Free guide for Indian families
Pregnancy to your baby's first year: an India guide
One calm page covering pregnancy week by week, the IAP vaccine schedule, postpartum care and baby milestones. Use it to prepare questions for your gynaecologist and paediatrician — never instead of them.
Pregnancy week by week
Weeks 1–13 · First trimester
Confirm the pregnancy with your gynaecologist, start folic acid if advised, and book the dating scan. Many hospitals offer the NT scan around weeks 11–14. Nausea and tiredness are common; ask about anything that worries you.
Weeks 14–27 · Second trimester
The anomaly scan usually happens around weeks 18–22. Your doctor may advise iron and calcium supplements and the Td (tetanus–diphtheria) injection. Many mothers feel first kicks between weeks 16 and 25.
Weeks 28–40 · Third trimester
Visits become more frequent. Notice your baby's movement pattern every day. Plan your hospital bag, the route to hospital, and who will be with you. Talk through your birth preferences early.
Want help with what to ask? See questions for your prenatal appointment and our pregnancy anxiety guide, or ask other moms in Maayesha Circle.
IAP vaccine schedule: baby's first year
Based on the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) recommendations. Your paediatrician may adjust brands, combinations or timing — always follow their advice.
| Age | Vaccines |
|---|---|
| At birth | BCG, OPV (zero dose), Hepatitis B – 1 |
| 6 weeks | DTwP / DTaP – 1, IPV – 1, Hib – 1, Hepatitis B – 2, Rotavirus – 1, PCV – 1 |
| 10 weeks | DTwP / DTaP – 2, IPV – 2, Hib – 2, Hepatitis B – 3, Rotavirus – 2, PCV – 2 |
| 14 weeks | DTwP / DTaP – 3, IPV – 3, Hib – 3, Hepatitis B – 4, Rotavirus – 3, PCV – 3 |
| 6 months | Influenza – 1 |
| 7 months | Influenza – 2 |
| 6–9 months | Typhoid conjugate |
| 9 months | MMR – 1 |
| 12 months | Hepatitis A – 1 |
Maayesha builds this schedule from your baby's birth date and reminds you of each visit. See baby care tracking.
Postpartum care for new mothers
- Rest is part of recovery. The traditional 40-day period of support many Indian families follow can be a real help — accept it, and also ask for what you need.
- Eat well and drink enough water, especially if you're breastfeeding. Ask your doctor before stopping iron or calcium.
- Go to your postnatal check, usually around 6 weeks after birth, and ask about stitches, bleeding, contraception and mood.
- Low mood for a few days is common. Sadness, worry or emptiness lasting more than two weeks deserves a conversation with your doctor.
Baby milestones in the first year
Every baby develops at their own pace. These are typical ranges, not deadlines.
Around 2 months
Smiles at people, starts to follow faces, makes cooing sounds.
Around 4 months
Holds head steady, laughs, brings hands to mouth.
Around 6 months
Rolls over, reaches for toys, may sit with support. Complementary foods usually begin now, alongside breastmilk.
Around 9 months
Sits without support, babbles 'mama' or 'baba', may crawl.
Around 12 months
Pulls to stand, may take first steps, waves bye-bye, says a word or two.
If your baby loses a skill they had, or you're worried about their development, talk to your paediatrician.
Keep all of this in one calm place
Your week, your appointments, your recovery and your baby's vaccines — with a partner view for your husband.
Sources: Indian Academy of Pediatrics immunisation recommendations; WHO guidance on infant feeding and development. Page reviewed 4 November 2026 · General information, not medical advice.