How to Create a Personalised Pregnancy Journal

Pregnancy is one of those flickering, magical seasons you'll want to remember forever. From the first time you see those two lines on a test to feeling your baby's first little kick, every moment seems new and important. A pregnancy journal becomes a personal sanctuary in which to record everything: the excitement, the unexpected, even the quirky details that otherwise slip away. From jotting down thoughts to tucking in keepsakes, here's a how-to to make it as real-as-personal as the journey itself.

Start with the Right Journal

First, you will be needing a journal that feels right. Some like beautifully bound notebooks with thick, smooth pages that beg for handwritten entries. Others might like a digital format where photos, notes, and videos can be added seamlessly. Ask yourself, if you're not sure: Do I love the feeling of pen on paper or is a digital space going to work better for me? Whichever it is, make sure it's something you'll enjoy coming back to again and again.

Include Your Pregnancy Milestones

Start simple: dates, such as when you found out you were expecting, the moment you shared the news with loved ones, or when you first felt those flutters of movement—these are milestones worth recording. And don't forget your first dating ultrasound scan; it's not just a medical detail, but often the very first image you'll have of your baby, which makes it perfect to include in your journal. Just add a small note beside it, how you felt when you saw the heartbeat, or guess whose nose the baby will get.

Write Freely and Honestly

Pregnancy is an emotional roller coaster, so let your journal be one, too. Some days, you'll want to gush about how excited you are to meet your little one. On other days, you might be overwhelmed, tired, or simply unsure of what comes next. All of it is worth writing down. You will be so glad years from now to look back and see the big picture, not just the highlight reel.

Document the Small Moments

It's easy to focus on the "big" stuff—doctor's appointments, nursery plans, or baby showers—but don't miss the little things, too. You can write about your weirdest cravings (pickles and ice cream? why not), the funny things strangers say, or how your partner reacts when the baby kicks for the first time. You could even include letters to your baby, describing your hopes, dreams, or what's happening in the world right now.

Get Creative with Keepsakes

A journal doesn't have to be all words. Photos, doodles, and keepsakes bring it to life. Tape in snapshots of your growing bump, print out funny texts from friends guessing the baby's name, or even save receipts from the late-night snacks you had to have. Small details like these tell a bigger story.

Take Time to Reflect

The bigger your pregnancy gets, the more incredible the rate of change seems. Give yourself a few moments each week to notice what's new—physically, emotionally, even spiritually. If you need a nudge, there are writing prompts: What am I most excited for this week? What surprised me? How are you preparing for your baby's arrival? These reflections will make your journal dynamic, full of life.

Keep It Yours

There is no "right" way to keep a pregnancy journal. It needn't be perfect, nor does it have to look like it came directly from Pinterest. What matters most is that it's yours. A little messy? Fine. Full of scribbles and sticky notes? Even better. This journal is your chance to capture the story of a time when you were growing life itself—and that's already beautiful enough.