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A pregnancy journal can seem like just. One. More. Thing. To. Do.
But hear us out.
There are many ups and downs during pregnancy.
And we’re not just talking about your shoe size (for real 😬).
The surprising thing is, you probably won’t remember it all.
Really.
Sure, you’ll never forget the moment you POAS and that first scan.
And how could you forget that pickle craving or that delightful pregnancy nausea?
But you might not remember the first time you lost a crumb in your suddenly ample bosom.
Or how you laughed when you first saw maternity panties.
Never mind that brief moment you forgot you were pregnant and tried to squeeze between two cars and got stuck.
Here’s when pregnancy journals really come into their own.
In this article: 📝
- How do I document my pregnancy?
- Our top 15 pregnancy journals (and why we love them)
How do I document my pregnancy?
There are a bunch of options out there.
You could use a book you have at home or get a beautifully bound one from your favorite bookstore.
If you choose a blank book, it allows you to write down thoughts, musings, and funny stories from the day (and there’ll probably be a lot).
It doesn’t have to be the big things.
It could simply be:
“Today is the first day I realized it’s time for jeans with an adjustable waist. LOL.”
And you can even paste in ultrasound pictures or cards from well-wishers or from your shower.
There really are no hard and fast rules about what should be recorded during pregnancy.
You’ll almost always know instinctively, “Yes! This should go in the book!”.
There are also many specially-crafted journals out there dedicated to this purpose.
These books prompt you to note down certain things and guide you through the various weeks of pregnancy.
If you are growing your family through adoption or surrogacy, there are also great journals that speak to your experience of becoming a parent.
If the pregnancy brain fog is a bit much, you may prefer one of those books that give you suggestions and direction.
(We get it.
You’re growing a whole other human.)
So let us take you through our picks of the best pregnancy journals out there.
Our top 15 pregnancy journals (and why we love them)
1. Growing You: Keepsake Pregnancy Journal and Memory Book for Mom and Baby
This journal is beautifully made with a linen cover, acid-free archival paper (which means it’s long-lasting), and gold spiral binding.
It allows for both freestyle writing and more traditional prompted details like baby shower details and your baby’s size.
We love that it’s gender-neutral, lays flat (makes writing in it super easy) and that it transitions into a traditional baby book.
All the important stuff is in one book.
We think it’ll make a gorgeous keepsake for both you and your child.
2. Little Pickle Memories Pregnancy Journal
This diary works for all families, using gender-neutral language throughout.
So it’s perfect for LGBTQ+ families, single parents, and those who are growing their family with a surrogate.
It includes weekly updates, space for your birth preferences, and fun prompts and predictions.
It also covers things like your baby’s first words, so it really has everything!
And we love that it speaks to all families.
3. Expecting. The Black Woman’s Pregnancy Diary
This beautifully designed journal includes all the usual pregnancy journal prompts and checklists, as well as exquisite artwork.
Some reviewers were hoping it would contain more quotes or images directly related to the Black woman’s experience but still called it a “great guide to tracking your pregnancy” and “detailed and well organized.”
For more specific advice on pregnancy for women of color, “Oh Sis, You’re Pregnant!: The Ultimate Guide to Black Pregnancy and Motherhood” is a winner.
4. 40ish Weeks: A Pregnancy Journal.
This journal is so perfectly described as “charming.”
With quirky writing ideas and plenty of space for freestyling, this fun journal offers many reasons to smile.
We love the playful illustrations and the week-by-week format.
5. Little Pickle Memories. Adoption Journal.
This beautiful book allows you to record all the milestones of the adoption process, all the way to the one-year anniversary of your Family Day.
Suitable for all families, it uses gender-neutral language, rather than “mom” and “dad” with space for you to add “what you know me as.”
We love its modern design and appeal.
6. Mom’s Floral One Line a Day: A Five-Year Memory Book
This is the perfect option for those whose parenting journey looks a little different.
The idea is to just write one line about your child per day, so it is perfect for those of us who are not ye olde Shakespeare.
You’ll be surprised how the little things can add up to tell a whole story — from the way your baby kicked in your belly every time they heard a certain song to that time they picked you a flower all on their own at two years old.
We love that this book gives you the freedom to record just one sentence at a time so that it doesn’t feel like work.
Its gilded pages also make it very pretty that will look lovely on your nightstand for years to come.
7. First-Time Dad Journal: Monthly Prompts and To-Dos For Pregnancy and Beyond
Gone are the days when dads were just spectators in this baby-baking business.
This book features monthly check-ins and fatherhood prep, encouraging dads to create a keepsake of this special time.
8. Expecting You — A Keepsake Pregnancy Journal
This journal features a chic gender-neutral design and is small and compact.
There are many open pages as well as helpful and fun prompts.
Many reviewers note that it’s definitely one more suited to someone who enjoys long-form writing.
We love its small size which allows you to carry it with you and jot things down whenever inspiration strikes.
9. Bloom Daily Planners. Planning for Joy
A scrapbooker’s dream, this journal features tons of stickers, sturdy metal spiral binding, and a pocket on the back inside cover for extras.
It also doubles as a baby book and goes right up to your baby’s first birthday.
10. The First-Time Mom’s Pregnancy Journal: Monthly Checklists, Activities and Journal Prompts
This highly-rated book speaks directly to the first-time mama with comprehensive lists, charts, quotes, and much much more.
We love its stylish design and that it makes a fuss of those experiencing pregnancy for the first time.
11. As you Grow: A Modern Memory Book for Baby
This elegant and modern baby book is timeless with its hand-drawn gender-neutral illustrations and linen cover.
With gorgeous touches like the addition of a family tree and space to write your baby’s development to age 5, this is one for those who love to take notes!
12. My 9 Month Journey: Pregnancy Journal Memory Book with Stickers
If bright and colorful is your vibe, this is the book for you!
This hardcover ring-bound book makes customizing your journal a breeze, and it’s anything but boring.
With Its fun and joyful design and stickers included, it allows you to really make it your own.
There’s not much space for freestyle writing, so best for someone who wants to keep it short and sweet!
13. Hatched By Two Chicks: Lesbian Couple Pregnancy Memory Book
This playful journal includes tons of prompts as well as blank pages for both mamas to freestyle.
There are also lots of extras, including advice about exercise and diet, helpful lists, and fun pregnancy facts.
14. I Wished for You: A Keepsake Adoption Journal
This lovely book aimed at families growing through adoption has lots of playful open-ended questions about becoming a family.
It’s gender-neutral and features lots of delicate designs in pretty pastels.
Highly rated and with lots of positive reviews from adoptive families, it’s definitely one to check out.
15. Baby Bump, My Pregnancy Memories. Expecting: The Black Woman’s Pregnancy Diary
This journal has an eye-catching cover which is what most reviewers responded to.
But don’t worry — inside, it’s just as good!
There are all the usual lists and worksheets, as well as week-by-week writing prompts.
Small enough to fit in your purse, this pretty book is inspiring without feeling overwhelming.
We also love its affordable price.
So that’s the 411 on pregnancy journals.
They can be a great way to keep connected to all that pregnancy brings.
They also make a gorgeous keepsake for when your babe grows up.
Win-win.
This is such a special time.
And we’re excited for you.