When I found out I was pregnant nearly two years ago, one of the first things I did was create a pregnancy organizer. It was so helpful throughout my pregnancy that I though I would share it with you.
After picking out a cute binder and tabs, I divided my new organizer into four sections: Insurance, Obstetrician, Appointment Log, and Ovulation Charts. These sections are really flexible and largely depend on what information you need to keep track of for your specific pregnancy. For example, I kept quite a bit of data in my Ovulation Charts section due to the fact that I had irregular cycles and the charts were necessary to determine my due date. Other sections you might want to include are Child Birth Class, Hospital Information, Important Phone Numbers or Important Forms. Ultimately it is up to you which headings you choose for your organizer.
The important thing is to keep all the important information in one place. Every time I received correspondence from my insurance company concerning my prenatal appointments, I put it in the binder. I kept all my appointment cards in the front pocket. I also stored my insurance card in the binder during my pregnancy in case the doctor’s office needed to see it again. I stored my obstetrician’s contact information and driving directions to the clinic and the hospital, just in case I need to give it to someone in an emergency. In the appointment log, which was essentially lined notebook paper to start with, I kept track of stats and questions I had for my doctor so I’d have them on hand at each appointment. A pregnancy organizer is also the perfect place to keep your birth plan, information packets your doctor might give you, brochures for the hospital or birthing center, registry information, shower dates and plans, receipts for nursery items, contracts for maternity photo sessions and prescriptions. Besides information, your pregnancy organizer is the perfect place to keep a chart for writing down contractions, a pen, and loose leaf paper for writing notes.
I didn’t use my organizer’s full potential last time; I will be adding several new sections to my binder next time around. How do you keep track of your pregnancy?