29 Best Self-Care Gifts for Pregnant Moms
We all know how important self-care is for everyone. It’s especially important for pregnant women who are about to become new moms! If one of your friends or family members has announced their pregnancy, putting together a care package is a great way to congratulate them.
Pregnancy is a beautiful, wonderful thing. However, it’s a really uncomfortable and trying time for a pregnant woman. Self-care items are the perfect gift for an expecting mom. Help her take some time to care for herself by putting together some of these thoughtful gift ideas.
This is a comprehensive list of self-care gift ideas for any expecting mother that will help you put together something special for yourself, a friend, or a family member. Let’s go over what self-care is, the importance of it for pregnant moms, and which self-care items are useful to pregnant women.
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What is Self-Care?
Self-care is the practice of actively taking care of one’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Some common examples of self-care activities include eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep, engaging in physical exercise, taking time for one’s self, and spending time with loved ones.
Self-care actions can be as simple as cooking healthy meals or going for a walk outside. Or there are more formalized practices like seeking therapy or participating in support groups. Overall, regardless of the type or level of care that a person chooses to engage in, self-care is an important way to maintain one’s overall health and well-being.
The Importance of Self-Care for Pregnant Moms
Self-care is a critical aspect of pregnancy, as it helps to ensure the health and well-being of both the mother and baby. This can involve any number of different activities, including regular exercise, getting enough sleep each night, eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients, and managing stress levels.
Each of these things plays an important role in maintaining optimal health throughout pregnancy. For example, exercise helps to keep muscles strong, promote circulation, and enable moms to carry the extra weight of their growing baby. Similarly, getting enough sleep is essential for refreshment and restoration. And maintaining a healthy diet ensures that both mom and baby have the energy and nutrients they need to grow and thrive.
Managing stress is key in keeping mom and baby healthy. Research has shown that high levels of stress can lead to a variety of health problems for both mother and child, including premature birth, low birth weight, and developmental delays. Finding self-care routines that help manage stress will be beneficial for both the mother and the baby. Ultimately, by taking good care of themselves during pregnancy, women can give their babies a head start on lifelong health.
Self-Care Gifts For Expecting Moms
1. Gift Cards
There are so many expenses that come with bringing a baby into the world. Mom might not want to make additional purchases that are only for her. Getting her a gift card allows her to shop for things without worrying about spending money on herself.
When choosing a gift card, think of practical items that she needs, things that will bring her comfort, or make her life more convenient. Gift cards for the following can be a really great self-care gift for an expecting mom:
- Restaurants
- Grocery stores
- Maternity clothing stores
- Retail stores that carry beauty and spa items
- Online maternity shops
2. Stretch Mark Cream / Belly Butter / Belly Oil
Moms-to-be are generally pretty concerned about getting stretch marks and keeping the skin on their bellies moisturized. Although we can’t really prevent stretch marks entirely, creams, butters, and oils seem to help. They are especially nice when your belly gets large and itchy. Getting some physical relief will help mom out a lot!
3. Morning Sickness Relief
Having morning sickness can make pregnancy very difficult. Not only is she tired and hormonal, but feeling sick on top of that can put moms in a poor mental state. There are several things out there that are used to combat morning sickness in pregnant women. You can choose from lozenges, candies, drinks, and wristbands.
What works for some women may not work for others. So, it’s a good idea to get her a few things to try out. Even if she hasn’t complained of feeling sick, it’s good to have a few things on hand because you never know when it will hit. A lot of women experience morning sickness in the first trimester, however, some don’t get it until the second or third trimesters.
4. Bath Salts
Pregnant women tend to develop a lot of aches and pains due to extra weight and their body changing so much. It’s really nice to soak in a tub for relief. Adding bath salts with natural ingredients can help her relax and feel less achey. You can purchase plain epsom salt, premixed salts with oils, or you can make some yourself easily by mixing epsom salt and/or sea salt with pregnancy-safe essential oils.
5. Belly Belt
Referred to as belly belts, maternity belts, belly bands, and pregnancy support belts, these belts help support mom’s ever growing belly. As the pregnant belly grows, it starts to take a toll on her hips, pelvis, and back. Using a support band helps relieve some of the pressure put on the body.
6. Pregnancy Pillow
A pregnancy body pillow can make a world of difference for an expecting mom. Sleep can get really uncomfortable with a big belly and an aching body. Pregnancy pillows are shaped to help support the body while laying down making comfortable sleep easier. This is one of my pregnancy top picks because she needs all of the sleep she can get before the baby gets here!
7. Compression Socks
Compression socks are often worn by pregnant women to help relieve the discomfort of swollen feet and ankles. Additionally, compression socks can help to prevent varicose veins and blood clots. They can provide significant relief for many pregnant women and can even be used during postpartum recovery.
8. Affirmations Cards
Using affirmation cards is a great way to practice self-care. I used birthing affirmations a lot before having my baby. Other affirmations can be used during pregnancy to combat negative feelings and anxiety. You can purchase or create affirmation cards for a pregnant woman depending on what she needs.
For example, if she is feeling down about herself, write some positive affirmations that promote a positive self image. If she isn’t struggling with anything in particular, you can give her some general, positive affirmations that help her remember how strong, powerful, and beautiful her body is during pregnancy.
9. Memory Book
Pregnancy and the early parts of motherhood can go by in a flash. It’s nice to have somewhere to keep all of the photos and memorabilia from pregnancy. Get her a pregnancy-specific memory book, scrapbook, or photo album to organize all of her memories into. If you have a lot of pictures of her, you can print them out or ask her if she has any she’d like to add.
10. Fitness Tracker
Staying active is a huge part of pregnancy self-care. Help her stay moving with a fitness tracker. There are a lot to choose from, but one that simply records her steps for the day can be really helpful. She will be more mindful about how much movement she’s gotten each day.
11. Meditation App
Meditation is a great self-care tool and helps improve concentration, self-esteem, and lowers anxiety. Pregnancy can be overwhelming and it is really beneficial to take the time to slow down and focus. Gifting a subscription to a meditation app is a really thoughtful way to give her something to help her mental health while pregnant.
Headspace is a really great, popular meditation app that you can easily give a subscription to. They even have a pregnancy section.
12. Pregnancy Gift Boxes
There are a lot of great websites that offer curated care package options for pregnant women. These are great if you don’t have a lot of time to put something together yourself or aren’t sure exactly what to include.
Some options are:
13. Hatch Restore
Mom has a lot of sleepless nights ahead of her. So, I can’t recommend sleep tools enough! This Hatch sound machine is a Heaven send. Hatch Restore is a sleep-wake routine personalization tool that helps you fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up refreshed. It features smart light technology that helps you fall asleep and wake up to sunrise-like colors.
Hatch Restore helps you relax your mind and prepare your body for sleep. You get your first month of Hatch’s sleep membership for free with your purchase. Plus, mom can use this machine for the baby to help promote healthy sleep cycles and hopefully win her more sleep.
14. Bubble Bath
Bubble baths can help set a relaxing mood for mom in the tub. Taking time alone to do something relaxing is really important for pregnancy self-care. Make sure that the bubble bath you purchase has clean ingredients and is free from any oils and ingredients that are not pregnancy-safe.
15. Water Bottle
Drinking enough water is so important during pregnancy. It’s a major part of healthy self-care for everyone, but the body requires more water when pregnant. Help mom get enough water to drink by getting her a large water bottle that will encourage her to stay hydrated. Water bottles that track water consumption or are fun to look at are always more motivational for me!
16. Pregnancy Journal
Journaling can be a great mental health tool. There are a ton of things going through a pregnant woman’s mind and writing down all of her thoughts can really help. She can use a journal to write down her hopes, dreams, fears, things to do, and whatever else she needs to. Writing things out can get them out of your head and release a lot of anxiety.
17. Face Masks
At-home face masks make you feel like you’re at the spa and are a simple, quick self-care thing to do. Keep in mind when purchasing these that her face might be a little more sensitive than usual. Get her a gentle face mask that focuses on moisturizing and calming. This isn’t the time for peels or harsh chemicals since her hormones can make her more susceptible to irritation.
18. Body Oil
Body oils and lotions can make her feel great after just a minute of self-care. Rubbing nourishing oils and other ingredients into your skin can give you a boost and make you feel great. This is a simple gift that any pregnant mom can use and enjoy.
19. Prenatal Massage
A prenatal massage can really help alleviate back pain during pregnancy. Massage therapists learn specialty techniques to help pregnant women relieve pain and relax. I’m sure she will appreciate this gift!
20. Prenatal Fitness Class
Prenatal classes like yoga and aerobics can get her moving and feeling great while being safe for her and the baby. Find local classes that she can take and get her a pass or even offer to go with her.
21. Pregnancy and Birthing Class
If she’s a first time mom, she might have a lot of questions about her pregnancy and the birthing process. Purchasing a local or online class for her can help alleviate stress and worry surrounding birth and things happening in her pregnancy. Check with local hospitals and doulas for class options.
22. Meal Service Subscription
Planning meals and cooking might add stress to pregnant ladies who are already so exhausted. Gifting a meal service can be a really thoughtful self-care gift to her. She can choose from meals and get the ingredients sent to her door without having to plan and shop. Most of the meals are easy and quick to cook which will help her eat something fresh and healthy.
23. Back Massager
If mom is having a lot of back pain, a back massager can be a great tool to eliminate aches. You will be her best friend after getting her a massager that she can use at home.
24. Pregnancy Books
Information can help relieve anxiety about the unknown for first time moms. Pregnancy books offer a load of information about everything happening to her body and what she can expect. They also help her plan out things she needs to get done and offer insight for questions she might have. There are a ton of good books to choose from depending on her style and wants.
25. Activity Passes and Gift Certificates
Social health is a big part of self-care. When women get pregnant and have children, their social lives tend to suffer which can lead to struggles for moms. Help get her out of the house and around other people doing some fun activities. Paint nights, plant nights, and other group activities are a great way for her to go socialize.
26. Prenatal Workout Videos
My friend sent me a prenatal yoga video that I really loved during my pregnancy. There were specialty moves that helped prepare my body for birth and helped me stay fit and relieve pain during pregnancy. There are many prenatal workout videos to choose from that can really benefit expecting moms and their babies.
27. Practical Services
Mom might be exhausted from the pregnancy, taking care of her other kids, or getting things ready for the baby. Helping out with any practical items can really help out. You can help her yourself with things like errands, laundry, chores, cooking, etc. Or if you don’t have time, you can purchase a gift certificate for a maid service or the like for when she is feeling overwhelmed.
28. Healthy Snacks
You can put together a gift basket full of healthy snacks to help mom stay fueled during her busy, exhausting days. It can be hard to remember to keep eating during the day when you’re pregnant and maybe not feeling so great. Fill a basket full of healthy things like protein Bars, fruit, nuts, and other easy snacks for her.
29. Comfortable Clothing
Comfy socks, robes, pajamas, slippers, and yoga pants are a pregnant lady’s best friend. Comfort is the biggest thing you seek during pregnancy because you are so uncomfortable most of the time. Help your pregnant friend relax and feel good with cozy items.
Conclusion
Self-care is very important during pregnancy. If you or someone you know is pregnant, taking time for self-care can make a huge difference. There are many items that can help with that and gifting these items is a really thoughful thing to do. Hopefully you found some great ideas!
