Second trimester checklist: everything to do by week 26

Welcome to the trimester where pregnancy is actually pleasant for most people. Energy is back. Nausea is gone. The bump is cute and not yet uncomfortable. This is also when the bulk of pregnancy logistics need to get handled, because some of these decisions have surprisingly long lead times.

Here's the list, organized by what's actually time-sensitive vs. what you can let drift.

Time-sensitive: do these first

Daycare waitlists (week 13–16)

If you're returning to work, this is the single most time-critical item on the list. Daycare waitlists in major US cities run 6–18 months. Some daycares ask for deposits during pregnancy. Tour 3–5 facilities, narrow to your top two, get on multiple waitlists.

Cost varies wildly: roughly $1,200–$3,500/month depending on city. Factor it into the budget early, not after.

Maternity leave conversation (week 14–18)

Most US employers want at least 30 days notice. Find out what your benefits actually are, in writing: paid time, unpaid FMLA, short-term disability coverage. Don't trust HR memory on this. Get the policy.

Plan for two cases. The realistic one (8–12 weeks). And the worst case, which usually means medical complications requiring earlier or longer leave.

Anatomy scan scheduling (week 18–20)

The 20-week anatomy scan is the most detailed ultrasound of the whole pregnancy. Some practices schedule it 18–22 weeks. Book early, because the slots fill fast and you don't want to be re-shuffled.

Block 90 minutes total. The scan itself takes 30–60 minutes; the rest is waiting.

Big-ticket purchases (week 20–22)

Cribs, gliders, dressers, and high-end strollers often have 4–8 week shipping. If you want them in place by week 30 (when serious nesting kicks in), order by week 22 latest.

Skip newborn clothes shopping. You'll have plenty from gifts, and outfits get worn for about 4 weeks before they're outgrown. Spend on the durable goods now.

Birth classes registration (week 20–24)

Most childbirth and breastfeeding classes book 2–3 months out. Hospital-based classes are usually free; independent ones run $150–$400. Most are 2–4 weeks of evening sessions.

Aim to finish classes by week 36. Any later and you risk going into labor before completing them.

Medium priority: do during T2

Registry creation (week 18–22)

If you're having a baby shower, get the registry published before invitations go out (around week 24). Babylist, Amazon, and Target all let you pull from multiple stores into one list, which is the only way to do this without hating yourself.

Mix three things: essentials (will get covered by registry), nice-to-haves (gift opportunities), and big-ticket items some friends or family may chip in for.

Birthing facility decision (week 14–20)

If your area has multiple options (hospital A vs hospital B vs birth center), tour both early. Things to actually weigh:

• NICU level (Level III is highest)
• Distance from home (matters during active labor)
• Lactation consultant availability postpartum
• Insurance contracts
• Doula-friendly policies if you're hiring one

Pediatrician interview (week 22–28)

Choose a pediatrician before delivery. Most practices accept "interview" appointments, which are 15–20 minute meet-and-greets to discuss philosophy. Confirm they take your insurance and have hospital privileges where you're delivering.

Glucose tolerance test (week 24–28)

Standard screening for gestational diabetes. The 1-hour test involves drinking a sugary glucose solution and waiting an hour for blood draw. If results are elevated, a 3-hour test follows.

About 6–9% of pregnancies test positive. Diet management handles most cases. Some need insulin.

Cord blood / banking decision (week 20–28)

You can donate cord blood (free) or bank it privately ($1,500–$3,000 plus annual storage). The medical case for private banking is weak unless there's family history of relevant disease. Public donation is what most providers actually recommend.

Lower priority: do if time allows

Take some T2 photos

Mid-second-trimester is when you start to look obviously pregnant. A lot of people regret not having a few decent photos from this stretch. Doesn't have to be a maternity shoot. A good phone camera and decent light is enough.

Plan a babymoon (week 16–24)

Most airlines allow travel through week 36. Insurance might want a doctor's note past week 28. Skip risky destinations (Zika areas, high altitude). Plan for relaxed, not active. Your second trimester self can do more than your first trimester self could, but less than you think.

Start the nursery (week 22–28)

If you're painting, do it about 6 weeks before delivery so fumes clear. Order furniture by week 22 (it ships slowly). Sheets and linens can wait until late T2 or early T3.

Will + life insurance (week 16–26)

If you don't have term life insurance, get it. Premiums are lower while pregnant, but apply before T3, when waist measurements get factored in. Update your will to include guardianship for the baby. Nobody likes thinking about this. Do it anyway.

By-week summary

Week	To do
13–14	Daycare tours · maternity leave conversation
15–16	Quad screen (optional) · birth facility decisions
17–18	Registry research · pediatrician interviews
19–20	Anatomy scan · birth class registration
21–22	Registry published · big-item orders (crib, glider, stroller)
23–24	Baby shower (if having one) · birth class starts
25–26	Glucose tolerance test prep · third trimester planning

What to skip in the second trimester

• Don't buy everything. Third-trimester perspective changes preferences. Buy essentials now; wait on the cute stuff
• Don't pack the hospital bag yet. Week 35 is the right time. Earlier and you'll repack as needs change
• Don't install the car seat yet. Week 36 is the right time, and most fire stations inspect for free if you book ahead
• Don't over-plan postpartum. The early weeks unfold differently than expected. Plan the basics (frozen meals, mom's visit) and stay flexible on everything else

The pace check

Second trimester productivity can become its own anxiety. "I'm not doing enough." The list above is a maximum, not a baseline. Skip what doesn't apply to you. The non-negotiables are the anatomy scan, the daycare waitlist (if returning to work), and the big-item purchases by week 22.

Everything else is nice-to-have. Your future self will not be holding a clipboard.

P

The Pregnancy Desk

Reviewed by an OB-GYN · Updated May 2026