Pregnancy is not just a physical journey. It is emotional, mental, and deeply personal. Every day brings something new—excitement, fear, joy, confusion, hope, and love. Many moments pass quietly, and later we wish we had written them down. A DIY pregnancy journal helps you slow down and hold on to these moments in your own words.
This is not about making something perfect or aesthetic for social media. A pregnancy journal is about you. Your thoughts, your body, your baby, and this once-in-a-lifetime phase. When you make it yourself, it becomes even more special because every page carries your intention and care.
This blog will guide you step by step on how to create a DIY pregnancy journal that feels real, comforting, and meaningful. You do not need artistic skills. You only need honesty and a little time.
Table of Contents
Why a DIY Pregnancy Journal Is So Special
Many pregnancy journals available in the market are pre-structured. They tell you what to write and where to write it. While they are useful, they often miss the uniqueness of your experience.
A DIY pregnancy journal gives you freedom. Some days you may want to write a lot. Some days you may only want to write one line. Some days you may want to draw. Some days you may want to just paste an ultrasound photo and sit quietly with your thoughts.
This journal becomes a safe space where you can be excited and scared at the same time—without judgment.
Years later, this journal will not just remind you of your pregnancy. It will remind you of who you were becoming.
Choosing the Right Base for Your Journal
The first step is choosing what kind of journal you want to use. This decision matters because you will be coming back to this book again and again.
Some people prefer a thick notebook with blank pages because it allows freedom. Some prefer dotted pages because they help with light structure. Others like ring binders because pages can be added later.
There is no “best” option. Choose what feels comfortable in your hands. If opening the journal makes you feel calm or excited, you chose the right one.
Avoid choosing something too fancy if it makes you scared to “ruin” it. Pregnancy is messy and emotional. Your journal should allow that.
Setting the Intention: The First Page
Before jumping into weekly entries or milestones, begin with intention.
On the first page, write why you are creating this journal. Write it honestly. Maybe you want to remember this time. Maybe you want something to show your child one day. Maybe you want a place to talk freely.
You can also write a short letter to your future self or to your baby. This sets an emotional foundation for the journal and makes it feel alive from day one.
Recording the Discovery Moment
One of the most emotional moments of pregnancy is finding out you are pregnant. This moment deserves its own space.
Write about how you found out. Where were you? What time was it? What was your first thought? Were you calm, shocked, happy, or scared?
Do not try to make it sound beautiful. Just make it true. These raw emotions are what you will treasure later.
If you have a pregnancy test strip photo, you can paste it here. If not, your words are enough.
Tracking Physical Changes Without Pressure
Your body changes every week during pregnancy. Writing about these changes helps you stay connected with your body instead of fighting it.
Instead of focusing only on weight or size, write about sensations. How does your body feel today? Are you tired? Energized? Heavy? Light?
Some days you may love your body. Some days you may feel uncomfortable in it. Both feelings are valid. Your journal should reflect reality, not just positivity.
You can add simple weekly notes instead of daily ones if that feels easier.
Emotional Check-Ins: The Heart of the Journal
Pregnancy brings emotional ups and downs. Hormones, expectations, and fears all mix together.
Create pages where you check in with your emotions. Write about what made you happy that week. Write about what scared you. Write about what you are worried about but do not say out loud.
These pages are not meant to be read by anyone else unless you want them to be. This honesty helps you process emotions instead of suppressing them.
Sometimes, just writing “Today I feel overwhelmed and I don’t know why” is enough.
Writing Letters to Your Baby
One of the most beautiful DIY pregnancy journal ideas is writing letters to your baby.
You can write one letter every trimester or whenever you feel like it. Tell your baby about your day, your hopes, your dreams, and even your fears.
You can write about what kind of world you hope they grow up in. You can write about how you imagine their smile or voice. There is no right or wrong way.
These letters often become the most cherished pages later.
Capturing Cravings, Food, and Small Joys
Pregnancy cravings are funny, strange, and memorable. They also reflect your changing body and mood.
You can dedicate a few pages to cravings. Write what you craved, when, and how it made you feel. Sometimes these pages bring laughter years later.
You can also write about food aversions, favorite comfort meals, or moments when a simple cup of tea made you feel calm.
These small details make your journal warm and human.
Ultrasound Pages and Medical Milestones
Medical appointments are an important part of pregnancy, but they do not have to feel cold or clinical in your journal.
Create gentle pages for ultrasound visits. Write what you felt before entering the room and after seeing the screen. Paste the photo if you have it, but also write what you felt inside.
You can also note important milestones like hearing the heartbeat for the first time or feeling the first kick. Focus on emotions, not medical terms.
Body Image and Self-Talk Pages
Many pregnant people struggle with body image at some point. Social media often shows only glowing, happy moments, which can feel unrealistic.
Use your journal to talk kindly to yourself. Write affirmations that feel believable. Write reminders that your body is doing something powerful.
You can also write honestly about days you feel insecure. Writing these thoughts helps release them instead of letting them grow inside.
Partner, Family, and Support System Reflections
Pregnancy also changes relationships. Your partner, parents, friends, and even colleagues may react differently.
You can write about how your partner supports you or what you appreciate about them during this phase. You can write about moments when you felt misunderstood or deeply cared for.
These reflections help you recognize support and also acknowledge challenges.
Preparing for Birth: Thoughts, Not Fear
Instead of filling pages with fear about birth, use your journal to explore your thoughts calmly.
Write about what you hope for your birth experience, but also write that you accept flexibility. Write about what makes you feel safe.
You can also write affirmations for strength and trust in your body. These pages can become grounding during the final weeks.
Nesting and Preparation Memories
Preparing for the baby brings a lot of small moments—washing clothes, setting up a corner, choosing tiny things.
Write about these moments. They may feel ordinary now, but later they will feel magical.
You can write about the day you packed your hospital bag or the first baby item you bought. These pages capture anticipation beautifully.
Final Trimester Reflections
As your due date approaches, emotions often become intense. Excitement mixes with fear and impatience.
Create reflection pages for the final weeks. Write what you are ready for and what you are scared of. Write what you are proud of yourself for.
These pages show your courage in real time.
Keeping the Journal Gentle and Real
A DIY pregnancy journal is not a task. It is a companion.
Some weeks you may write a lot. Some weeks you may skip entirely. That is okay. Do not punish yourself for empty pages. Pregnancy is about listening, not forcing.
Messy handwriting, crossed-out words, tear stains—all of this is part of the story.
After Birth: Leaving Space for Continuation
Before your baby arrives, leave a few blank pages at the end. These can be used later to write about birth, first days, or postpartum feelings.
This reminds you that your story does not end with pregnancy. It transforms.
Why This Journal Will Matter Years Later
One day, when life gets busy, you may open this journal again. You will remember how strong you were, how uncertain you felt, and how much love already existed before your baby arrived.
You may even share parts of it with your child. Or you may keep it private, just for yourself.
Either way, this DIY pregnancy journal will hold something priceless—your truth, written gently, during one of the most meaningful times of your life.
And that is what makes it worth creating.
