Pregnancy to kindergarten checklist

Before and early in pregnancy

• The US Preventive Services Task Force advises a daily folic acid supplement of 0.4 to 0.8 mg, starting at least 1 month before conception.^[1] Positive pregnancy test: your first steps
• The Office on Women's Health (OWH) says home test results are more reliable about a week after a missed period.^[2] How soon can you take a pregnancy test?
• ACOG says the due date is, by convention, 280 days after the first day of the last period.^[3] Due date calculator
• OWH says to call a doctor after a positive test.^[2] Positive pregnancy test: your first steps
• The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) says to start prenatal care in the first trimester, ideally before 10 weeks after your last period.^[4] Your first prenatal appointment: what to expect
• The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a first prenatal contact within the first 12 weeks.^[5] Your first prenatal appointment: what to expect

During pregnancy

• OWH lists the first trimester screen at weeks 11 to 14.^[6] First trimester: weeks, symptoms and tests
• MedlinePlus lists an anatomy ultrasound around week 20.^[7] Second trimester: weeks, symptoms and tests
• USPSTF advises gestational diabetes screening at 24 weeks or later.^[8] Prenatal tests by week: what's offered and when
• OWH lists the group B strep test at weeks 36 to 37.^[6] Third trimester: weeks, symptoms and tests
• MedlinePlus says to discuss pain-relief options with your provider before the due date.^[9] Third trimester: weeks, symptoms and tests
• CDC lists urgent warning signs to watch for during pregnancy and in the year after birth.^[10] Pregnancy warning signs: when to call or get help

Getting ready for the baby

• The NHS says to pack your hospital bag at least 3 weeks before your due date.^[11] Third trimester: weeks, symptoms and tests
• Safe to Sleep advises a firm, flat, level sleep surface with only a fitted sheet.^[12] Sleep and soothing
• NHTSA says babies under 1 should always ride rear-facing in a car seat.^[13]

After birth

• OWH says the postpartum checkup is about 6 weeks after birth, while ACOG recommends a visit within the first 3 weeks and a full checkup by 12 weeks.^[14][15]
• The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) says mood changes that are severe or last more than 2 weeks may signal postpartum depression.^[16] Baby blues vs. postpartum depression: signs and help
• CDC says some urgent maternal warning signs can happen up to a year after delivery.^[10] Pregnancy warning signs: when to call or get help

Baby's first year

• Safe to Sleep advises placing babies on their back for every sleep until age 1.^[12]
• CDC lists milestones by 2 months, such as smiling when you talk or smile.^[17] Early milestones
• The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says the first dental visit should come after the first tooth appears and by the first birthday.^[18]

Toddler, 1 to 3

• CDC says to give whole cow's milk at 12 months, not before.^[19]
• WHO advises at least 180 minutes a day of physical activity of any intensity for ages 1 to 2.^[20]
• CDC says the AAP recommends autism screening at 18 and 24 months.^[21] Toddlers

Preschooler, 3 to 5

• WHO advises at least 180 minutes of activity a day for ages 3 to 4, including at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity.^[20]
• CDC says that from age 3, families with concerns can call their local public elementary school and ask for a preschool special education evaluation.^[22] Early intervention
• CDC lists milestones by 5 years, such as counting to 10 and writing some letters in their name.^[23]

Kindergarten

• The AAP says most US students start kindergarten at age 5, and requirements vary by state.^[24]
• Head Start describes five areas of school readiness: approaches to learning; social and emotional development; language and literacy; cognition; and perceptual, motor and physical development.^[25] Kindergarten readiness checklist

• What should a kindergartener know?
• Prepare for Kindergarten math workbook