Being organized is key to fighting off stress in new situations. Pregnancy is no exception. Here are some to-do tips to prepare you for the months to come. Warning: do not feel the need to do every item. Breathe, and remember they are only suggestions.

First Trimester

This feels like a hectic and scary time, especially if it’s your first. Everything is new and, at times, you may not know how to react to certain things. Here are a few pointers to help ease the nerves:

1. Make your first doctor or midwife appointment: This is vital because these are the people who will help you through the entire process and answer any questions during your pregnancy.
2. Learn what to eat, and when to eat it: There are a few foods that may pose danger to your baby (shellfish, cheeses, undercooked eggs, and more). Keeping away from these foods helps ensure your baby will be healthy. As for knowing when to eat, eating small portions will curb first trimester sickness.
3. Decide when to announce your pregnancy: Some women have to spill the beans right away, but others wait for the first trimester to be over to ensure the risk of miscarriage is much lower.

Second Trimester

Things are getting easier and your bump is finally making an appearance! Finally you can show the world what you’ve been working on! Here are some things to keep in mind during this time:

1. Think about maternity leave: How long are you going to be gone? When it ends, who is going to watch your baby? Do you have any daycares or babysitters in mind?

2. To know or not to know: Many parents want to know the gender of their baby as soon as they can. But as for many others, the surprise on the big day is the most exciting part.

3. Where you are going to have the baby?: Having an assigned hospital with your doctors is important to know far in advance, just in case of emergency. You never know when that little ball of sunshine wants to come out!

Third Trimester

Time to start the countdown (as if you hadn’t already)! This is where the real time crunch comes in! Here are some essentials in making sure you are prepared for your baby:

1. Stretch often and exercise lightly: Your baby is growing and becoming more active. Light stretching and exercise will help your aches and pains and help your baby move along, too.

2. Start assembling the room: Putting together cribs and all of the other essentials can be a piece of work. But make sure you and your baby have a nice, calming and healthy environment to come home to.

3. Pack a hospital bag: Many women wait until their contractions are through the roof before they start to think about packing their bags. Have one prepared to help ease the stress.

Having a baby can feel like a whirlwind, even if it isn’t your first. Keeping these suggestions in mind can help you map out your pregnancy, and keep things in check. The most important thing to remember is to have fun and enjoy. Your baby is only a few months away from being in this world!