Second-trimester admin checklist

Second trimester is the quietest window most people get for admin. Use it. This list is logistics — insurance, work, housing, and care team — not medical care. Confirm clinical timing with your OB or midwife.

Checklist

Care team and appointments

• Confirm OB/midwife practice and hospital/birth-center affiliation in writing
• Ask which hospital entrance to use after hours; save the address in both phones
• Schedule anatomy scan and any recommended glucose testing per your clinician's timeline
• Shortlist pediatricians (see how to choose a pediatrician); book prenatal meet-and-greets
• Request your preferred lactation / feeding resources list from the practice
• If using a doula or night nurse later: interview now while calendars are open (if applicable)

Insurance and leave

• Call insurer: confirm maternity coverage, deductible status, and in-network hospital
• Ask how newborn is added to the plan and the deadline after birth (often ~30 days — verify yours)
• Estimate out-of-pocket max remaining this plan year (range is fine)
• Start a simple leave money map (employer leave, STD, state leave, PTO) — see parental leave money map
• Read employer parental leave and short-term disability policies end to end
• Ask HR for the leave packet timeline (when to notify; what forms)
• Partner: pull their leave policy the same week — do not wait
• Update emergency contacts and beneficiaries on file at work

Legal and household

• Discuss and draft (or update) wills / guardianship nominations — use an attorney if possible
• Update life insurance coverage if needed; compare term quotes as ranges (see term life for new parents)
• Check renter's/homeowner's liability limits if you may hire in-home care later (if applicable)
• If moving: aim to finish before third trimester when possible (if applicable)

Childcare and support logistics

• If needing infant daycare: join waitlists now (many run 6–12+ months) (if applicable)
• Ask two backup caregivers about post-birth meal/visit boundaries
• Plan pet care for labor (who has a key) (if applicable)
• If you have older kids: sketch coverage for labor and first nights home (if applicable)

Records folder

• Create a single baby admin folder (digital + thin paper folder)
• Store insurance cards, ID scans, and hospital pre-registration confirmation together
• Turn on portal access for OB practice; test password reset now