Welcome to your second trimester, mama.
You’ve made it through the early weeks, and now it’s time to breathe a little easier.
This is often referred to as the honeymoon phase of pregnancy, when energy returns, nausea subsides, and your growing belly begins to reveal the magic happening inside.
You may begin to feel those first gentle flutters from your baby and a stronger sense of connection with the little one growing within you.
Emotionally and physically, many moms-to-be feel more balanced and confident in the second trimester.
This phase is perfect for slowing down and savoring the experience.
It’s when many mamas truly start to glow. Let yourself enjoy it. Take care of your body, your mind, and your heart.
Prioritize rest, movement, and nourishment. Stay connected with your partner, and talk openly about your feelings and hopes.
Above all, trust yourself. You are doing an incredible job, and this journey is uniquely yours.
Embrace the small moments, lean into the joy, and know that everything is unfolding just the way it should.
Here’s your ultimate to-do list for the next three months to help you feel confident, prepared, and fully supported.
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The ultimate second-trimester to-do list
1. Book Your Anomaly Scan
One of the most important second-trimester essentials is your anomaly scan, typically scheduled between 18 to 22 weeks.
This mid-pregnancy ultrasound helps monitor your baby’s growth, organs, and development to ensure everything is progressing well.
It’s a vital part of your second-trimester checklist and brings reassurance during your second trimester.
2. Start Gentle Prenatal Workouts
Adding movement to your second-trimester to-do list can make a big difference.
Gentle activities like walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga help you stay active, relieve back pain, and improve circulation.
These are safe and effective second-trimester tips to stay fit and feel good.
Always check with your doctor before starting any exercise during your second trimester of pregnancy.
3. Announce Your Pregnancy If You Haven’t
The second trimester in pregnancy is often the most comfortable, making it a great time to finally share your joy.
If you’ve been waiting for the right moment, now’s the perfect time to announce your pregnancy to friends, family, or even on social media.
It’s an exciting milestone to check off your second-trimester checklist.
Read more: The perks of Amazon Baby Registry
4. Create or Update Your Baby Registry on Amazon
Your second trimester is the perfect time to start your baby registry. By now, things feel a little more real and you can begin planning without the last-minute rush. This is a great stage to add bigger must-haves like a crib, car seat, stroller, and everyday baby essentials.
Amazon is one of the easiest and most convenient places to start your baby registry. You can find everything in one place, compare options, and save items for later as you get closer to your due date.
Click here to start your Amazon Baby Registry
If you’re ready to get organized but unsure what to include, The Ultimate Baby Prep Bundle has you covered.
It walks you through exactly what things to add, helps you plan from scratch, and makes the whole process feel simple and stress-free.
Starting early now means one less thing to worry about later 🤍
Get The Ultimate Baby Prep Bundle here
5. Plan Your Maternity Leave
If you’re a working mom-to-be, now is the time to talk to your employer, review company policies, and understand your maternity leave rights.
Knowing when to take time off during your second trimester in pregnancy helps you prepare both emotionally and financially.
6. Research and Book Childbirth Classes
Learning about labor, delivery, and newborn care is an important step in your second trimester of pregnancy.
Booking virtual or in-person childbirth classes during your second trimester gives you time to prepare calmly and confidently.
These classes are a key part of your second-trimester checklist of things to do, especially if you’re a first-time mom.
You’ll gain useful knowledge, feel more in control, and know what to expect when the big day arrives.
A highly recommended guide is Birthing from Within on Amazon, which offers a practical and emotional approach to birth preparation.
7. Start Your Birth Plan
Now is a great time in your second trimester to start outlining your birth preferences.
A birth plan is a simple document that shares your wishes for labor, delivery, and immediate postpartum care.
Think about pain relief options, birthing positions you’d like to try, and who you want by your side during delivery.
Writing these down helps you feel prepared, informed, and more confident as your due date gets closer. While things may change, having a birth plan gives your care team and partner a clear guide to support you.
Not sure what to include?
The Ultimate Baby Prep Bundle includes birth plans for both vaginal and C-section births, with one prefilled template where you just choose your preferences and one blank template to customize from scratch.
8. Tour Hospitals or Birthing Centers
Use your second trimester to explore your delivery options by visiting local hospitals or birthing centers.
This helps you get a feel for the environment, see available facilities, and understand their procedures.
If you are not sure what to ask during your visits, The Ultimate Baby Prep Bundle includes a complete list of questions to guide you through every hospital or birthing center tour.
9. Begin Baby-Proofing Basics
Starting to think about safety in your second trimester is a smart move. You can look out for things like sharp corners, open outlets, and cabinets that need securing. Little things like outlet covers and corner protectors go a long way in keeping your home safe.
You don’t have to baby-proof everything just yet, but planning ahead makes it easier later.
The Ultimate Baby Prep Bundle has a nursery safety checklist and a baby essentials checklist with all the safety gear you’ll need.
10. Nourish Your Body with a Balanced, Pregnancy-Safe Diet
Now’s the time to be more mindful about what you’re eating every day.
Focus on iron-rich foods like leafy greens, lentils, and red meat. Include plenty of protein from sources such as chicken, eggs, and beans.
Add calcium-packed options like milk, yogurt, and cheese to support your baby’s bone development.
Don’t forget to stay hydrated by drinking at least 8 to 10 glasses of water daily.
Your baby’s development relies heavily on your daily intake of essential nutrients, so keep your meals wholesome, colorful, and nourishing.
11. Invest in Comfy Maternity Clothes That Make You Feel Good
By the second trimester, your bump will be showing, and your usual wardrobe may not feel comfortable anymore.
This is the perfect time toswitch to soft, stretchy, and breathable maternity wear that adapts to your changing body.
Look for adjustable waistbands, belly support, and gentle fabrics that let you move freely.
When you’re dressed in clothes that feel good and fit well, it makes a big difference in your comfort and confidence during pregnancy.
12. Stay on Top of Pregnancy Symptoms
Pay attention to how your body is changing during this trimester.
Monitor any new, uncomfortable, or unusual symptoms like swelling, headaches, or pain.
Keep track of your baby’s movements, especially once they become regular, and always discuss anything concerning with your healthcare provider.
Staying aware helps you respond early if something needs medical attention.
13. Think About a Babymoon or Small Trip
If your energy is up and your doctor gives the go-ahead, consider taking a short, relaxing trip with your partner before the third trimester.
Travel tends to be easier now, and a babymoon is a great way to reconnect, relax, and celebrate your growing family before life gets busier.
Even a local weekend getaway can be refreshing.
14. Moisturize Your Growing Belly
As your belly expands, your skin can become dry, itchy, and tight.
Apply a gentle, hydrating lotion or belly oil daily to keep your skin soft and reduce the chances of developing stretch marks.
Look for products with natural ingredients like shea butter, vitamin E, or almond oil.
One great option is the Earth Mama Belly Oil and belly butter, which is made with organic herbs and is safe for sensitive pregnancy skin.
Consistent moisturizing not only helps your skin but also gives you a calming self-care moment each day.
15. Budget for Baby Expenses
Your second trimester is a good time to take a close look at your finances and plan for life with a baby. Make a budget for how much you’ll spend on baby products and how much you want to save.
If one of you plans to stop working or your household income will change, factor that in too so you’re prepared for the adjustment.
You don’t need to piece together random checklists from the internet. The Ultimate Baby Prep Bundle gives you all the lists, trackers, and worksheets you need to plan your expenses, purchases, and overall baby prep; all in one place.
16. Capture Weekly Bump Photos
Your pregnancy’s second trimester is a beautiful time to start documenting your growing bump.
Set a weekly reminder, stand in the same spot, and wear a favorite outfit to see the changes unfold.
These little moments make for a heartwarming keepsake you’ll love looking back on. You can even turn them into a baby book later.
17. Start Brainstorming Baby Names
The second trimester is a great time to start thinking about baby names.
Write down any names you like: classic, trendy, or meaningful family names.
Make it a fun activity with your partner or include grandparents. Choosing a name is one of the most enjoyable parts of getting ready for your baby.
18. Gather Nursery Must-Haves
The second trimester is a great time to start setting up the nursery. You usually have more energy, and it feels easier to plan and organize the space. A good place to begin is by choosing a nursery theme, which makes everything else come together more smoothly.
If you want complete guidance to create a beautiful, functional, and safe nursery, The No-Fuss Nursery Design eBook can help. It’s a step-by-step guide that walks you through the entire process, from planning to finishing touches.
The best part is that it comes free with The Ultimate Baby Prep Bundle.
Final Thought
Your second trimester is the perfect window to plan, organize, and prepare at a steady, comfortable pace. Taking small steps now can make the rest of your pregnancy feel calmer and more manageable, so you’re not rushing later on.
If you want everything you need in one place, The Ultimate Baby Prep Bundle is designed to guide you through every stage of preparation with clear checklists, planners, and step-by-step support.
