your tips & to do's:

Have you picked a name yet? Picking a name can be quite a challenge, especially if you and your partner have different ideas about what makes the perfect name. If you need more inspiration, revisit your favorite movies and books, or do a little family history. Just remember to keep your little one’s initials in mind. Polly Olive Oleander is a great name, but her initials are poo.

At this point in your pregnancy, you'll know your baby's gender if you wanted to know. When born, if your little one comes with a dinglehopper, you'll be able to choose - or not choose - to circumcise in the first days after birth, before you leave the hospital. If your little man has any birth complications or health issues, his circumcision will likely be postponed. The procedure itself doesn't take long, but someone will need to care for and dress the wound as it heals (about two weeks).

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) state, "current evidence indicates that the health benefits of newborn male circumcision outweigh the risks." Some parents-to-be have cultural or religious guidelines regarding circumcision, which will help or guide their decision. If you are not one to follow tradition, or if you have no tradition, a little bit of research can help you write out a list of the pros, versus the cons, of circumcision.

If you don't have a male partner, ask a male friend for their opinion.

This might sound looney toons, but you might try asking your dad and/or brother how they feel about circumcision. You might be surprised and enlightened by what a dinglehopper-carrying individual has to say about circumcision. You should also keep in mind that many insurance companies see circumcision as a cosmetic procedure. This means you'll be responsible for the financial cost, out-of-pocket.

Another subject worth consideration before your baby arrives is... vaccinations. (Yass!) Routine vaccinations are given to prevent what were, once upon a time, common childhood illnesses and diseases, some of which caused death. However, there are also arguments against vaccines and implications of problems caused by the vaccines themselves. For parents who are concerned and unsure, do your research. Talk to parents on both sides of this topic. Ask your midwife or doctor every question of which you can think. You can even request an alternative vaccination schedule, if it's offered by your pediatrician, selecting to delay specific vaccines or opt out of certain ones altogether. It is important to talk to your pediatrician, and not just your midwife or OBGYN, about the options, risks, and benefits involved.

Learning about your options before your baby is born will help you feel prepared, when the time comes. Make sure you include your partner along the way. And don't forget to take a side profile pregnancy picture this week!