Expecting You: A Keepsake Pregnancy Journal

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Length of the journal: If you enjoy journaling and want to note down every detail of pregnancy, then consider taking a journal with ample writing space. A day-to-day or week-to-week journal would work. Wear soft, non-restrictive clothing and sit in a cozy chair with a good book and read for a little bit. Light a lavender candle. Play soothing instrumental music. Have a cup of warm chamomile tea. There’s no perfect way to document a pregnancy, so that means that you can be creative! In addition to writing down little notes and milestone dates, you can also include photographs, cards, and other significant things you want to remember and hold onto in a pregnancy journal. What are the benefits of keeping a pregnancy journal?

Most pregnant women should spend at least 8 hours in bed, aiming for at least 7 hours of sleep every night. If possible, try going to sleep a little earlier than usual. It can take a few hours for your body to fully wind down after energetic workouts, so plan for any physical activity to take place earlier in the day. If the exercise is light, like yoga, it’s unlikely to interfere with your sleep. In addition to more restful sleep, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states the following benefits of exercise during pregnancy: Whether you’re a first-time mom or anxiously awaiting the birth of your third child, pregnancy is exciting, joyful, scary, and confusing all at once. Keeping a pregnancy journal is a great way to record all of the beautiful changes and thoughts that pop up throughout those long, tiresome months. “Pregnancy journals serve a number of purposes, such as a scrapbook, a health record, and/or a personal narrative,” says Joyce Marter, a licensed psychotherapist with 25 years of experience. However, depending on what you plan to do with your pregnancy journal, you may want keep them separate. For instance, some mom's may want to leave their baby book as a coffee table book, but wouldn't want others to skim their pregnancy diary.

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Because this is a prompted journal and activity book, keep in mind that there isn’t as much space for open-ended journaling as in some of the other options on our list. It’s also designed for the pregnant mom-to-be, so there isn’t a ton of space for dad to participate. Journaling throughout your pregnancy can help you remember things that you might otherwise forget (trust me, you absolutely will!), and make a beautiful family keepsake. Here’s a list of five of the best pregnancy journal books out there, loved by moms and moms to be! Related: Pregnancy Books for First Time Moms Five Beautiful Pregnancy Journal Books Pregnancy Diet: How To Eat Healthy During Pregnancy [+ What I Eat In A Day While Pregnant] | Trouble Drinking Water During Pregnancy? 5 Tips To Stay Hydrated While Pregnant! | What I Eat In A Day While Pregnant + Chasing A Toddler

Best Pregnancy Journal Through The First Year: Bump to Birthday, Pregnancy & First Year Baby Journal Tips or advice: Some journals may also have certain sections that give more insights about your pregnancy stage. If you like going into details, look for such a journal. The journal template is available as a digital journal or a printable journal. Digital Pregnancy Journal There are some pregnancy journal books that include space for the first year with baby or all the way up to five years, making them a grab option for hybrid pregnancy journal/baby books.You may also want to record information about the times you first learned you were expecting, felt your baby move, shared the good news with your parents, learned the baby’s sex, selected a name, any baby showers, etc. If you are researching pediatricians or child care for your baby after birth, you might also include this information. A pregnancy journal may provide space for all this information; storage for photos/ultrasounds, cards, etc.; and space for thoughts, reflections, hopes, and prayers. Do I need both a pregnancy journal and a baby book?

Napping can make up for any sleep lost at night, due to frequent trips to the bathroom, body aches, and every other pregnancy irritation. Avoid napping in the late afternoon and early evenings. Consider the design of your pregnancy journal. Do you want a simple, compact notebook that easily slips in your purse for jotting your thoughts down during pregnancy? Or do you prefer more of a scrapbook feel without actually making a pregnancy scrapbook? Ask for help from family and friends. Take a warm bath. Ask your partner for a massage. Take a break. Even if you're a past the first months of a pregnancy, you can still start a beautiful journal to cherish forever. I like to think of my pregnancy journal as more of a pregnancy memory book. Documenting all the pregnancy memories I want to remember for future pregnancies, or as a guide book for my future child in understanding my energy or choices while pregnant. Do I need both a pregnancy journal and a baby book?

Try to find the right day, time, and place for a time of peaceful reflection or meditation. Take a deep breath, exhale and consider what has happened and how you feel before you start putting pen to paper. Any drama or challenging times you experienced while pregnant – even if not directly pregnancy related! Best Overall Pregnancy Journal Book — Growing You: Keepsake Pregnancy Journal and Memory Book for Mom and Baby