From a bump to a baby in your arms, here is why you should keep a pregnancy journal

Pregnancy is an exhausting emotional roller coaster ride for many expectant mothers. From the moment the pregnancy test comes back positive to the time the baby makes their arrival – you are sure to go through some roller coaster of emotions. And, over the course of definite physical changes, you may discover a surprising new craving for foods that sound so disgusting to your partner like celery sticks dipped in male syrup or find yourself crying over the most meaningless mistake or arguments.

As a pregnant mom, expressing your feelings can ease stress, and in turn boost your physical resilience and immunity, says psychologist Diane Sanford, Ph.D., co-author of Life Will Never Be the Same: The Real Mom’s Postpartum Survival Guide.

“Logging your thoughts can help you to begin developing an attachment to your baby,” adds Lara Honos-Webb, Ph.D., a psychologist in San Francisco. And once your child is older, giving her the details can reinforce the special bond you share.

A pregnancy journal is a great way to remember what it felt like the moment you announced your pregnancy, picking a name, the first kick and the good, bad and ugly… but most of all this amazing journey that will be yours to treasure for a life time.

Getting Started

To begin, choose a writing method that you enjoy. Some women select a spiral notebook or a bound journal. Others record their thoughts on a computer via a slide show.  If you are a writer then you may wish to create an online pregnancy journal or blog. If you’re technologically savvy, you can keep a video journal of your commentaries along with your growing baby bump.

What to Write About

Keep in mind that this is your journey, and no two pregnancies are alike, make it your own. A reflection of who you are, there is no wrong way to journal your emotions.

Here are topics to get you started:

Your Changing Body

Chart your baby’s development as well as your own. Record big moments from doctor visits, such as how you felt when you first heard his heartbeat and saw your baby in the ultra sound for the 1st time. Discuss your physical experiences too, from the odd foods you craved, to your weirdest symptoms (like drooling all the time!) all the moods swings and even the amount of times you napped because you were so exhausted from growing this little human. Your body is going through remarkable changes, while your belly stretches, and it can be beautifully strange to you.

Picking the Baby Name

Discuss how you chose the perfect one. Was your little one named after a relative or a friend? What were you considering before you found out your baby’s sex? Did you and your husband immediately agree on a name or did one of you have to lobby long and hard for the winner? Jot down the thought process while choosing a name over the months.

Track Your Progress

Sure, it is fun to record how big your tummy has gone over the last few months, but journaling your pregnancy can be a confidence booster as well. Your journal will be an inventory of your achievements and successes during your pregnancy. Things like your baby’s growth, positions and nearing the end those special movements that reminds you that your little one will be arriving soon. So, if you’re planning to fall pregnant again, you can reflect on your previous experiences and say “I’ve made it through once, I can do it again.

Celebrate Your Happy Moments

How did you feel when you first found out that it was a boy or a girl? What was your first reaction when you saw the ultrasound image of your baby? Describe these positive emotions in your journal. At the end of each day, scribble down all the things that went smoothly and that you’re proud of. Perhaps you’ve finally finished decorating the nursery room, or you’ve decided on a name for the baby. Treasure these golden moments for the days you’re feeling down.

Go On a Date

Have your sweetie make a plan, or you can do it—maybe it’s a picnic, or dinner and movie, or a B&B weekend. Make sure it includes some candlelight, hand holding, kissing, and sweet-talking. If this is your first, it may be one of your last moments alone-along together. Relish every second. (And don’t be alarmed if big topics surface—just remember: You guys are partners in life and parenting and this can be an intense time. Just keep talking and keep trying to understand each other. Feel the love… Make these memories and journal it so you and your partners can reflect on this happy time well after baby arrives

Pregnancy brings a new meaning to the concept of female beauty. It is a period of immense joy coupled with excitement and nervousness. The feeling of carrying a tiny soul within you is magnificent. If you are expecting a little bundle of joy soon, we hope this article will motivate you, inspire you and will surely make you smile during your journey.

References:
https://www.motherandbaby.co.uk/pregnancy-and-birth/pregnancy/pregnancy-week-by-week/enjoy-your-bump-how-to-have-a-happy-pregnancy
https://www.clarkscondensed.com/pregnancy-and-parenting/pregnancy/50-ways-to-enjoy-pregnancy/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=tailwind_tribes&utm_content=tribes&utm_term=297236574_8275034_401676
http://babyandtoddlershow.co.uk/benefits-keeping-pregnancy-journal/#.WpYm46hubIU
http://www.fisher-price.com/en_US/parenting-articles/all-about-pregnancy/keeping-a-pregnancy-journal

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