When to take maternity pictures in Tampa, FL
Things to consider
From the moment you find out that you are expecting, your focus will shift to that little human inside of you – your body will change, you have a whole bunch of doctor’s appointments on your calendar, you keep track of your babies size and development, read books about pregnancy and parenting, start setting up the nursery and so much more.
With all these things going on, it is easy to lose track of time and pay little attention to yourself and your journey. A maternity photoshoot can shift that focus onto you and give you memories that will forever serve as a reminder of your story, beauty, and the incredible changes your body went through to create new life.
Generally, the best time to have your maternity session is when you feel happy, healthy, and comfortable. Every pregnancy is different, so it is up to you and how you feel. With that said, there are approximate time frames that will give you a better idea of what to expect and what to consider.
The best time to take maternity pictures as a first time mom
As mentioned above, the best time to take maternity photos is whenever you feel good! As a general rule of thumb, though, I usually suggest scheduling your maternity photo shoot between 28 and 32 weeks of gestation. During this time, most first-time moms have a pronounced, round belly but are still comfortable and energized enough to stand and pose. If you want to do maternity pictures earlier than the 28 weeks mark, keep in mind that your belly might be smaller and thus not show as much; if you schedule it close(r) to your due date, you might be more uncomfortable due to the baby starting to drop (which also changes the shape of your belly) and be overall more tired and exhausted. It’s also important to remember that babies sometimes decide to make their grand entrance early so if you wait too long you might miss out on your maternity pictures entirely.
When to set up your maternity pictures if this is your second (or more) pregnancy
If this is your second, third, fourth, or maybe even fifth pregnancy, you will most likely show earlier than during your first one. Typically pregnant women start showing between 14-24 weeks during their second or subsequent pregnancies1. This is why most moms tend to schedule their maternity sessions earlier as well. How much sooner of course, depends on you and your body but often, the 22-28 week time frame works well.
When to schedule your maternity pictures if you are expecting multiples
No matter how many babies you are expecting, the golden rule is again “the best time is always whenever you feel the best.” When you carry multiples, however, you generally want to do your maternity session earlier, usually around 17-24 weeks. At this point, your baby bump will already be visible, and you will still have the energy and range of motion needed for a photo session.
Scheduling maternity pictures for high-risk pregnancies
Before scheduling a day and time for your maternity photoshoot, you will need to talk to your OBGYN and get a recommendation in regards to the best time frame. You should also discuss any limitations (maximum time standing, poses to avoid, etc.) and relay that information to your photographer.
Key takeaways
The best time for your session is entirely up to you and your pregnancy. While there are suggested time ranges (28-32 weeks or 17-24 weeks, respectively), they might not apply to you due to your personal circumstances. Book your maternity photographer early in your pregnancy and stay in touch with them. Let them know if any health concerns are developing and how you feel overall so that they can accommodate any possible date changes.
Are you ready to book your maternity session? Or do you have any questions? Reach out now, and let me help you bring your vision to life! Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok for behind-the-scenes, and sign up for my newsletter below to stay up to date!
Sources:
1: https://www.verywellfamily.com/why-you-may-show-earlier-in-your-second-pregnancy-5184938
