Will they attend my labor and birth? Can I request that they not attend if I don’t feel comfortable with them there?
Is there a newborn intensive care unit (NICU)? What floor is it located on?
Where is the best place to park? How much does parking cost?
Questions to ask about LABOR & BIRTH:
If I believe I am in labor, where will I initially be examined? Will I have to wait in a general waiting area, triage, or will I be brought to a private room?
Will I be allowed to eat and/or drink during labor? Can I bring my own food?
What labor and birthing equipment do you provide? For example, birth balls, peanut balls, squat bars, showers, jetted tubs, rocking chair, birthing stool, etc.
What is the hospital’s percentage of natural births?
What sort of monitoring do you have? Do you have wireless fetal monitoring available?
How often are you fetal monitoring?
Do you have Blue Tooth in the L&D rooms? Are they complimentary? If you don’t have them, can I bring and use mine?
How many people are allowed in the delivery room at one time? Is there a limit?
Who should I give my birth plan to?
Will the nurse be comfortable with a birth plan that may include things they aren’t used to if my midwife/doctor has signed off on it?
Will I be able to labor at my own pace or will I be put on a time limit?
Will I be allowed to move around freely and get in the tub or shower during labor?
What is the induction rate at this hospital?
What is the episiotomy rate at this hospital?
What is the cesarean rate at this hospital?
How do you (and this hospital) feel about doulas?
What are the policies on cameras and video cameras during labor, pushing, and birth?
What’s the policy on delayed cord clamping?
Will this hospital allow me to take my placenta home (if you choose to do placenta encapsulation)?
Can we delay all procedures/exams for baby for an hour for bonding time/skin-to-skin?
Is your spouse/partner and doula allowed in the room for a c-section?
If I have a c-section, will my baby be separated from me right after the procedure? Or can I do skin-to-skin?
4. Click to Read What To Reject When You Are Expecting in your 2nd trimester
9 procedures to think twice about during your pregnancy from Consumer Reports
Click Here for: QUESTIONS TO ASK to help you decide.
Studies show that having a doula present at your birth can improve outcomes, help you have a better birth experience and even help you experience less pain in labor.
6. Take a childbirth class beginning in your 5th or 6th month.
Yes! That’s right. It takes time to mentally and physically prepare. You may learn something that changes your entire perspective. Then you’ll have time to make any changes you need. You’ll also have time to be RELAXED AND PREPARED. Some options are The Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth, Birthing From Within, HypnoBabies, Hypnobirthing.
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7. Choose the right care provider in your 2nd trimester
It will be one of the most important decisions you make for you and your baby:
How to choose the right care provider for your baby and birth.
8. Download this Free Healthy Birth Booklet – 6 Steps to a Safer Birth
This booklet from Lamaze.org is an easy read and is based on medical evidence and research.
It explains why the 6 Lamaze Healthy Birth Practices are the best choices for you and your baby.
9. Exercise Every Day During Your Pregnancy
Walk, swim, yoga (get my free 25 minute prenatal yoga class on youtube or download more prenatal yoga classes at Yogadownload:
Prenatal Yoga Package – The perfect Pregnancy companion, only $40
Prepare for your Babies Arrival with PRENATAL YOGA
10. Keep Track of Your Protein Intake Starting in Your 2nd Trimester
Make sure you are getting 80-100 grams of protein daily.
Great Apps for this are: www.myfitnesspal.com, www.calorieking.com, www.livestrong.com
