Bump That! Eight Tips for Moving While Pregnant

Moving While Pregnant: How to Make it Easier

As if the extra weight, hormones, and insane food cravings that pregnancy has saddled you with aren’t enough, try tacking “moving” on there, as well. Seriously?

Pregnant pause for dramatic effect.

Even if you’ve already read up on all things moving-related, like packing mistakes to avoid and how to minimize anxiety during the process, you may be searching for tips specific to moving while expecting. After all, baby is quite the precious cargo.

Before moving on, let’s agree: you’re Superwoman. If there’s anything more impressive than carrying another human for nine months, it’s transitioning homes during it. You’ve got this!

And we’ve got your back — and that beloved bump — with some tips for moving while pregnant:

1. Gather that Village

Moving will get you a few sighs of sympathy alone, but moving while pregnant? Time to throw a pity party — so long as guests pack some boxes while attending it. Now is not the time to resist help from friends and family because you’re too proud. There will always be a time to repay the favor (and they won’t let you forget it). While the decision to hire movers shouldn’t be taken lightly, if you can afford to do so, consider this the move to do it.

2. Avoid Heavy Lifting

Heavy lifting while pregnant can contribute to premature birth, low birth weight, preeclampsia, and hernia. That’s a lot of weight to carry on your shoulders, so avoid heavy objects and boxes, as tempting as it’ll be. Doctors generally use 20 pounds as the threshold for pregnancy, though it can depend on the trimester and what you’re already accustomed to lifting. When lifting lighter weight, use best practices such as bending at the knees (not the back), keeping your back straight while doing so, and avoiding jerky movements.

3. Dance Like Nobody’s Watching You Pack

Here’s one thing that’s not off limits. In fact, it’s even encouraged. Dancing while packing your home will not only drown out the monotony of it — it’ll help keep blood circulating, loosen up stiff joints and reduce the inevitable stress of moving. Light aerobic dancing has even been said to decrease the risk of certain disorders while pregnant, as well as the recovery time after giving birth. Doctors encourage dancing for these reasons, but advise against moves that could cause you to fall or wear you out too much.

4. Tell Your Doctor

Speaking of doctors, knowing about your move will give them the opportunity to help. They’ll be more inclined to give you ample time to ask all the necessary questions before finding a new physician, expedite the transfer of your medical records and provide any tips that’ll help during the transition. A simple conversation could be just what the doctor ordered. It’ll help put you at ease at a time when there are a lot of moving parts.

5. Hydrate Until You Can’t Take It

You’re likely very familiar with the foods you can and can’t eat while pregnant, as well as drinking the recommended glasses of water a day. Because of how physically draining moving can be, however, your hydration is more important than ever, especially if you’re prone to morning sickness. A water tracker, such as BellyBottle, can help you chug enough H20. Keep electrolyte popsicles and ice chips in the freezer in case an uneasy stomach strikes and fill the fridge with watery fruits — such as watermelon — for added hydration.

6. Dress For Moving Success

Did somebody say “drawstring pants?” On moving day, plan to wear lightweight, breathable, stretchy clothes so that wardrobe discomfort and malfunctions aren’t on your list of unexpected surprises. Cotton will keep you cool and free of sweat or itchiness. During a time when your center of balance is shifting — and on a day you’ll be on your feet constantly — the right shoes are a must. Check out these 10 shoes for happy pregnancy feet.

7. Let The Nursery Happen In Due Time

It’s natural to align the nursery finish date with the baby’s due date, but putting this pressure on yourself during a move isn’t fair or necessary. Not only do most newborns end up sleeping in the same room as their parents, but the American Academy of Pediatrics actually recommends it for the first few months to decrease the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Regardless of whether you plan to have your bundle of joy snuggled up in a bassinet next to you or in a separate room, cut yourself some slack when it comes to perfecting a baby nursery. Your baby won’t hold it against you.

8. Lay Down and Laugh

Relaxation during a move — good one, right? Yes, this is a stressful time that can’t be magically resolved by a laugh or nap, but just as important as hydration and dancing, is enough downtime in between. When you’re in need of some levity, try one of these 10 funny movies to watch while pregnant. Incorporate mini reprieves and splurges when you can. Have groceries delivered. Schedule a mobile prenatal massage. You deserve it, mama.