As a part of my pregnancy series, today I want to tell you why I think pregnant women should get maternity pictures. Now, I’m not saying you have to go and hire a super fancy schmancy photographer (although if you have the means, go for it! There are a lot of packages that include maternity, new born, six months then a first birthday photo session.) With my first pregnancy, I had my husband take some pictures of my belly. Then with subsequent pregnancies, I enlisted friends with a passion in photography as a hobby or budding career to take some pictures for me.

These pictures aren’t blown up on the wall in my house. But they are tucked away in baby books and in my own albums to remember years from now. Pregnancy is truly such a miracle. Right now there is a 4 1/2 lb. baby INSIDE of me, growing and preparing to enter the world. This little human and I have been connected for 34 weeks now. My body has transformed from my normal self to a house for a baby. It’s something I never want to forget. But as much as you try to cherish every moment of the pregnancy, especially the kicks, jabs and hiccups. We forget. We forget what it’s like to have this little human remind us of their life inside of us through the day with it’s quick little movements.

My advice is to go for it. Ask a dear friend you are comfortable with to take some pictures of you, your husband and your belly. Or you and your children and your belly. We are reminded to cherish every day, every moment. So go ahead and cherish the miracle you have created!!!

Photo Credits: Thank you to my wonderful, creative and talented friends!

First set of photos: Christina McGuire Photography

Second set of photos: Emily Petrous