Your Parenting Journey Timeline
Navigate every milestone from pre-conception planning through your baby's first year with this comprehensive timeline guide.
Pre-Pregnancy Planning
3-6 months before conception
6 Months Before Conception
- • Schedule preconception checkup
- • Start taking folic acid (400-800 mcg daily)
- • Review medications with healthcare provider
- • Begin healthy lifestyle changes
- • Update vaccinations if needed
3 Months Before Conception
- • Optimize nutrition and weight
- • Quit smoking and limit alcohol
- • Start prenatal vitamins
- • Track menstrual cycles
- • Reduce stress levels
Pregnancy Journey
40 weeks of amazing development
First Trimester (Weeks 1-12)
Week 4: Missed period, take pregnancy test
Week 6: Baby's heart begins beating
Week 8: First prenatal appointment
Week 10: Morning sickness may peak
Week 12: First trimester screening, announce pregnancy
Second Trimester (Weeks 13-26)
Week 16: Gender may be determined
Week 18-20: Anatomy scan ultrasound
Week 20: Halfway point, feel baby's movements
Week 24: Glucose screening test
Week 26: Baby shower planning time
Third Trimester (Weeks 27-40)
Week 28: Start childbirth classes
Week 32: Baby shower, nursery setup
Week 36: Pack hospital bag, weekly checkups begin
Week 37: Baby is considered full-term
Week 40: Due date arrives!
Birth & Early Parenthood
The fourth trimester and beyond
Birth Day
- • Active labor begins
- • Your baby is born!
- • First skin-to-skin contact
- • Initial breastfeeding attempt
- • Newborn screening tests
First Week Home
- • First pediatrician visit (3-5 days)
- • Establish feeding routine
- • Newborn care basics
- • Monitor jaundice and weight
- • Rest and recovery for mom
First Month
- • Baby's first social smile
- • Sleep patterns begin to emerge
- • Growth spurts and cluster feeding
- • Mom's 2-week postpartum checkup
- • Adjust to new family routine
6 Weeks Postpartum
- • Mom's postpartum checkup
- • Clearance for exercise and intimacy
- • Baby's 6-week wellness visit
- • Consider contraception options
- • Plan return to work if applicable
3 Months
- • Baby holds head up steadily
- • Sleep training may begin
- • More predictable daily routine
- • Mom's energy levels improve
- • Consider introducing bottle if breastfeeding
6 Months
- • Begin introducing solid foods
- • Baby sits with support
- • Sleep through the night possible
- • Baby's personality emerges
- • Teething may begin
12 Months - First Birthday!
- • Baby takes first steps
- • Says first words
- • Transition to whole milk
- • May wean from breastfeeding
- • Celebrate this amazing milestone!
Quick Reference Guides
Pre-Pregnancy Essentials
- ✓ Take folic acid daily
- ✓ Maintain healthy weight
- ✓ Exercise regularly
- ✓ Avoid alcohol and smoking
- ✓ Get preconception checkup
Pregnancy Milestones
- ✓ Regular prenatal appointments
- ✓ Take prenatal vitamins
- ✓ Monitor baby's movements
- ✓ Prepare for childbirth
- ✓ Plan for postpartum
Early Parenthood
- ✓ Focus on recovery
- ✓ Establish feeding routine
- ✓ Get adequate rest
- ✓ Accept help from others
- ✓ Attend all checkups
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Whether you're planning for pregnancy or already on your way, our comprehensive guides will support you every step of the way.