Creating a “stockpile” of all your household necessities is do or…well, die is a little too dramatic but barely survive would be fitting. For first time parents, bringing baby home comes with a whole slew of surprises from astounding sleep deprivation (who knew a human being could live off of practically zero sleep?) to countless fumbling diaper changes and awkward 2 am feedings. On top of all that craziness, postpartum recovery and healing after birth is no joke. Sitting on the toilet, bleary-eyed and in pain, the very LAST thing you want to realize: there is no toilet paper in the house.

So, while you are in the nesting stage, preparing for baby in every way possible, start your stockpile. In addition, check out The ULTIMATE Pregnancy To-Do List, + FREE Printables if you’d like awesome printables for each trimester.

Most importantly, if you haven’t taken a prenatal class, register for Hilary Erickson’s classes here. She’s an RN with over 16 years experience in labor and delivery. Best of all, you can take Hilary’s classes at your own pace, within your own schedule. Hospital classes fill up FAST, you may have to take work off and sit for eight hours at a time. Skip all that inconvenience and check out her fantastic courses.

The ULTIMATE Pregnancy To-Do List, + FREE Printables

This ultimate pregnancy to-do list will help you keep track of everything you need to do during your pregnancy, from prenatal appointments and doctor’s visits to baby showers, prenatal classes, and postpartum prep. This list is broken down into easy steps from your first trimester to your third. Make sure to check out the FREE printable and download all the lists for easy reference.

Your third trimester has arrived!!! The final homestretch has begun and before you lies a whole brushed-under-the-rug pile of dusty to-do checklist items. The GREAT and terrible thing about your third trimester pregnancy is that suddenly…time seems to have come to a standstill. The due date circled on your calendar creeps closer at a shockingly sloth-like pace.

Even though you may feel like the third trimester lasts longer than the other two combined (I certainly felt this way), this leaves you time to get everything done before baby arrives! And trust me, once everything IS finally done you will be amazed when that stress simply melts away. Here is your final “things to do” list and everything you NEED to get done before the big day. Once you’re complete, the to dos are over, momma! You’re ready. So, let’s go and get that nesting over with!

Yay the second trimester “honeymoon phase” of your pregnancy has arrived! For some that may be a big fat lie, and for others who are no longer vomiting or exhausted this rings thankfully true. Either way, this time period (13-28 weeks) is the best it gets during your pregnancy (for those who just mentally groaned, I’m totally with you). Which means you should capitalize NOW on your checklist before the dreaded third trimester and get those to-dos done!

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The ESSENTIAL Second Trimester Checklist, Must-Do Tips NOW

1. Choose where exactly you’d like to have your baby and how

You can choose to have your baby at a hospital, a birthing center or at home. You can also choose to have a doula or a midwife as well. Labor and delivery classes will go over the pros and cons of these options with you as well as natural birth options, epidurals etc. I couldn’t recommend a labor class more! The choices seem overwhelming, but when every one is laid out clearly, it was easy to choose.

2. Take classes NOW

This goes along with the to-do item above. Seriously consider classes for taking care of baby, breastfeeding, and labor. These fill up fast, so look into them and sign up EARLY or take one from the convenience of your own home, at your own pace. I recommend taking Hilary Erickson’s FREE prenatal class. She’s an RN with over 16 years experience in labor and delivery, teaching prenatal classes just like these. It’s SO good too!

3. Make sure you are moisturizing to prevent stretch marks

Using the right moisturizer can seriously help you prevent stretch marks. While this can be genetically tied, you can also reduce the likelihood with a good moisturizer and routine. I did TONS of searching because I did not want stretch marks. There were some super pricey products out there! I landed on Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Butter because the reviews were outstanding, the price was fantastic and I have had a couple friends use it with ZERO stretch marks. Seriously. And I can say the same now as well! Use it twice a day and don’t miss those thighs.