How Pregnancy Journals Support Mental Wellness During the Journey to Motherhood
Pregnancy is a time of huge change — physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We often see it painted as this glowing, magical time, but the truth? It’s also full of ups and downs. Alongside the joy can come anxiety, self-doubt, and a rollercoaster of emotions. One gentle, grounding way to take care of your mental health during this time? Journaling.
As a mum who’s walked a deeply personal and emotional path — from my first pregnancy to my beautiful rainbow babies — I know how heavy and complex this journey can feel. My losses shaped me in ways I never expected. And during my pregnancies, journaling became my anchor. It helped me process the fear, honour my grief, and also notice the beauty in the present.
"Research shows that journaling can improve mental clarity, manage anxiety, and enhance emotional well-being during major life transitions like pregnancy" — (University of Rochester Medical Center).
Here’s how journaling can gently support your heart and mind during this precious (and sometimes overwhelming) journey:
1. Journaling Creates Space for Reflection
Pregnancy can feel like a blur. Sitting down with a pen — even for five minutes — to write how you’re feeling, what your body is going through, or what you’re dreaming about for your baby... it helps you pause and actually feel what’s happening. It’s a little act of self-care in a busy, emotional time.
2. It Helps Ease Anxiety and Uncertainty
Let’s be real — pregnancy is full of unknowns, and that can feel scary. Journaling gives you a safe space to unpack all those thoughts swirling around your head. Writing things down can take the power out of them, and suddenly they don’t feel quite so overwhelming.
3. It Builds a Bond with Your Baby
When I was pregnant, I often wrote letters to my baby. Sometimes they were full of excitement. Other times, they were full of fear or hope or just honesty. But every word helped me feel closer to her, long before I ever got to hold her. That connection is so special — and journaling helps you nurture it.
4. It Helps You Remember the Little Things
You think you’ll never forget the first kick, the midnight cravings, or those weird dreams where your baby is already walking and talking — but trust me, it fades. A journal keeps those memories safe so you can revisit them, and maybe even share them with your child one day.
5. It Gently Shifts Your Mindset with Affirmations
Pregnancy can bring up some really tough thoughts. Adding affirmations to your journaling practice can be such a powerful way to bring in more kindness, strength, and hope. Little phrases like “I trust my body” or “I am doing my best” can turn into quiet reminders when you need them most.
Motherhood starts way before birth. Journaling your pregnancy is a way to honour all the parts of that journey — the joy, the fear, the growth, and the magic. It’s not just a diary. It’s a love letter to yourself, your baby, and this beautiful chapter of your life.
If you’re looking for a place to begin, our Ultimate Pregnancy Journal & Planner was created with love — inspired by my own story and the stories of so many mums I’ve met along the way. It’s here to support you, cheer you on, and hold space for every part of your journey.
You’re not alone in this. You’re doing better than you think. And this might just be the perfect place to start.