10 Things to Add to Your Pregnancy Checklist You Might Not Have Known About

If you’re pregnant, you probably have picked up a book or pinned a few articles on Pinterest already. But I’ve found out a few things along the way that were not in the books or mentioned a lot out there.

I wanted to share these things that you should add to your to-do list because they’re important to get done before the baby and to think about for afterwards. And if I’ve missed anything, do leave a comment to let myself and other readers know!

10 Things to Add to Your Pregnancy Checklist

1. Meet with a car-seat teach

Did you know that 90% of car seats are installed incorrectly??? Neither did I but that’s a scary stat. It’s done by volunteers, so by donation, no set fee. They’re highly knowledgeable, answer all your questions and you can hire them for any car seat installation you have in the future like booster seats etc.

2. Book a prenatal massage or two

I feel these have been so great to do the last trimester! Helps alleviate any discomfort or pain in the pelvis, lower back, swollen legs and whatever other ailments you have. Find one that specialists in pre-natal and most insurances cover this service if it’s with an RMT. Plus who doesn’t love an hour of R&R? Being relaxed is one of the keys to having a successful birth.

3. Take a first-aid course

If you are taking a prenatal class I’m sure they might have mentioned this. Curtis and I signed up for one and we both feel it was informative and well worth the two hours. Just gave us peace of mind to deal with those situations, and we made a date out of it afterwards by going for brunch.

4. Hospital Tour

If you are in Vancouver and delivering at BC Women’s, they have a video available online that walks you through the admittance to labour to checking out. Curtis felt more at ease seeing how simple it was haha, but you can also go into your hospital and take a quick tour as well.

5. Add baby to insurance plan

This is for something afterwards, but it’s something you need to do within 60 days after birth. I learnt that mine I just have to call with their name gender and birthdate and that’s it. Already have it in my phone calendar to do a week after the due date.

6. Get the birth certificate and register

Birth registration is the only way to create a permanent legal record of your child’s birth. This registration is essential to apply for important services like birth certificates, the Medical Services Plan, Canada Child Benefits, and a social insurance number. On average this can take 3-4 weeks to process both the registration and the certificate.

7. Apply for a passport

If you want to travel anywhere outside of your country you will need to apply for a passport. It’s valid for 5 years, and you’ll need that important birth certificate to apply.

8. Research Mommy and Me Classes

It’s good to get out of the house later on post-partum and meet other moms. Also really important for the baby and its stimulation. I have taken note of a couple I would want to go to and also a few exercise classes that babies can be brought to.

9. Look into a newborn photographer

They generally want to take photos within 2 weeks of the birth, you can even ask for fresh 48 sessions. You can tentatively book them for after your expected due date, and then that is off of your list.

10. Make a will

It’s not just the two of you anymore, or even yourself. You have to think about if something happens, how the baby will be cared for. There are many resources online or call up a local lawyer who can walk you through the process of making a will.

And if you are curious, here are the pregnancy essentials I swear by.