Pregnancy & Postpartum

The earliest signs of pregnancy often appear within the first few weeks after conception. Common symptoms include a missed period, breast tenderness or swelling, nausea (morning sickness), fatigue, frequent urination, and heightened sensitivity to smells or foods. Some women also notice mood swings, light spotting, or mild cramping. Every pregnancy is unique—some women feel changes very early, while others may not notice symptoms until several weeks later.

Most home pregnancy tests can detect pregnancy about 10–14 days after conception, which is around the time of a missed period. Some sensitive early-detection tests claim accuracy up to 5–6 days before a missed period, but results are more reliable the closer you are to the expected period date. For the most accurate result, test first thing in the morning when hCG (the pregnancy hormone) levels are highest.

Most home pregnancy tests are around 99% accurate when taken after a missed period and used correctly. Accuracy depends on several factors:

• Timing: Testing too early can give false negatives.
• Urine concentration: First-morning urine provides the clearest result.
• Test sensitivity: Some tests detect lower levels of hCG than others.

If results are unclear or conflicting, repeat the test in a few days or confirm with a doctor’s blood test, which can detect pregnancy earlier and with greater precision.

Your first prenatal visit typically happens around 8–10 weeks of pregnancy. At this appointment, your provider will:

• Review your medical and family history
• Do a physical and possibly pelvic exam
• Order bloodwork (blood type, iron levels, infections, immunity checks)
• Request a urine test
• Discuss nutrition, lifestyle, and prenatal vitamins
• Sometimes perform an ultrasound to confirm the due date

It’s also the perfect time to ask questions and set expectations for your pregnancy journey.

Yes—prenatal vitamins should be started as soon as you begin trying to conceive or find out you’re pregnant. In fact, if there’s even a chance you could become pregnant, doctors recommend starting prenatals early to ensure your body already has the nutrients needed to support a developing baby. These supplements provide folic acid (to help prevent neural tube defects), iron (to support blood supply), and other key nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and DHA. While a healthy diet is important, prenatal vitamins fill in nutritional gaps and are considered essential for early pregnancy care.

Yes, you can drink coffee during pregnancy—in moderation. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends keeping caffeine intake under 200 mg per day (about one 12-ounce cup of coffee). Exceeding that amount may increase the risk of miscarriage, low birth weight, or other pregnancy complications. Be mindful of hidden caffeine sources like tea, energy drinks, soda, and even chocolate.

During early pregnancy, it’s important to avoid foods that carry higher risks of foodborne illness or toxins. Steer clear of:

• Unpasteurized dairy and soft cheeses (risk of listeria)
• Undercooked or raw meat, fish, and eggs (risk of salmonella or toxoplasmosis)
• Certain fish high in mercury (shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish)
• Deli meats and hot dogs unless reheated until steaming
• Alcohol (no safe amount has been established)

When in doubt, choose cooked, fresh, and well-washed foods to keep both you and your baby safe.

Natural ways to manage morning sickness include:

• Eating small, frequent meals instead of three large ones
• Keeping plain crackers or toast by your bed for the morning
• Using ginger (tea, chews, or capsules)
• Asking your doctor about vitamin B6 supplements
• Staying hydrated with water, broth, or electrolyte drinks
• Avoiding strong smells and trigger foods

Most women improve after the first trimester. If nausea is severe or you can’t keep fluids down, talk to your doctor to rule out hyperemesis gravidarum.

Yes, most women can safely exercise during the first trimester, as long as they don’t have pregnancy complications and get clearance from their doctor. Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, stationary cycling, and prenatal yoga are excellent choices. Exercise can help reduce fatigue, ease constipation, and improve mood. Avoid high-risk activities that could cause falls, abdominal trauma, or overheating, such as contact sports, hot yoga, or heavy lifting.

Yes, travel is generally safe during the first trimester if your pregnancy is uncomplicated. Many women find this trimester challenging due to nausea and fatigue, so it’s helpful to plan breaks, stay hydrated, and pack healthy snacks. Air travel is usually safe, but check with your provider if you have risk factors such as bleeding, severe morning sickness, or a history of miscarriage. Whether by plane or car, always wear a seatbelt with the lap belt below your belly.

Mild cramping in the first trimester is common as your uterus stretches and hormones shift. It often feels like period cramps and may come and go. However, if cramping is severe, constant, or paired with bleeding, contact your provider to rule out complications.

Call your doctor right away if you experience severe abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, dizziness, fever, or severe nausea and vomiting (you can’t keep fluids down). While mild cramping and spotting can be normal, it’s always best to check with your provider if you’re worried. Trust your instincts—early care matters.

By the second and third trimesters, your body works overtime to support your baby, which can cause some uncomfortable symptoms. Common pregnancy discomforts include:

• Back pain: Try gentle stretches, maternity support belts, and supportive shoes.
• Heartburn: Eat smaller meals, avoid lying down after eating, and limit spicy or acidic foods.
• Swelling: Elevate your feet, stay hydrated, and avoid standing for long periods.
• Leg cramps: Stretch your calves before bed and get enough calcium and magnesium.
• Shortness of breath or sleep issues: Use extra pillows for support and rest on your side.

Most discomforts are manageable with simple changes, but check with your provider if symptoms are severe, sudden, or unusual.

The best sleeping position during pregnancy is on your side, especially the left side. This improves blood flow to your baby, supports kidney function, and reduces pressure on your liver. Tips for better sleep include:

• Using a pregnancy pillow or wedge to support your belly and back
• Placing a pillow between your knees for hip and lower back relief
• Avoiding long periods on your back, which can compress major blood vessels

Most women find side-sleeping more comfortable as pregnancy progresses.

Braxton Hicks contractions are often called “practice contractions” because they help your body prepare for labor. They usually:

• Feel like a tightening or hardening of the belly rather than painful waves
• Come irregularly and don’t get stronger or closer together
• Often ease with hydration, movement, or rest

In contrast, true labor contractions are regular, increase in intensity, and don’t go away with rest. Braxton Hicks are common in the second and third trimesters and are usually harmless, but contact your provider if you’re unsure whether contractions are the real thing.

Preparing for labor in the third trimester can ease anxiety and give you confidence. Helpful steps include:

• Taking childbirth classes to learn breathing, positioning, and coping strategies
• Practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or prenatal yoga
• Creating a birth plan with preferences for pain relief, delivery positions, and support people
• Talking with your provider about the signs of labor and when to go to the hospital
• Packing your hospital bag by week 36 so you’re ready whenever labor begins

Preparation doesn’t guarantee everything will go according to plan, but it helps you feel empowered and informed when the big day arrives.

By the third trimester, you should feel your baby move regularly—often several times throughout the day. Patterns vary, but most providers recommend doing kick counts: feeling at least 10 movements in 2 hours when your baby is active. A sudden decrease in movement is a reason to call your provider right away.

Most providers recommend having your hospital bag packed by 36 weeks of pregnancy, since babies sometimes arrive earlier than expected. If you’re pregnant with multiples, it’s best to pack even earlier. Essentials to include are:

• Comfortable clothes and nursing bras
• Toiletries and a long phone charger
• Baby’s first outfit and blanket
• Important documents (ID, insurance card, birth plan)
• Snacks and a water bottle for you and your partner

Having everything ready ahead of time reduces stress and ensures you can head to the hospital with peace of mind.

Most women with uncomplicated pregnancies can travel safely until about 36 weeks for domestic trips. Airlines set their own policies—many restrict flying between 32–36 weeks. For international travel or high-risk pregnancies, talk with your provider earlier. No matter how you travel, take precautions: stay hydrated, walk or stretch during long trips, wear your seatbelt correctly, and carry your medical records just in case.

Recommended weight gain in pregnancy depends on your pre-pregnancy BMI:

• Underweight (BMI <18.5): 28–40 lbs
• Normal weight (BMI 18.5–24.9): 25–35 lbs
• Overweight (BMI 25–29.9): 15–25 lbs
• Obese (BMI ≥30): 11–20 lbs

Most weight gain happens in the second and third trimesters as your baby grows rapidly. Focus on nutrient-dense foods instead of “eating for two,” and check with your provider for personalized guidance.

Yes, most women can safely exercise in the third trimester with their doctor’s approval. Gentle activities like walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga are great choices. Avoid exercises that risk falling, overheating, or lying flat on your back for long periods. Listen to your body—slow down if you feel dizzy, short of breath, or overly fatigued.

Contact your provider if you notice severe abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, a sudden gush or trickle of fluid, severe headaches, vision changes, or decreased fetal movement. These can signal complications that need immediate care.

Labor has three main stages, with some providers also describing a fourth:

• First Stage (early and active labor): Contractions become regular as the cervix dilates to 6 cm (early labor), then intensify until fully dilated at 10 cm (active labor).
• Second Stage (pushing and delivery): Begins when you’re fully dilated and ends with the birth of your baby.
• Third Stage (delivery of the placenta): Usually within 30 minutes, mild contractions help expel the placenta.

Fourth Stage (immediate recovery): The first few postpartum hours when you and your baby are closely monitored.

General guidelines for going to the hospital or birthing center include:

• Contractions: For first-time moms, when contractions come every 5 minutes, last 60 seconds, and continue for at least 1 hour (the 5-1-1 rule).
• Water breaking: Especially if the fluid is green, brown, or foul-smelling.
• Bleeding or severe pain: Heavy bleeding or intense abdominal pain should be checked immediately.
• Decreased movement: If your baby’s movement slows or stops.

Every pregnancy is different, so ask your provider what signs mean it’s time for you to head in.

The 5-1-1 rule is a guideline to help first-time moms know when labor is likely active and it’s time to go to the hospital. It means:

• Contractions every 5 minutes
• Each lasting 1 full minute
• Continuing for at least 1 hour

If your contractions follow this pattern, it usually signals active labor. For second or later pregnancies, labor can progress more quickly, so your provider may give different instructions. Always call your healthcare team if you’re unsure.

A doula is a trained birth support professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support before, during, and after labor. They do not deliver babies or provide medical care.

A midwife is a licensed healthcare provider trained to deliver babies and provide prenatal, labor, and postpartum care. Depending on their training, midwives may work in hospitals, birthing centers, or at home.

Many families choose both—a midwife for medical care and a doula for added support.

Many women use non-medical pain relief strategies during labor to feel more comfortable and in control. Options include:

• Breathing techniques (like Lamaze or patterned breathing)
• Movement and position changes (walking, rocking, squatting)
• Hydrotherapy (a warm shower or birthing tub)
• Massage, counterpressure, or acupressure
• Visualization, mindfulness, or meditation
• Heat or cold packs

These methods can be used on their own or alongside medical options such as an epidural, depending on your birth plan.

Yes—many moms find a birth plan helpful, but it works best as a flexible guide. A clear plan often includes:

• Preferences for pain relief
• Who you want present during labor and delivery
• Labor and pushing positions you prefer
• Choices like delayed cord clamping or immediate skin-to-skin
• Newborn care preferences (rooming in, breastfeeding, vaccinations)

Keep it to one page if possible. The key is to share your wishes clearly while staying open to changes for your and your baby’s safety.

Signs your water broke include a sudden gush or a steady trickle of fluid from the vagina. The fluid is usually clear and odorless, but it can sometimes look pinkish. If it’s green or brown, call your provider immediately as it may indicate meconium. If you’re unsure, go to the hospital or birthing center—it’s always safer to be checked.

Pregnancy is considered “post-term” after 42 weeks. If you pass your due date, your provider will likely monitor you more closely with ultrasounds and non-stress tests to check your baby’s health. Induction is often recommended between 41–42 weeks to reduce risks for both mom and baby. In some cases, labor may start on its own—but your provider will guide the safest next steps.

Early signs of labor can include:

• Regular contractions that get stronger, longer, and closer together
• Lower back pain or cramping that doesn’t ease with movement
• Bloody show (a pink or bloody mucus discharge)
• Water breaking (a gush or trickle of amniotic fluid)
• A feeling of pelvic pressure as your baby moves lower

Every pregnancy is different, so check with your provider if you’re unsure whether labor has begun.

Labor length varies, especially for first-time moms. On average:

• First-time moms: 12–24 hours from early labor to delivery
• Subsequent pregnancies: often shorter, around 8–12 hours

The first stage (early and active labor) is usually the longest, while pushing and delivery (the second stage) can last anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours. Every labor is unique, so your provider will guide you based on your progress.

After childbirth, it’s normal to experience several physical changes as your body heals. Common postpartum symptoms include vaginal bleeding (lochia) for up to 6 weeks, cramping as your uterus shrinks, perineal soreness, and breast engorgement as milk comes in. You may also notice swelling, night sweats, or fatigue. Simple aids like ice packs, peri bottles, supportive garments, and rest can help ease recovery. If symptoms are severe, sudden, or unusual, always check in with your healthcare provider.

Recovery after childbirth looks different for everyone. Most women need about 6–8 weeks to heal from a vaginal birth, while a C-section may require closer to 8–12 weeks. That said, “full recovery”—including regaining energy, pelvic floor strength, and emotional balance—can take several months. It’s normal for recovery to feel gradual. Listening to your body, resting when possible, and following up with your healthcare provider will help you recover at your own pace.

Mild pain, light bleeding, swelling, and emotional ups and downs are a normal part of postpartum recovery. Warning signs to watch for include:

• Heavy bleeding (soaking a pad in under an hour)
• Severe abdominal or pelvic pain
• Fever or chills
• Sudden swelling, headaches, or vision changes
• Worsening mood swings, anxiety, or feelings of hopelessness

If you notice any of these symptoms, call your healthcare provider right away.

For vaginal stitches, keep the area clean by rinsing with warm water (a peri bottle is helpful), change pads frequently, and use a cushioned seat to reduce pressure. 

For a C-section scar, gently wash with mild soap and water, keep it dry, and avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby until cleared by your provider. Watch for redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge, as these can be signs of infection that need medical attention.

A few essentials can make recovery more comfortable:

• Peri bottle for gentle cleaning after bathroom trips
• Ice packs or cooling pads to ease swelling and soreness
• Nursing bras and breast pads for support and leakage protection
• Postpartum underwear or heavy-flow pads for bleeding
• Support belt or wrap (especially helpful after a C-section)
• Stool softeners to make bathroom visits easier

These small items can provide big relief and support your body’s healing in the first weeks postpartum.

The “baby blues” are common mood changes that affect many new mothers in the first 1–2 weeks after birth. Symptoms may include mood swings, tearfulness, irritability, and feeling overwhelmed. They’re linked to hormonal shifts, lack of sleep, and the stress of adjusting to life with a newborn. Baby blues usually fade on their own within two weeks. If symptoms last longer or get worse, it could be postpartum depression, and reaching out to a provider is important.

Postpartum depression and anxiety go beyond the baby blues. Signs may include:

• Persistent sadness or hopelessness
• Difficulty bonding with your baby
• Feeling overwhelmed, panicky, or excessively anxious
• Changes in sleep or appetite not explained by newborn care
• Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed

If symptoms last more than two weeks or interfere with daily life, contact your healthcare provider. Effective treatments and support are available, and you don’t have to go through it alone.

Postpartum depression often shows up as persistent sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest, and difficulty bonding with your baby. It feels heavy and low.

Postpartum anxiety, on the other hand, is marked by excessive worry, racing thoughts, restlessness, and sometimes panic attacks. It feels restless and on edge.

Both can interfere with daily life and go beyond the “baby blues.” If symptoms last more than two weeks or feel overwhelming, talk with your healthcare provider. Effective treatments and support are available for both conditions.

Caring for your mental and emotional health is just as important as physical recovery. Helpful steps include:

• Prioritize rest and short breaks, even if chores wait
• Accept help from family and friends without guilt
• Try gentle movement like short walks or stretching
• Connect with support groups or online mom communities
• Consider professional counseling if emotions feel heavy or overwhelming

Remember—taking care of yourself helps you take better care of your baby.

Balancing recovery and newborn care is challenging, but small strategies make a difference:

• Nap when your baby naps, even if chores go undone
• Rotate night shifts with your partner if possible
• Keep meals simple with batch cooking or accept food help
• Limit visitors if they add stress instead of support

Remember: a rested parent is better equipped to handle the demands of newborn care

Postpartum bleeding, called lochia, usually lasts about 4–6 weeks after birth. It starts heavy and bright red, then gradually lightens to brown, pink, or yellow before stopping. Always use pads instead of tampons to lower the risk of infection. If bleeding suddenly gets heavier, has large clots, or smells unusual, contact your healthcare provider.

Most women can begin gentle movement—like walking or stretching—within a few days of delivery, as long as it feels comfortable. Structured exercise is usually safe after your 6-week postpartum checkup, though healing from a C-section may take longer. Start slow, focus on pelvic floor and core strength, and increase intensity gradually. Always check with your provider before resuming higher-impact workouts.

After a vaginal birth, many women feel ready to drive again within 1–2 weeks, as long as they can sit comfortably and react quickly. After a C-section, providers often recommend waiting 2–6 weeks, since twisting and braking can strain the incision. Always follow your provider’s advice and avoid driving if you’re still taking strong pain medication.

Yes—fertility can return as early as 3 weeks postpartum, even before your first period. Because ovulation can happen unexpectedly, it’s possible to conceive again quickly. At your postpartum checkup, talk with your provider about birth control options if you’re not ready for another pregnancy.

Most healthcare providers recommend waiting until your 6-week postpartum checkup before resuming sex. This clearance matters because your body is still healing: the uterus has a dinner-plate-sized internal wound where the placenta was attached, which increases your risk of infection if sex happens too soon. You may also be more fertile in the weeks after birth, even before your period returns. Waiting allows stitches (if present) or a C-section incision to heal and bleeding to subside.

Once you’re cleared, remember that comfort varies—go slow, use lubrication, and communicate with your partner. If sex is painful or you’re unsure, talk with your provider.

Night sweats are common in the first weeks after birth, caused by hormonal shifts and your body shedding extra pregnancy fluid. To stay comfortable:

• Sleep in lightweight, breathable clothing
• Keep your room cool and use a fan
• Stay hydrated to replace fluid loss
• Place a towel over your pillow or sheets if needed

Night sweats usually improve within a few weeks as your hormones balance out.

Try to begin within the first hour after birth—during the “golden hour”—so your baby gets colostrum, and you both benefit from calming skin-to-skin time. Early feeding kickstarts your supply and fosters emotional bonding. If your baby can’t feed right away, hand-expressing colostrum can still provide immunity and nutrition.

A deep, comfortable latch is foundational—not just for milk transfer, but to prevent nipple pain. Look for:

• Wide mouth and flanged lips
• More areola captured below than above
• Chin touching the breast
• Rhythmic swallowing without clicking or gasps
• Nipples looking round, not pinched, afterward

If latching is painful or ineffective, seek help from a lactation consultant early—it can save you stress down the road.

Some initial discomfort can happen, but intense or ongoing pain signals deeper issues. Try:

• Relatching for a deeper grip
• Using a different hold—football, cross-cradle, or side-lying
• Applying lanolin or expressed milk to soothe tender nipples

If pain persists past the first few feeds, consulting an IBCLC usually resolves the issue quickly and effectively.

Signs of adequate intake include:

• Regular swallowing during feeds
• 6+ wet diapers per day after week one
• Steady weight gain after the initial loss
• Appearing satisfied after feeds

If you’re uncertain, a weighted feed—before and after nursing—can confirm your baby's intake.

Start with skin-to-skin contact right after birth, feed on demand (8–12 times a day), and find comfortable positions for both you and your baby. Don’t be afraid to ask a lactation consultant for help—they can troubleshoot latching, supply, and comfort issues.

Most low supply is temporary. Effective strategies include:

• Nursing or pumping at least 8 times a day
• Incorporating power-pumping sessions to boost supply
• Staying hydrated and nutritionally nourished
• Checking with your provider for medical factors like thyroid issues
• Use herbs (like fenugreek) only with medical approval

Absolutely. Breastfeed on one side, pump the other to build a stash or boost supply. Try a hands-free pumping bra and follow baby’s rhythm—roughly every 2–3 hours—to mimic feeding patterns and maintain supply.

Yes—most common illnesses (like colds, flu, or mild infections) do not require stopping breastfeeding. In fact, your body produces antibodies that pass through breast milk and help protect your baby. Wash your hands often and wear a mask if coughing/sneezing to reduce germ spread. Always check with your provider for serious infections or if you’re prescribed medications.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for about 6 months, followed by continued breastfeeding along with solid foods for at least 1 year. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding for up to 2 years or longer. Ultimately, the duration is a personal decision—any amount of breastfeeding provides benefits.

After delivery, estrogen and progesterone levels drop rapidly, which can lead to mood swings, irritability, or sadness (often called the “baby blues”). At the same time, oxytocin and prolactin rise, supporting bonding and milk production but also making you feel more emotionally sensitive. Combined with sleep deprivation and stress, these changes can leave you feeling unsteady. Most parents notice improvement within two weeks, but if symptoms worsen or persist, it may indicate postpartum depression or anxiety.

Postpartum hair loss, also called telogen effluvium, is very common and usually peaks around 3–4 months after birth. During pregnancy, high estrogen levels kept hair in its growth phase, making it look fuller. After birth, hormone levels normalize, causing more strands to shed at once. While it can be alarming, this shedding is temporary—most women see hair return to normal within 6–12 months. A balanced diet, hydration, and gentle hair care can help in the meantime.

Recovery timelines vary. Many women start feeling more like themselves physically by 6–12 weeks postpartum, though pelvic floor strength and energy may take several months to fully return. Emotionally, adjusting to motherhood can take longer—and that’s normal. Healing isn’t about “bouncing back” but about slowly regaining strength, balance, and confidence at your own pace.

Light activity like walking, stretching, or pelvic floor exercises is often safe within days of a vaginal birth, if you feel comfortable. Most providers recommend waiting until your 6-week postpartum checkup—or longer if you had a C-section or complications—before resuming structured exercise. Start with gentle core and pelvic floor strengthening, then gradually return to higher-impact workouts with your provider’s approval.

Night sweats are common in the first 2–3 weeks postpartum. They’re caused by hormonal changes, especially the drop in estrogen and progesterone, and your body’s effort to shed extra pregnancy fluid. Though uncomfortable, they usually improve quickly. Stay cool by wearing lightweight clothes, keeping your bedroom temperature down, and drinking water to replace lost fluids.

Yes—separation anxiety is a normal part of early parenthood and reflects the strong bond you’ve built. It’s common to feel uneasy when leaving your newborn, even briefly. Start with short outings, leave your baby with someone you trust, and use quick check-ins (like a photo or text) for reassurance. If anxiety feels overwhelming, constant, or interferes with daily life, talk to your healthcare provider—it could be a sign of postpartum anxiety, which is common and treatable.

Relaxin—the hormone that loosens ligaments for birth—lingers for weeks, leaving joints less stable. Combined with new lifting and posture demands, this can cause soreness in hips, knees, or back. Gentle stretching, supportive shoes, and slow strengthening help relieve discomfort.

Hormone shifts can trigger breakouts, dryness, or pigmentation changes like melasma. These often improve as hormones settle, but consistent skincare and sun protection support recovery.

Yes—sluggish digestion, bloating, or constipation are common due to hormonal changes and weakened abdominal muscles. Staying hydrated, eating fiber-rich foods, and short walks all help. If symptoms persist, check with your provider.

Postpartum fatigue isn’t just lack of sleep—it can also signal anemia, thyroid issues, or mood disorders. If exhaustion continues despite rest and support, ask your provider about lab work and possible treatment.

Swelling in your hands, feet, or legs is common as your body sheds extra pregnancy fluid. It usually eases within 1–2 weeks, but hydration and elevating your legs help speed the process. Contact your provider if swelling is sudden, severe, or paired with headaches or vision changes.

Start researching pediatricians in your second or early third trimester so you have time to compare. Steps to guide you:

• Ask friends, family, or your OB for recommendations.
• Check credentials, including board certification and hospital affiliations.
• Schedule prenatal consults to see if their style matches your family’s needs.
• Consider practical factors like location, office hours, and after-hours coverage.
• Ask about their approach to vaccinations, breastfeeding support, and common newborn concerns.

Choosing a pediatrician before birth ensures your baby’s first visits are seamless and stress-free.

The ideal time for maternity photos is between 28 and 34 weeks. During this window, your belly is beautifully round, but you’re usually still comfortable enough to move and pose. If you’re expecting multiples or have a high-risk pregnancy, schedule earlier. Talk with your photographer about outfits, locations, and whether to include your partner or older children.

Must-haves include:

Stick to essentials you’ll use daily:

• Diapering: diapers, wipes, diaper bag
• Feeding: bottles, burp cloths, bibs, nursing pillow
• Sleep: crib/bassinet, swaddles, baby monitor
• On-the-go: stroller, car seat, diaper caddy
• Comfort: baby blankets

Practical items go further than trendy gadgets—parents always appreciate what makes day-to-day care easier.

Yes, if possible. Hospital tours help reduce anxiety and give you a clear picture of what to expect. Tours usually include:

• Labor and delivery room walk-throughs
• Visitor policies and newborn care routines
• Information on epidurals, birthing tubs, and rooming-in options
• Guidance on check-in, paperwork, and what to bring

Aim for a tour between 28–34 weeks so you feel prepared without cutting it too close.

Aim to have your hospital bag packed by 36 weeks—earlier if you’re expecting multiples. Essentials include:

• Comfortable clothes and nursing bras
• Toiletries and a long phone charger
• Baby’s first outfit and blanket
• Important documents (ID, insurance info, birth plan)
• Snacks and water for you and your partner

For a complete breakdown of must-haves, check out our Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist.

Install your baby’s car seat by 36 weeks so you’re ready in case of an early delivery. Many hospitals won’t let you leave without verifying a properly installed seat. However, avoid installing it too early—if you’re in a car accident before delivery, the seat will need to be replaced, even if there’s no visible damage. For peace of mind, consider having your installation checked at a local fire station or certified car seat technician.

If you have older children, it’s a good idea to arrange childcare well before your due date. Line up a trusted caregiver who can be “on call” when labor begins, and prepare a bag with essentials for your child (snacks, clothes, favorite toy). Having a plan in place reduces last-minute stress and ensures you can focus on your delivery.

The fourth trimester refers to the first three months after birth, when both mother and baby are adjusting to a brand-new reality. For babies, it means adapting from the womb to the outside world—lots of feeding, sleeping, and craving closeness. For moms, it’s about healing physically, regulating emotions, and learning the rhythms of newborn care. Recognizing this as its own developmental stage normalizes the challenges and reminds you to prioritize both self-care and patience.

Self-care may feel impossible, but even small steps matter. Focus on:

• Rest: Nap when your baby naps, or trade shifts with a partner.
• Nutrition & hydration: Nourishing meals and plenty of fluids support healing.
• Movement: Gentle walks or stretching (when cleared by your provider) can lift energy.
• Mental health: Accept help, simplify tasks, and take breaks—even five minutes for a shower, deep breath, or quiet tea.

Caring for yourself is a vital part of caring for your baby.

Light movement like walking or pelvic floor exercises is often safe within days of a vaginal birth, if you feel comfortable. Structured exercise, especially anything high-impact, should wait until your 6-week postpartum checkup. For C-sections, recovery may take longer. Focus first on rebuilding core and pelvic floor strength, then increase intensity gradually under your provider’s guidance.

Not every family needs one, but a postpartum doula can be invaluable. They provide in-home support in the early weeks—helping with newborn care, breastfeeding guidance, household tasks, and emotional support. If you don’t have nearby family or simply want more reassurance, hiring a doula can ease the transition and reduce stress.

Encouraging your partner’s involvement builds confidence and strengthens family bonds. Practical ways include:

• Sharing diaper changes, burping, and bath time
• Doing skin-to-skin bonding with the baby
• Rotating night shifts if possible
• Attending pediatric visits together
• Checking in emotionally and supporting each other

When both parents are actively involved, the load feels lighter for everyone.

Preparing siblings early helps reduce jealousy and smooth the transition. Strategies include:

• Talking about the baby before arrival so they feel included
• Letting them help pick nursery items or baby clothes
• Keeping their routines consistent for security
• Planning one-on-one time with the older child after the baby comes
• Celebrating their “big sibling” role with praise or small gifts

This builds excitement and helps older children feel just as special as the new baby.