9 Simple Ways To Romanticize Your Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a beautiful event. Arguably, the most beautiful and significant event a woman is capable of experiencing. But, if you're like me, it can also feel really difficult both physically and emotionally.

During my first two pregnancies, I struggled with undiagnosed prenatal depression and significant weight gain on top of all the more typical woes and aches that come with growing a tiny human (heartburn, fatigue, nausea, etc.). When my husband and I decided to try for a third child this past year, I knew I wanted this experience to be different. Recognizing it would likely be our last baby, I wanted to find ways to not only endure my pregnancy but enjoy it.
I was realistic in my planning—I knew the experience wouldn’t be perfect. After all, deciding I wanted to like being pregnant didn’t mean I would suddenly be immune to acid reflux or swollen ankles. As lovely as that would be, I knew I’d have to rely on tactics within my control, including a healthy dose of perspective shifting, to achieve my goal. I ultimately landed on romanticizing as my strategy of choice.
What Does it Mean to Romanticize Something?
Romanticizing has become a common approach for elevating everyday experiences. When you romanticize something, you metaphorically (and sometimes literally) slap a bow on it—making it prettier, softer, and ultimately more enjoyable. You can romanticize just about anything, including your home, your wardrobe, your daily routines, and more.
While not everything in life is within our control and there will inevitably be responsibilities and joy-draining activities we have to deal with on a day-to-day basis, romanticizing is all about intentionally inserting moments of joy (or glimmers) into the mix.
When I decided to romanticize my pregnancy, I knew I wanted to rebrand the experience from “nine months of torture” to “nine months of embracing my femininity as I lead a beautiful life.” Appealing, right?
Through romanticizing I empowered myself—switching from passive participant to active leader of the experience.
9 Simple Ways to Elevate Your Pregnancy Experience
I’m currently coming up on my last month of pregnancy. While the experience has still had its challenges (I type as I await the results of preeclamptic labs), actively romanticizing the past eight months has helped them fly by in a way my first two pregnancies never did. Instead of rushing the time, counting down each agonizing day, I’ve found joy and appreciation for the months I’ve spent growing and carrying my youngest daughter.
Here are some approachable ways I romanticized the experience to make it more luxurious, enjoyable, and special.
Wear Beautiful Clothing
Whether it’s a flowing dress or a chic blazer, wearing elevated clothing—clothing that is beautiful in design, craftsmanship, material, or all three—instantly enhances any and every experience. While it’s easy to become caught in the comfort trap during pregnancy, throwing beauty to the wayside in lieu of sweatpants and oversized tees, dressing like Adam Sandler is a quick way to make your pregnancy as unromantic as possible.
The good news is, you don’t have to shop for an entirely new wardrobe. Instead, prioritize beauty and quality, and intentionally shop for a few new joy-bringing pieces to lift your spirits and elevate your maternity aesthetic.
Look for items that can be carried through after your pregnancy to make the investment more palatable. Smocked-bodice dresses, button-down shirts, cardigans, and jackets can all be enjoyed both during and after pregnancy.

Shop: Ivy City Co. Teagan Dress in Woodland Floral, $128

Shop: Quince Scuba Captain's Convertible Blazer, $100

Shop: HATCH The Palmer Pointelle Nursing Tank, $140

Shop: Abercrombie & Fitch Gold Button Relaxed Oxford Shirt, $70
Enjoy Quality Coffee and Teas
It only took until my third pregnancy, but I’m so glad I finally read “Expecting Better” by Emily Oster. TLDR: Oster is a data scientist who, in her book, lays out a research-based conclusion: Pregnant women can safely consume the equivalent of two cups of coffee (or 200 mg of caffeine) per day. Reading the book gave me the peace of mind I needed to continue enjoying one of the great loves of my life (coffee) throughout my pregnancy.
A few months ago, a new coffee shop opened in my small town and I have thoroughly enjoyed becoming a regular customer—sipping a cappuccino from a cozy booth on a rainy day or grabbing an iced coffee to go on a hot summer’s afternoon. It’s been nice to have one less restriction and to make the act of drinking coffee an anticipated experience.

Whether you’ve read the book and have been convinced to fear caffeine less like I have or are still reaching for decaf, know this: Elevated beverages can still be a part of your pregnancy experience. Spend a little extra on quality beans to brew at home or make a point to visit different coffee shops over the course of your pregnancy. A small outing can feel like a monumental mood boost if you’re been spending most of your free time baby prepping at home.
Take Walks in Nature
Humans crave time spent outdoors. Its mental and physical health benefits are cited time and again. Leave your phone inside if you can and take a daily outdoor walk, ideally one in a natural environment, such as the woods or on the beach, and immerse yourself with the sights and sounds around you. Every time I do this, I’m left feeling grounded and, ultimately, happier.
These walks can become a romantic part of your everyday pregnancy routine and also help you stay active during a time when some of your favorite exercises or sports are off the table.
Document the Experience With a Pregnancy Journal
The years I’ve spent pregnant have undoubtedly been some of my most introspective—I credit that to the combination of hormonal overdrive and slower paced living. From early name considerations to food cravings to letters addressed to your baby, fill the pages of your journal with all the special thoughts and feelings that preceded meeting your child for the first time.

Shop: Write To Me Shop Bump A Pregnancy Story, $43

Shop: Studio Oh! Undated Pregnancy Planner & Journal, $20

Shop: Amazon KODAK Mini Shot 3 Retro Instant Digital Camera and Photo Printer, $160

Shop: Papier Wave Fountain Pen, $18
Lean Into Feminine Experiences
As woo-woo as it sounds, I do think there’s something to be said of fully embracing your femininity while pregnant. After all, does anything epitomize womanhood more than pregnancy and childbirth? I don’t personally think so.
I’m not ashamed to admit that I struggle with my self-esteem while pregnant. To combat the negativity, I’ve learned to remind myself that I am truly beautiful and that my body is doing a beautiful thing. Accompanying my little pep talks, I embrace my femininity not only physically but in the activities I’m pursuing. For me, this means playing classical piano, painting, and, as the seasons allow, picking lavender and wild flowers.
So get your nails done, make a floral bouquet, design a beautiful nursery, cook wholesome meals—whatever best resonates with you as a woman. When in doubt, defer to the following: Create, curate, and nurture.
Invest in Quality Sleepwear
When you're expecting, sleep can be hard to come by. Nausea, insomnia, leg cramps, acid reflux, and discomfort from a growing bump are common sleep deterrents. So why add to the list with ill-fitting pajamas? I spent my first two pregnancies squeezing into whatever athletic shorts and t-shirts I could pull over my bump and, let me tell you, it was far from a romantic experience.
This time around, I’ve replaced all of my ratty t-shirts and Soffe shorts with quality cotton maternity pajamas and I thank myself literally every single evening. I’m markedly more comfortable and my evenings and early mornings feel more elevated. Flipping pancakes is frankly just more satisfying when you’re wearing a cute nightgown versus tattered cheer shorts.

Shop: LAKE Pajamas Maternity DreamModal Kimono Three-Piece Set in Fog, $158

Shop: LAKE Pajamas Pima Maternity Shorts Set in English Rose Garden Floral, $108

Shop: Petite Plume The Cozy Maternity Set in Navy, $218

Shop: Kindred Bravely Clea Bamboo Short Sleeve Pajama Set, $65
Try a New Creative Hobby
As your body is creating life, let your hands and mind follow suit. While I’ve definitely spent a lot of my third pregnancy chasing my other two kids (ages two and four), I’ve spent the other portion resting. This has allowed me to enjoy getting back into drawing—a hobby I once loved but let fall to the wayside when life got hectic.
Whether you’re revisiting a previous hobby or trying your hand at something new, there’s no better time to get creative than when you’re expecting. Let your pregnancy inspire you and spend these months of slower living discovering or channeling your inner creative.

Shop: Hello Hydrangea Chickadee Weaving Supplies Kit, $120

Shop: Emily Lex Studio Garden Watercolor Workbook, $24

Shop: Bouquet Box Floral Arranging Kit, $109

Shop: Purl Soho Learn To Knit Kit, $58
Treat Yourself to that Quality Accessory or Pair of Shoes You’ve Been Eyeing
While I’m admittedly a critic of the “treat yourself” culture that has become popular in recent years, I will also admit I do my fair share of treating during pregnancy. After all, if there’s ever a time one deserves a little treat, isn’t it while you’re in the throes of the most selfless act there is?
During this last pregnancy, I’ve used little treats as milestone rewards and motivators. For example, I promised myself that once the constant nausea and vomiting of the first trimester subsided, I would treat myself to the cowboy boots I’d been eyeing. This gave me something more immediate than my baby’s birth to look forward to in those many hopeless moments I spent doubled over the toilet.
Quality shoes and accessories make for rewarding treats as you get to enjoy them immediately (during a time when much of your wardrobe likely doesn’t fit) as well as after the baby is born. Had your eye on something special for a while? Now’s the time to commit. You’ve more than earned it.

Shop: Sezane The Tote Patent Red, $390

Shop: Ivy City Co. Rosemary Cowgirl Boots, $248

Shop: Kylie Katich x RELLERY Home Necklace, $69

Shop: Gola x Anthropologie Stadium Sneakers, $125
Have a Maternity Photoshoot
Cell phone photography has come a long way, but nothing beats the work of a professional photographer equipped with a quality camera. Maternity photoshoots have become commonplace and are a great way to not only document your pregnancy but also capture your radiance during a pivotal time in your life.
I remember dreading having photos taken during both of my previous pregnancies (I felt large, uncomfortable, and foreign) but was overjoyed with the results both times. If your baby prep budget can swing it, book a maternity photoshoot for your third trimester, when that bump is really popping. Give yourself permission to purchase a beautiful dress and don your makeup to your heart’s content.
The shoot itself will feel glamorous and self-indulgent in the best, most genuine way possible.
Embrace the Fleeting Nature of Pregnancy
While it’s easier said than done, sometimes all it takes is a simple mindset shift to romanticize your pregnancy experience. While I personally still don’t love being pregnant, I frequently remind myself that the time I’ll spend expecting is quite limited in the grand scheme of life. I encourage myself to appreciate the experience for what it is, practicing gratitude for my body’s capabilities and cherishing the journey that has been growing my family.
After all, there really is nothing more ephemeral, beautiful, and romantic than the act of bringing new life into this world.