Checklist for Pregnancy: An Overview of All To-Dos

The test is positive, the joy is immense – and suddenly questions come rushing in: What appointments are coming up? What applications need to be submitted? Our pregnancy checklist guides you step by step through all the important to-dos leading up to the birth, so you don’t forget anything and can look forward to your little miracle.

First Steps After the Positive Test

Congratulations on your pregnancy! Now it's time to take the first important steps. In the first trimester, there are some basic tasks to ensure that you and your baby are well taken care of. This phase is often filled with emotions but also with organizational tasks that help you lay the foundation for a healthy pregnancy.

• Visit a Gynecologist: Schedule an appointment to confirm the pregnancy and plan the first check-ups. These regular appointments are crucial for monitoring the health of you and your baby. Your doctor will also issue the maternity record, which contains all important information about the pregnancy. You should always carry this record with you, as it will be updated at every doctor’s visit. Check-ups typically begin every four weeks and are shortened to every two weeks towards the end of the pregnancy. These visits are not only medically important but also provide an opportunity to clarify questions and discuss uncertainties.
• Contact a Midwife: Look for a midwife early on who can support you during pregnancy and after the birth. Midwives are a valuable resource as they provide not only medical advice but also emotional support. In some regions, it can be challenging to find a midwife, so early contact is important. Platforms like ammely or fiami can assist in the search. A midwife can also help you with birth preparation and is an important contact during the postpartum period.
• Inform Your Employer: Once the pregnancy is medically confirmed, share the news with your employer to take advantage of maternity protection. This is important not only for your safety at work but also to ensure that all legal provisions are adhered to. Your employer will need a pregnancy confirmation, which you will receive from your doctor. Maternity protection grants you special rights, such as protection against dismissal and specific regulations regarding working hours and conditions.
• Consider Hiring a Doula: If you desire additional support, look into the possibility of hiring a doula. Doulas provide emotional and physical support during labor and the postpartum period. They are not medical professionals, but they can be a calming presence in birth preparation and during the birth itself. Doulas can also assist with postpartum care and are particularly valuable if you aim for a natural birth without interventions.

Preparations Before Birth

As the due date approaches, there is more to organize. Here are the key points you should take care of before the birth. These tasks will help you enter the birthing phase stress-free and fully focus on the arrival of your baby.

• Birth Preparation Course: Sign up for a course to learn everything about the birth process and the first time with your baby. These courses provide not only valuable information about the birthing process but also about breathing techniques, birthing positions, and newborn care. Many expectant parents also appreciate the exchange with other couples who are in the same life phase. A birth preparation course can also cover topics such as breastfeeding, pain management, and the partner's role during labor. Consider whether you want to try a special course like hypnobirthing or water birth, as these often fill up quickly.
• Choose a Birth Location: Decide whether you want to give birth in a hospital, a birthing center, or at home, and register there. Each option has its pros and cons. Hospitals offer the most medical support, while birthing centers and home births often provide a more intimate atmosphere. Research the options available near you and possibly visit some facilities to get a feel for the environment. When choosing a birth location, also consider the distance from your home and the availability of emergency care.
• Apply for Maternity Benefits: Inform your health insurance and apply for maternity pay. This is particularly important to receive financial support during the maternity leave period. Make sure to submit all necessary documents on time to avoid delays. If you are self-employed, inquire about the specific regulations that may apply to you. It may also be worthwhile to learn about additional financial support you may be entitled to.
• Plan Parental Leave: Discuss parental leave with your partner and inform your employer in a timely manner. Planning parental leave is an important step to ensure that both of you have the opportunity to adjust to the new family situation. Consider together how you want to structure parental leave and what financial aspects need to be taken into account. It is important to notify your employer of parental leave at least seven weeks before the planned start. Also, think about whether you want to split or flexibly arrange your parental leave.
• Gather Baby Essentials: Create a list of necessary baby items and start shopping. The essentials for a baby can seem overwhelming, but with a well-thought-out list, it’s easier to keep track. Remember that many items can also be bought second-hand, which is both environmentally friendly and cost-effective. Key purchases include a crib, stroller, clothing, diapers, and baby care products. Also, consider whether you want a baby carrier or sling to increase mobility.
• Pack a Hospital Bag: Starting from week 36, your bag for the birth should be ready. This bag should contain everything you need for your hospital stay, including clothing for you and the baby, hygiene products, and important documents. A well-packed hospital bag gives you the reassuring feeling that you are prepared for the big day. Also, think about snacks, drinks, and entertainment options for the waiting time in the hospital. Some parents also pack a small gift for the older sibling to ease the transition to being a big brother or sister.
• Organize Around the Due Date: Plan who will take care of pets or siblings when the time comes. Clear planning in advance can help reduce stress when labor begins. Discuss with friends or family how they can support you, and create a plan to ensure everything runs smoothly. Also, think about how you will get to the birth location and who can accompany you. It may be helpful to create a list of important phone numbers for emergencies and contacts.

Optional Tasks Before or After Birth

Some tasks can be handled flexibly but are still important. These optional to-dos can help you feel more relaxed after the birth, knowing that you have already taken care of many things.

• Establish Paternity and Custody: For unmarried couples, these formalities should be clarified. Establishing paternity and a joint custody declaration are important legal steps that officially define the relationship between father and child. These documents can be applied for at the registry office before or after the birth. Inquire about the required documents and schedule an appointment to take care of the formalities. Early clarification can avoid later legal complications.
• Prepare Parental Allowance and Child Benefit: Even though the applications can only be submitted after the birth, you can prepare them in advance. Many parents find it helpful to fill out the forms during pregnancy to reduce stress after the birth. Inquire about the required documents and have them ready. Parental allowance is an important financial support in the first months of your baby's life. Consider how best to use it to finance your parental leave.
• Find a Pediatrician: Schedule appointments for the first check-ups early on. Finding a pediatrician can be challenging, especially in regions with few practices. Start your research early and schedule an initial appointment to ensure your baby receives good care after birth. The check-ups are important for monitoring your child's health development and identifying any issues early on. Also, consider whether you want to choose a practice that offers alternative healing methods if that is important to you.
• Organize Childcare or a Nanny: Start looking for a childcare spot during pregnancy. In many cities, childcare spots are scarce, so early registration is often necessary. Research the various childcare options and visit facilities to make the best choice for your child. Consider what type of care best fits your needs and your child's needs. Some facilities offer special programs or educational approaches that may be of interest to you.

After Birth: What to Do Now

After the birth of your baby, there are still some important formalities to take care of. Here’s what you should keep in mind immediately after the birth. These tasks can help make the transition to life with a newborn smoother.

• Apply for a Birth Certificate: This should be done as soon as possible within the first week after birth. The birth certificate is an important document that you will need for many applications. In some hospitals, you can complete the registration on-site, which simplifies the process. Make sure you have all the necessary documents ready to process the application quickly and efficiently. The birth certificate is needed not only for child benefit and parental allowance but also for registration with the health insurance.
• Health Insurance for the Baby: Register your baby with your health insurance to cover them. This is important to ensure that all medical services for your baby are covered. Typically, this is a straightforward process that can be completed quickly. Make sure you have the special copy of the birth certificate for the health insurance ready. If one parent is privately insured, inquire about the conditions for a private insurance for the child.
• Apply for Child Benefit and Parental Allowance: Once you have the birth certificate, you can submit the applications. These financial supports are crucial to cover the costs of your new family member. Ensure that you have all the necessary documents ready to avoid delays. Consider whether you can also apply for additional child allowance or housing benefit if you are eligible. These additional benefits can provide valuable financial support in the early years of your child's life.
• Attend Check-Ups: These are important to monitor your baby’s health. The check-ups are regular health checks that ensure your baby is developing well. They also provide an opportunity to ask questions and receive advice on care and nutrition. Make sure to keep the appointments and document all necessary information in your child's health booklet. The check-ups are important not only for physical but also for the mental and social development of your child.
• Join a Postpartum Course: Start a course to strengthen your body no later than during the postpartum period. Postpartum recovery is important to support your body after birth and strengthen the pelvic floor. A strong pelvic floor can help prevent incontinence and promote overall health. Look for a course that meets your needs and consider whether you want to attend an online course or an in-person class. Participating in a postpartum course can also be a great way to meet other mothers and share experiences.

Conclusion: You Are Doing Great!

Pregnancy is an exciting time full of changes and anticipation. With our checklist, you are well-prepared and can fully focus on what matters most: the excitement for your baby. And remember: No matter how chaotic it may seem at times, you are doing great!