Five Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Have a Maternity Session After 34 Weeks

Hey there, Momma-to-be!

If you’re anticipating your little one’s arrival and considering a maternity photoshoot, let’s talk about timing. It’s understandable to want to photograph this special time in your life, but here are some important reasons why you shouldn’t schedule your session after 34 weeks of pregnancy.

1. Baby’s Schedule: Babies have a knack for surprising us, often arriving on their own timeline. As you approach your due date, the likelihood of your baby making an early appearance increases. Imagine planning your maternity session, booking your photographer and hair and makeup artist for later in your pregnancy, only to have your baby arrive before you can capture those precious moments. To avoid this, it’s best to schedule your session before 34 weeks, ensuring you don’t miss out on documenting this magical time.
2. Swelling: As you get closer to your due date, your body may retain more water, leading to uncomfortable swelling, particularly in your hands, feet, and ankles. Posing for a photoshoot can be challenging when you’re feeling swollen and uncomfortable. Trust me, I’ve seen it firsthand. One of my friends had her session at 38 weeks and struggled with swelling, needing her husband’s help to move around and didn’t love her pictures either. Additionally, if you’re considering outfits that show more skin, swelling can unfortunately accentuate your discomfort. By scheduling your session before 34 weeks, you can avoid these potential challenges and feel more comfortable and confident during your shoot.
3. Energy Levels: Pregnancy takes a toll on your energy levels, especially as you approach your due date. Your body is gearing up for childbirth, and you may find yourself naturally inclined to rest and conserve energy. Maternity sessions can be quite lengthy, lasting anywhere from 1 to 2 hours or even longer, depending on your vision. That’s a lot of standing, moving, and changing outfits, which can be exhausting. By scheduling your session earlier in your pregnancy, you’ll likely have more energy to fully enjoy the experience while creating beautiful memories.
4. Preparation for Baby’s Arrival: Let’s face it – the last few weeks of pregnancy are a whirlwind of nesting and preparing for your baby’s arrival. From setting up the crib to finalizing nursery decor, there’s a lot to do in those final weeks. By scheduling your maternity session before 34 weeks, you can focus on these last-minute tasks without the added stress of squeezing in a photoshoot. Plus, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your maternity photos are already taken care of, allowing you to fully embrace the excitement of welcoming your little one and even sharing an image or two when baby is here.
5. Flexibility for Rescheduling: Life is unpredictable, especially during pregnancy. While we all hope for smooth sailing, unforeseen circumstances can arise that may require rescheduling your maternity session. By planning your photoshoot before 34 weeks, you have more flexibility to adjust your session date if needed. Whether it’s a sudden change in your health, unexpected weather conditions, or other unexpected events, having your session earlier in your pregnancy provides a buffer to accommodate any changes that may arise. This ensures that you can still capture those beautiful moments without added stress or worry.

While there may be other reasons to consider scheduling your maternity session before 34 weeks, these are some of the key factors to keep in mind. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure you have a positive and enjoyable experience, capturing this special chapter in your journey to motherhood.

So, whether you’re planning for your first baby or adding to your growing family, remember that timing is everything when it comes to your maternity photoshoot. By scheduling your session earlier in your pregnancy, you can relax, feel comfortable, and create beautiful memories that you’ll cherish for years to come.