DIY Pregnancy Journal Prompts to Track Your Baby’s Growth

The Challenge: A Deeper Look

Pregnancy is one of the most transformative journeys a woman can experience. From the excitement of the first positive test to the first flutter of baby kicks, each moment holds a story worth remembering. For many pregnant women, journaling becomes a powerful way to process emotions, track milestones, and preserve memories to share with their little one in the future.

A pregnancy journal isn’t just a record of symptoms or doctor’s appointments—it’s a keepsake that captures your hopes, dreams, challenges, and joys along the way. For new moms and parents, documenting your journey can serve as both an emotional outlet and a treasured gift for your child later in life. Plus, journaling can provide stress relief, improve mindfulness, and help you reflect on the beauty of the changes happening within you.

If you’re ready to start your own DIY pregnancy journal, these thoughtful prompts will inspire creativity, reflection, and connection throughout each stage of your pregnancy.

Your Path Forward: Practical Solutions

First Trimester Reflections (Weeks 1–12)

The early weeks are filled with excitement, questions, and often a rollercoaster of emotions. These prompts can help you capture those first impressions and initial changes.

How did you react when you first found out you were pregnant?
Who was the first person you told, and how did they react?
Describe your first ultrasound experience.
What are your earliest pregnancy symptoms?
How did you choose to announce your pregnancy (or do you plan to keep it private for now)?
What are your biggest fears and excitements about becoming a mother?
Write about the funniest or strangest craving you’ve experienced so far.

Body Changes and Self-Reflection

Pregnancy transforms your body in incredible ways. Journaling about these changes helps you celebrate, track, and embrace the journey with compassion.

Document your weekly body changes—belly growth, weight, skin, and energy levels.
How do you feel about your changing body? (Be honest—both the joys and struggles.)
Describe a moment you felt particularly beautiful during pregnancy.
Write about a time you felt emotional or hormonal and how you coped.
What self-care rituals are helping you feel your best?
Write a love letter to your body, thanking it for nurturing your baby.

Baby’s Development and Bonding

Every kick, hiccup, and heartbeat is a reminder of the little life growing inside you. These prompts help you deepen your connection with your baby.

What was it like hearing your baby’s heartbeat for the first time?
Describe the moment you first felt your baby move.
Write a letter to your unborn child introducing yourself as their mom.
List the baby names you are considering and why.
Describe a moment you felt especially connected to your baby.
What songs, books, or lullabies are you sharing with your baby during pregnancy?
Record how your partner, family, or friends are bonding with the baby already.

Preparing for Baby’s Arrival

From setting up the nursery to attending birthing classes, this stage is full of anticipation and preparation.

Describe your nursery setup and design ideas.
What are the must-have items on your baby registry or shopping list?
How are you preparing for labor and delivery (mentally, physically, emotionally)?
Write about your baby shower or a special moment of celebration with loved ones.
What advice have you received from other moms that stuck with you?
Describe your birth plan and your feelings about it.
What kind of parent do you hope to be?

Hopes, Dreams, and Future Reflections

Pregnancy journaling isn’t only about the present—it’s also about envisioning the future. These prompts capture your dreams for your child and family.

What are your hopes and dreams for your child’s future?
Write about the values you want to instill as a parent.
What lessons from your own childhood do you want to pass on (or do differently)?
Describe the kind of relationship you hope your child has with their family.
Imagine your life one year from now—what do you see?
Write a “letter to future you” reflecting on your journey as a new mom.

Fun and Lighthearted Prompts

Not every journal entry needs to be serious—some of the most cherished memories come from laughter and joy.

What are the funniest pregnancy myths or superstitions you’ve heard?
Share a pregnancy blooper or awkward moment that made you laugh.
What’s been your go-to comfort food during pregnancy?
Create a list of songs that will always remind you of this pregnancy.
Write a pregnancy “bucket list” of things you’d like to do before baby arrives.

The Reward: Embracing the Benefits

Tips to Personalize Your DIY Pregnancy Journal

Add photos of your baby bump progression.
Paste ultrasound pictures, appointment cards, or keepsakes.
Doodle or sketch little illustrations that capture your mood.
Include your partner’s thoughts or letters to the baby.
Leave space for your child to read and respond to later in life.

Most Important FAQ

Q1: What should I write in my pregnancy journal every week?
A1: Each week, try to capture a few key things to create a rich memory book. Document your baby's current size (e.g., "This week, you're the size of an avocado!"), any new symptoms or cravings you're experiencing, and your emotional state. Write down any questions you have for your next doctor's appointment. Most importantly, write a short note or letter to your baby, sharing your thoughts, hopes, or a funny moment from the week. This combination of physical tracking and emotional reflection will make your journal a comprehensive and heartfelt keepsake to look back on.

Q2: Is a digital or physical pregnancy journal better?
A2: The best type of journal is the one you'll consistently use! A physical journal offers a tactile, screen-free experience and can feel more personal, allowing for doodles and pasted-in keepsakes like ultrasound photos. A digital journal, like our interactive Pregnancy Timeline, is convenient, easily accessible on your phone, and makes adding photos simple. Many moms find a hybrid approach works best: using a digital tool for quick daily notes and photos, and a physical journal for more in-depth, reflective writing sessions when time allows. There is no wrong choice.

Q3: How can I stay motivated to write in my pregnancy journal regularly?
A3: Staying motivated is all about making it easy and enjoyable. Don't pressure yourself to write long essays every day. Instead, set a small, achievable goal, like writing for just five minutes three times a week. Keep your journal somewhere visible, like your nightstand, as a gentle reminder. Use prompts, like the ones in this article, to avoid staring at a blank page. Finally, re-read your past entries occasionally to remind yourself of how far you've come. Seeing your journey unfold is often the biggest motivation to keep documenting it.

Conclusion

Pregnancy is a unique and fleeting season—one filled with challenges, joys, and unforgettable milestones. By starting a pregnancy journal, you create a space to process emotions, celebrate growth, and record memories that might otherwise fade. Whether you’re writing about cravings, baby kicks, nursery dreams, or heartfelt letters to your little one, these pregnancy journal prompts will guide you in crafting a keepsake that you and your child will treasure forever.

So grab a notebook, a cup of tea, and begin your journaling journey today. Your story matters, and this is just the beginning of the beautiful chapter called motherhood.