1st and 2nd months of pregnancy

Appointments:

• Doctor's appointment to confirm the pregnancy

• First prenatal check-up and issuance of the maternity record

• Toxoplasmosis test (usually together with the prenatal check-up)

• If necessary, issuance of a pregnancy certificate for the employer

Don't forget:

• Take folic acid as a supplement

• Nutrition change: Alcohol, nicotine, raw meat, raw fish, raw eggs are now off-limits

• Plenty of sleep and rest – the early stage of pregnancy and the hormonal changes are tiring for the body

3rd month of pregnancy

Appointments:

• First-trimester ultrasound (the first of three planned ultrasound examinations)

• For high-risk pregnancies: optional nuchal translucency measurement and chorionic villus sampling

Don't forget:

• Inform extended acquaintances about the pregnancy

• Find a midwife for the birth/for postnatal care

• Inform the employer (for the unemployed: employment agency) about the pregnancy

• Light exercise and plenty of fresh air to relieve pregnancy symptoms

• Drink regularly and adequately

• Buy a comfortable, well-fitting bra

• Take folic acid as a supplement

4th month of pregnancy

Appointments:

• Monthly prenatal check-up at the doctor

• For high-risk pregnancies: optional first-trimester screening

• Register for a childbirth preparation course (usually starts around the 6th month)

• If desired, register for an infant care course

• Talk to the health insurance provider about the calculation of maternity allowance

Don't forget:

• Regular moisturizing and light pinching massages on the belly, buttocks, and thighs to minimize stretch marks

• Buy first maternity clothes

• Eat a balanced and vitamin-rich diet

• If necessary, adapt hairstyle or hair care products to the changed hair

5th month of pregnancy

Appointments

• Second major ultrasound examination

• For high-risk pregnancies: optional amniocentesis (amniotic fluid test)

• If necessary, visit the dentist to avoid dental problems during pregnancy

Don't forget

• Book a vacation – the 5th and 6th months of pregnancy are the optimal time for one last trip together

• Lots of time for yourself – consciously take small breaks

• Consider baby names – you may now already know your baby's gender

• Listen to your body - you may already feel the first fetal movements

6th month of pregnancy

Appointments

• Monthly prenatal check-up at the doctor

• Start of the childbirth preparation course

• Visit the desired maternity hospital/birth center – many facilities offer 'taster evenings' for expectant parents

• Talk with your employer – when do you want to return to work and what do you want for the time after parental leave?

• Apply for maternity allowance (with the health insurance provider)

• For unmarried couples: visit the youth welfare office to acknowledge paternity and to apply for shared custody

Don't forget

• Ensure adequate magnesium and iron intake – if necessary, you should take a supplement

• Shop for maternity clothes, buy nursing bras

• Talk to your baby, sing to it, and stroke it through the belly

• Plan the initial essentials and start purchasing/ordering:

  • Changing table/changing dresser

  • Baby bed/bedside crib

  • Optional bassinet

  • Baby bathtub

  • Infant car seat

  • Baby sleeping bag

  • Baby clothing and linens

  • Baby blanket, towels, burp cloths

  • Test-drive the stroller and order if necessary (sometimes very long lead times!)

7th month of pregnancy

Appointments

• Monthly prenatal check-up at the doctor

• Glucose tolerance test (sugar load test) to rule out gestational diabetes

• Registration at the desired maternity hospital/birth center

• Often the start of an infant care course (if desired)

Don't forget

• Apartment renovation, refurbishing, or setting up the nursery

• Get the initial equipment for the baby and nursery

• Create a personal birth plan if desired

• Write/download a checklist for the hospital bag

• If necessary, swimming or yoga to relieve back pain

8th month of pregnancy

Appointments

• Third and final major ultrasound examination

• Visit daycare centers and/or childminders and register your baby if necessary

• Pack the hospital bag and run last-minute errands for it

Don't forget - gather the necessary documents:

• Birth certificates of the partners

• If applicable, marriage certificate and family record book

• If applicable, acknowledgment of paternity and recognition of joint custody

• Collect important phone numbers and write/print them as a list

• Download and prepare official forms:

  • Application for child benefit

  • Application for parental allowance

• Make a checklist for baby equipment so nothing is forgotten

9th month of pregnancy

Appointments

• Monthly prenatal check-up at the doctor

• Start of maternity protection period (34th week of pregnancy)

Don't forget

• Satisfy the nesting instinct: clean, set up, decorate

• Wash new baby clothes more frequently to minimize contaminants

• Lots of rest to build up strength for the birth

• Mentally prepare for the birth and consider special wishes for the delivery room

• If necessary, have taxi numbers and fare ready

10th month of pregnancy

Appointments

• Fortnightly prenatal check-up at the doctor

• Prenatal check-up every two days after passing the due date

• If necessary, preparatory acupuncture for birth by the midwife, doctor, or a naturopath

Don't forget

• Go through name lists again and decide on your favorites

• Enjoy the quiet time and recharge your energy

• Close contact with the midwife to discuss questions or fears

• Pack snacks and drinks in the hospital bag

Image credits

A pregnant woman takes notes and reviews medical documents © nataliaderiabina - stock.adobe.com

Woman holds a pregnancy test in her hand and is happy © pressmaster - stock.adobe.com

Pregnant woman during an ultrasound © Sven Bähren - stock.adobe.com

Pregnant woman cuts raw vegetables in the kitchen © lordn - stock.adobe.com

Pregnant woman lies on a sofa and holds her belly © LeslieAnn - stock.adobe.com

Pregnant woman meditating © liderina - stock.adobe.com

Pregnant woman in the water holds her baby bump © Sergey Novikov - stock.adobe.com

Girl rests her head on mother's baby bump © georgerudy - stock.adobe.com

Pregnant woman holds a sign with the text 'Maternity protection' © contrastwerkstatt - stock.adobe.com

Pregnant woman organizes documents © Maksym - stock.adobe.com