Keeping a pregnancy journal is one of the best decisions you can make during pregnancy. But some days the pen just hovers over the page and nothing comes out. That is where prompts help.
Here are 50 prompts organized by trimester to keep you writing through all 40 weeks.
First Trimester (Weeks 1-12)
- How did you find out you were pregnant? Describe the moment in detail.
- Who was the first person you told and how did they react?
- What are your biggest fears about becoming a parent?
- Write about your food cravings and aversions this week.
- How has your body changed so far?
- What baby names are you considering and why?
- Describe your first doctor appointment or ultrasound.
- What does your partner think about becoming a parent?
- How are you feeling emotionally right now? Be honest.
- Write a letter to your baby explaining how they were wished for.
- What pregnancy symptoms surprised you the most?
- How did you announce your pregnancy to family?
- What traditions from your own childhood do you want to continue?
- Describe your daily routine and how pregnancy is changing it.
- What is one thing about pregnancy nobody warned you about?
Second Trimester (Weeks 13-27)
- When did you first feel the baby move? What did it feel like?
- Describe your bump today. How does it feel to see it growing?
- What items have you bought for the baby so far?
- How is your relationship with your partner evolving?
- Write about the nursery plans. Colors, themes, furniture.
- What advice have people given you? Which was actually useful?
- Describe a typical meal you eat now versus before pregnancy.
- What are you most excited about?
- How are your older children (if any) reacting to the news?
- Write about a pregnancy craving you gave in to this week.
- What music or sounds does the baby respond to?
- How do you imagine your baby will look?
- What scares you about labor and delivery?
- Write down something funny that happened this week.
- What maternity clothes have become your favorites?
- Describe how it feels when strangers comment on your bump.
- What prayer or affirmation is getting you through this week?
Third Trimester (Weeks 28-40)
- Describe the baby is movements today. Kicks, rolls, hiccups?
- What is in your hospital bag so far?
- Write your birth plan or birth wishes.
- How are you sleeping? Describe your pillow fortress.
- What will you miss about being pregnant?
- What will you absolutely NOT miss?
- Write a letter to your baby for them to read on their 18th birthday.
- Describe the baby shower or any celebrations people threw for you.
- How do you want to spend your last days before the birth?
- What postpartum support have you arranged?
- Write about the name you finally chose and why.
- What does "becoming a mother" mean to you?
- Describe the room where your baby will sleep.
- Who will be your support system and how?
- What song do you want playing during labor?
- Write your biggest hope for your child is future.
- Describe today. This might be your last entry before you meet your baby.
- The story continues in your baby memory book...
Tips for Keeping Your Journal
- You do not have to write every day. Once a week is enough.
- Bad handwriting is fine. This is not a school assignment.
- Include photos, ultrasound prints, ticket stubs and anything that tells your story.
- Be honest. Write the hard days too. They are part of the journey.
- Keep your journal somewhere you see it daily so you remember to write.
Your pregnancy journal will become one of your most treasured possessions. Years from now, you will read it and remember exactly how it felt to carry your baby. And one day, your child will read it too.