While I was pregnant, I wrote an article about fun things a person could do while pregnant. (Read it here.) It was probably not my best article, but it is a subject that deserves to be researched. I still have several friends who are pregnant, so my search for fun things to do while pregnant is not over. Here are some of our new suggestions.
Find out who else in your social circle is pregnant. Thanks to social networks like Facebook, I can keep track of all of my friends fairly easily, and I know thirty people who have had or are having kids within six months of my daughter. It is a good idea to consider these friendships now. You will want to make them strong before the baby is born, so you don’t randomly call up a friend you haven’t seen in six years and try to arrange a play date postpartum. These “Moms you actually know” will be a great resource for you in the coming months, and they can probably relate to the boredom that you are feeling now.
Write a journal to your baby. She or he will not know you the way you are now, so this will be a good insight into your life, as well as a bonding activity for later. A journal may also be easier to keep than a baby book, which are left notoriously blank after a few pages. I was not crazy about the idea of writing a journal while I was pregnant, and now I really wish that I had. I am even considering starting one soon so that I can detail the first few months of my baby’s life. If you are not crazy about writing but still like the idea, consider making a video journal for your baby.
If your Doctor’s office does not already offer a 3D or 4D ultrasound, consider getting one. Many community colleges have students who are learning about sonography, and they may offer discounts. Our local community college offers 3D/4D for $20. You have to schedule this way in advance, so plan accordingly.
Make a fancy virgin drink. Now is not the time to drink, but a strawberry daquiri, pina colada, or just a large milkshake in a fancy cup can make a person feel a little better. Don’t forget the little umbrella! Little drink umbrellas are good for your soul.
Try a new restaurant. It is possible to go out after the baby is born, but you might be surprised to learn that it is not as appealing. Go somewhere nice! There will be plenty of time later for family style restaurants My husband actually took me to the cinebarre while I was pregnant. Cinebarre is a movie theatre with a restaurant inside. It was quite an experience!
Pamper yourself. Find local massage parlors and ask about maternity massages. Also try for a manicure and pedicure. Make sure you mention your coming arrival when scheduling your spa day, because certain pressure points have been known to induce labor.
Get your hair done. Some of your hair will fall out after you have the baby. (When I say some, I really mean it will seem like a LOT, but you will not go bald) This may mean that you will want a short cut. You may just want a different style idea. If you have long hair, buy a few nice hair clips. You may want to be able to pin it back at some point.
Stay in bed all day and watch your favorite movies. Snacks should also be eaten in bed. This is especially true if you have not been resting very much thus far. Enjoy the moment and lounge!
Look into kindermusic or mommy and me type classes in your area. Some of these classes offer free or reduced rates to expectant mothers.
If you like to cook, bake a cake. Or, make meals that you can freeze and eat once the baby comes.
Go sight seeing in your town. No matter where you live, locals see places differently from tourist. Stay at a hotel and ask about attractions in the area. You can have a nice (close to home) baby moon with your significant other, and you might find something fun you can do later as a family.
If you have other children, have special date nights just with them. Take each child out to their favorite restaurant as individuals. Maybe go see a movie. Pick out a present for the new addition. Make big brother/big sister little brother/little sister t shirts. Take the opportunity to reassure your child that this new baby will not take their place, and that they will be a big help!
Go through your family pictures. This is a good activity to have your parents and in laws help. Make a photo album that follows you and your significant other from birth. If you have any early pictures of the grandparents to be, include those too. It might also be a good idea to include pictures of any important relatives who have passed away. Take the opportunity to learn any family folk lore or history; you may want this information to pass on later. Consider making a family tree. Ancestry.com offers a free month, and you can trace your family back many generations in a month. Are there any family treasures (a crib, blanket, etc.) that might be passed your way?
Read aloud to your baby. Your baby may be able to hear you as early as week 15. What you read doesn’t matter as much at this point, so start with your favorite books. You may want to pick out a few special childrens books as well.
Start signing up for free baby samples. This may not seem terribly exciting now, but there may come a time you are very excited to see those samples or coupons. Huggies, Pampers, and Luvs all offer diaper coupons. (and occasionally samples) Enfamil, Similac, and Gerber all offer formula samples and kits.
Get some exercise! Ask your doctor first, but many exercises are safe in moderation while pregnant. I wouldn’t recommend situps, but swimming can be a lot of fun. Exercising during pregnancy can make labor easier. Walking and having sex after 37 weeks have even been known to kick start labor.
Even if you are newly pregnant, it can sometimes seem like you have been pregnant FOREVER. Hopefully some of these ideas will tickle your fancy and give you something to do to pass the time. There are many activities that are safe while pregnant, you should just be sure to ask your doctor first. If there are other activities that you have enjoyed as a mom to be, I would love to hear about them.
