Unless there’s a registry, it can be challenging to find the right gift for a mum-to-be. You might think that a practical gift like a car seat or stroller would make an excellent gift, but most parents prefer to make these decisions themselves because it affects the safety of their little ones. Similarly, you might think that you can’t go wrong with diapers since parents can never have too many diapers. Again, some parents prefer reusable diapers or they may have decided on a specific brand. Instead of focusing only on the baby’s needs, you can buy a gift for mum to make her pregnancy a little easier.
With that said, here are five ideal gifts for a pregnant mum-to-be.
- Sleep Pillow
A pregnancy pillow is a thoughtful and practical gift for an expectant mother. Pregnancy comes with a lot of discomfort, including back pain, hip pain, and difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position, especially as the pregnancy progresses. A pregnancy pillow is designed to provide support and alleviate discomfort by promoting better spinal alignment and relieving pressure on various parts of the body. You can check out the pros and cons of each type of pillow to help you choose the best pregnancy pillow.
- Pregnancy Support Belts
Carrying a baby is hard work! Pregnancy pillows are great for reducing pain during sleep but mums also experience pain throughout the day. As the baby grows, the pain progresses from general aches to severe back pain and pelvic girdle pain which can make it difficult to handle even everyday tasks. A pregnancy support belt can help to support the baby and relieve some of the pressure from the back and pelvis. One study found that in addition to reducing pain, support belts also helped to improve balance, functionality and mobility in pregnant women.
- Pamper Kit
Pamper kits give the expectant mum the gift of spa days at home. The best thing about these kits is that you can customise them according to what the mum-to-be likes, whether it’s pregnancy-safe skincare products or bath salts. The kit can also include essential oils, candles and other aromatherapy products to help her relax. If you want to go all out in helping her create the spa vibe, you can also include a soft robe, slippers and an eye mask with cooling gel packs for her eyes.
- Active Maternity Joggers or a Cosy Robe
Don’t pick pregnancy gifts that catch your eye; choose something based on the expectant mum’s interests and personality. For instance, if the mum is active throughout her pregnancy, she is more likely to use and enjoy a pair of maternity joggers. On the other hand, if the mum-to-be prefers to stay home more often than not, a soft and cosy robe will make her feel comfortable and pampered. If you know her favourite colour, you can go with that but if you don’t, you can ask her partner, family or closest friends for suggestions.
- Prenatal Massage Gift Certificate
Treat the mum-to-be to a prenatal massage session with a certified massage therapist who specialises in prenatal care. Massage can help alleviate pregnancy-related aches and pains and promote relaxation. One study found that massage therapy also improved sleep and reduced anxiety. The women in the study who had massage therapy also had fewer complications during labour and their babies had fewer postnatal complications.
Safety should be the most important thing when choosing a gift for an expectant mum. This is especially important when choosing skincare products, bath products, or aromatherapy items because not all of them are safe for use during pregnancy. The ingredients in skincare products get absorbed by our skin and some of these chemical compounds can be risky for a developing baby. Make sure that the items you select are meant specifically for pregnant women. You can also consider the mum’s stage of pregnancy while choosing pregnancy gifts. If she’s in the early stages, she may appreciate gifts that help her manage morning sickness or fatigue. On the other hand, if she’s further along in her pregnancy, gifts that focus on comfort, relaxation, and preparation for childbirth and motherhood may be more suitable.