You’re pregnant and want to prepare as thoroughly as possible for the birth? Find out when each check-up is due, when you should inform your employer, and many more details in this article. Plus: a clear pregnancy schedule to download!

The test was positive, and now you have an appointment with your gynecologist. This first major prenatal check-up often comes with lots of questions: When should it take place at the latest? What will be examined? Can you go to your midwife instead of the doctor? And who actually pays for these examinations? In the following video, our LILLYDOO gynecologist Christian answers these and other questions:

1st Trimester (1st – 12th week of pregnancy)

This trimester is sure to be especially exciting, because you’ve just learned about the little miracle in your belly. A positive pregnancy test is, of course, a reason to celebrate—but please not with champagne! Just like cigarettes and, ideally, caffeine, you should now avoid alcohol. Instead, pay special attention to getting plenty of folic acid in your diet. It’s found, for example, in chickpeas and spinach, and it supports healthy development of your baby’s nervous system, especially at the beginning of pregnancy.

Especially if you want a midwife not only for the birth itself but also during pregnancy and the postpartum period, you should start your search early. Some have been shared with us by LILLYDOO midwife .

About four weeks After your gynecologist has confirmed that you are pregnant, another appointment is scheduled. During this visit, they will perform a blood test. Usually, you will also receive your Mother's Pass .

Starting from the 10th week of pregnancy it is advisable to inform your employer. From then on, statutory maternity protection applies, and you have special rights.

In week 12 it’s time for the first ultrasound scan, where you’ll see your little one’s heartbeat for the first time. From now on, approximately every four weeks, you’ll have Preventive examinations with your gynecologist or midwife. After all, it should be checked regularly that both of you are doing well. If you experience a miscarriage, your health insurance will cover care by a midwife. You don’t have to go through such a difficult time alone.

2nd Trimester (13th – 28th week of pregnancy)

Do you want to give birth to your baby in a hospital? Then you can already from week 13 onwards start looking for a suitable clinic. This makes especially good sense if you already have a hospital in mind and know that the maternity ward there is usually very busy.

Regular check-ups are, of course, also scheduled during the second trimester. Between the 16th and 18th week of pregnancy a second blood test is performed to ensure that you and your baby are still doing well.

Your baby bump is slowly becoming visible. But just because the bump is growing doesn’t mean exercise is off-limits: if you feel fit and still enjoy moving, you can continue exercising without any problems, for example by swimming. If you’re worried about a fungal infection in the swimming pool, you can simply insert a tampon soaked in natural yogurt or olive oil before swimming!

Yoga is also a great sport for pregnant women. There are even special classes for pregnant women, called . The same applies here: Always listen to your gut feeling and make sure you feel really good during exercise.

A second ultrasound screening takes place between the 19th and 22nd week . You can choose between a basic ultrasound and an extended screening—the so-called detailed diagnostics. In the latter, the organs of your unborn baby are examined using a high-resolution special ultrasound device. For pregnant women who do not belong to a specific risk group (such as women who become pregnant at 40 or older), the extended screening is optional and is not covered by health insurance.

A pregnancy diabetes test, also called a glucose test, is also scheduled during pregnancy. It is performed between the 24th and 28th week . Gestational diabetes occurs in 2 to 12 percent of all expectant mothers and is thus one of the most common comorbidities of pregnancy. Therefore: better safe than sorry!

For many expectant parents, a is at the top of the to-do list during pregnancy. If you want to take a longer course over several weeks, it’s advisable to start now. An alternative to longer courses are crash courses, which usually take place over a weekend. If you have a midwife by your side, you can also ask her for tips—or perhaps she even offers such a course herself.

Support isn’t only needed by expectant mothers. Especially after the birth, it’s incredibly helpful when new mothers and are supported in everyday life. Fortunately, some health insurance providers cover the costs for a household help during the first period after birth. Since applications always take some time to be approved, it makes sense to take care of it now.

The 2nd trimester is now coming to an end. It’s time to schedule an appointment at the hospital or birth center and prepare all the necessary documents for the birth.

3rd trimester (29th – 40th week of pregnancy)

The final third of pregnancy has begun. Your baby bump is probably already nicely rounded, and the anticipation is growing. If you are not married to the father of your unborn baby, you should now apply for paternity recognition. It’s best to do this together with the custody declaration, which you can still apply for free at the youth welfare office. Alternatively, you can also do this in the first week after the birth, together with the issuance of the birth certificate at the registry office—but this will then be subject to a fee. In principle, it is advisable to handle such paperwork as early as possible. Because if something happens to the father during pregnancy, the child would be entitled to a survivor’s pension.

And now to a more pleasant topic: the initial supplies! If you stock up in advance on all the essential items for everyday baby care, you can look forward to the arrival of your little explorer with complete peace of mind. A key part of your preparation should be, for example, building a small stock of . You can conveniently have these delivered to your home from LILLYDOO, giving you even more time to prepare thoroughly. The best part: the flexible LILLYDOO subscription can be adjusted at any time to suit your needs, and you can have not only diapers but also wet wipes, skin care products, or changing mats delivered directly to your home. In our article on , we have also compiled seven other important items related to diapering. This ensures that all the prerequisites for a wonderful time together during diaper changes are in place.

Before the first diaper change begins, it will still take a little while. As stated in Weeks 29 to 32 , first of all, the third ultrasound screening and another blood test are scheduled. The blood test is done to rule out a recent infection with hepatitis B viruses. Infection during pregnancy is most likely in the last third.

You can also tell that the due date is approaching from the more frequent check-ups. Because starting from Week 32 , they take place every two weeks!

You already learned the estimated due date (EDD) at the beginning of your pregnancy, but you will receive an official certificate of the expected delivery date only from the 33rd week of pregnancy from your gynecologist or midwife. You can apply for maternity benefit no earlier than seven weeks before the due date. The certificate of the due date must not be older than one week.

This certificate is also required for your employer: From Week 34 you should apply for parental leave with your boss or your boss.

Now it’s getting serious: Starting from the 34th week of pregnancy , it is advisable to have the hospital bag already packed and ready, just in case. Are you expecting more than just one little explorer? Then you should be prepared starting from week 30.

Between the weeks 35 and 37 , a B-streptococcal swab will still be taken.

The birth is now imminent. Of course, you’re also wondering what happens next: When should you start looking for suitable daycares and pediatricians? We recommend that you start looking for a suitable care place—whether in a daycare or with a childminder—even during pregnancy. If your baby is born in the winter months, it may be more difficult to find a nursery or daycare spot. Many facilities start their year in August or September. They often only accept pre-registrations once the baby is already born. Being informed early allows you to prepare better. Pediatricians who are still accepting new young patients can also be scarce in metropolitan areas. A good tip is to ask mothers in your neighborhood and other nearby practices.

The most important preparations are hopefully complete by now, and with each day, the first meeting with your little treasure draws nearer. We sincerely wish you a smooth and stress-free birth and, of course, a wonderful first time with your very own miracle. On to the new chapter of life as a proud new mom!

Download pregnancy schedule

Do you want to print the pregnancy schedule as a clear graphic for your home, so you can always keep it in view? No problem! You can download it here: