20 Fun Things To Do During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time to treasure and make good memories. It is a good time to enjoy the privileges of being a mum-to-be. Pregnancy is the most beautiful period in a woman’s life. While pregnant, it is mandatory to be happy and feel joyful, as the mother’s emotional well-being directly impacts the baby’s neurological and psychological development. Studies have indicated that happy pregnant women usually deliver a healthy baby.

But how to be happy during pregnancy amid a few inconvenient pregnancy symptoms? By channelling your mindset for being happy.

Pregnancy can be very demanding. But nothing can stop us from having fun during these nine months. Here’s a list of 20 fun things to do when pregnant!

20 Fun Activities for Pregnant Women

Pregnancy is a special time that offers a unique opportunity to indulge in enjoyable and beneficial activities for both the mother and the baby. Here are some fun stuff to do when pregnant:

1. Prenatal Yoga

Prenatal yoga helps with relaxation and can be a great way to connect with your body and baby. It is a gentle way to stay active and improve flexibility while accommodating the physical changes of pregnancy (1).

2. Reading Pregnancy Books

Reading books about pregnancy and parenting can be both informative and soothing. Choose titles that interest you, such as childbirth preparation or parenting tips.

3. Get Away

A strong relationship with the husband is the most valuable thing we can give our future children. Before getting really busy, look for ways to sneak in some quality time with your partner. A wholesome and budgeted way of spending time together is planning a picnic. Depending on the weather, plan a picnic, a visit to a museum, art gallery, or cultural exhibition, and spend some lovely time away from home and your pregnancy worries.

4. Decorating and Designing Nursery

You can prepare your nursery during your second trimester to ensure your little one has a safe and calm place in the house. Colourful toys and decorative items add a playful touch to neutral tones and can easily be updated as your baby grows older.

5. Shopping Spree

Pregnancy comes with its perks – shopping! Your changing body size is a good excuse for new outfits. You can buy maternity wear and also something else to have fun with. It can be shoes, clutches, jewellery, or designer wear to pamper yourself. You can extend your shopping spree by buying one or two monthly items. Plan to shop with your mom, mother-in-law, or friends to get some time off from your daily routine.

6. Babymoon

In recent years, “Babymoon” has become a popular trend. Some of the worldwide resorts are offering special babymoon packages, too. Here are some of the best tips for your babymoon (4).

• Choose a perfect location and time: There are certain restrictions on how far into your pregnancy you can fly and specific months when you feel much better. The second trimester is best for a babymoon. Choose a place not too far from your home, and you can get potential medical care easily and quickly.
• Safe travel: Avoid going on small flights because it affects the circulation of correct amounts of oxygen to the entire body and the baby. Car travel allows easier access to emergency care and more frequent stops for restroom breaks, stretching, and nausea.
• Travel insurance: Couples should understand their insurance policy to enjoy one last holiday before the baby arrives, knowing they are covered. It would be wise to look into a travel insurance policy that best fits their needs.
• Stay hydrated: Pregnant women tend to become dehydrated more quickly than normal. The American Pregnancy Association recommends pregnant women drink eight to 12 glasses of water daily to ensure their amniotic fluid is renewed and breast milk production is on track (5).

7. Cooking Healthy Meals

Experimenting with new and healthy recipes can be enjoyable and beneficial for you and your baby. Try cooking with a partner or friends and exploring new ingredients that support your nutritional needs during pregnancy.

8. Pamper yourself

Talk to your tummy, henna your belly with lead-free henna, get nontoxic paints and go crazy, spend some time in the spa, get some extra sleep, or practise forgotten hobbies. Pick up a book you’ve wanted to read for a long time, watch a movie you’ve wanted to see or catch up on some soothing music. Your baby in the womb responds well to music and listens to the external world. You may also enjoy gardening and watching the plants grow as your little one grows inside you. Activities like watering, weeding, speaking to the plants, etc., are quite calming and enjoyable. You can also invite your close friends to hang out with you while you have the energy.

9. Listening to Music

Listening to soothing music or creating a playlist of your favourite songs can be relaxing. Music has been shown to positively impact mood and can be comforting during pregnancy (3).

10. Maternity Photoshoot

Capturing your pregnancy journey with a maternity photoshoot can be a wonderful way to cherish this special time. Whether you choose a professional photographer or a DIY session, it’s a great way to celebrate your changing body and create lasting memories.

11. Taking Nature Walks

Walking is a low-impact exercise that helps keep you active and can improve your mood. Gentle walks in nature can be refreshing and provide a peaceful way to enjoy the outdoors.

12. Asking Hubby to Read Your Bump

Husbands always love to read the bump! Your guy will be very excited to introduce himself to the baby. Sometimes, babies respond by kicking. It will be a cherishing moment for your guy.

13. Attending Prenatal Classes

Prenatal classes offer valuable information on childbirth, breastfeeding, and newborn care. They can also help you connect with other expectant mothers.

14. Searching for Baby Names

Start searching for names for your baby. There are millions of names and tons of resources to sieve through. Don’t wait until the last minute; don’t add stress in those last few weeks if you can’t decide.

15. Gentle Stretching

Incorporating gentle stretching into your routine can help alleviate pregnancy-related aches and improve overall comfort. Simple stretches can be done at home or during a prenatal exercise class.

16. Crafting and DIY Projects

Crafting and DIY projects can be a fun and creative way to prepare for the baby’s arrival. Try making baby blankets or decorating the nursery; these activities allow you to express your creativity while creating something unique.

17. Photo Memories

A pregnancy scrapbook album typically covers your entire pregnancy period, from when you first confirmed your pregnancy until the day your baby was born. Cherish all the memories of telling your husband about the pregnancy, shopping for the little one, assembling the crib, and decorating the nursery. Embellish your pregnancy scrapbook pages with special things like messages and/or pictures from some congratulations cards. You can keep the memories forever and cherish them whenever you want.

18. Enjoying Relaxing Baths

A warm, relaxing bath can be a wonderful way to unwind and relieve pregnancy-related discomforts. Adding Epsom salts or essential oils (safe for pregnancy) can enhance the soothing experience.

19. Spend Time With Your Mom

Pregnancy is a momentous time to bond with your mom and mom-in-law. You can take them out for lunch or dinner and discuss pregnancy and parenting. You can ask about their pregnancy journey and seek tips you could use during labour. Show your recognition by presenting them a thank you gift in advance.

20. Joining a Support Group

Participating in a pregnancy support group can provide emotional support and a sense of camaraderie. Sharing experiences and advice with other expectant mothers can be comforting and empowering.

FAQs

1. How can I ensure my maternity photoshoot is safe and comfortable?

Select a photographer who has worked with pregnant clients before and discuss your preferences. Drink plenty of water, wear comfortable clothing, and take breaks as needed.

2. Are essential oils safe during pregnancy?

It’s important to choose safe essential oils and use them in moderation. Avoid oils with strong effects or those that could cause adverse reactions (2).

3. What prenatal classes are available, and how do I choose the right one?

Prenatal classes include newborn care, breastfeeding support, and birthing instruction. To choose the right one, consider your interests, specific concerns, and doctor’s recommendations.

Among all the discomfort and worries, find peace, calm, and fun during your pregnancy, and you will enjoy it. Indulging in these activities while pregnant will also ensure an active and healthy baby.

References/Resources:

1. Yoga in pregnancy: Many poses are safer than once thought; Harvard Health Publishing; https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/yoga-in-pregnancy-many-poses-are-safer-than-once-thought-201512298898

2. USE OF ESSENTIAL OILS IN PREGNANCY; UKTIS; https://uktis.org/monographs/use-of-essential-oils-in-pregnancy/

3. How music affects your baby’s brain: Mini Parenting Master Class; UNICEF; https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-development/how-music-affects-your-babys-brain-class

4. Travel During Pregnancy; American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/travel-during-pregnancy

5. How much water should I drink during pregnancy?; American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/ask-acog/how-much-water-should-i-drink-during-pregnancy#

Also Read:

Activities to Avoid during Pregnancy
Tips on How to Be Happy when Pregnant
Household Work To Do & Avoid in Pregnancy
Dos and Don’ts to Stay Healthy while Pregnant