The experience of being pregnant is one of the most exciting and incredible things in the world. While there are disadvantages such as morning sickness, swollen feet, and changes in appetite, there are so many exciting events that also typically come along with pregnancy.
From baby showers and family get-togethers to announcing your pregnancy to your loved ones for the first time, it’s something that should be celebrated. Typically, it’s something that’s celebrated with family, friends, and other loved ones.
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we do many things over the last year. That includes gathering with friends and family. While there may be a light at the end of the tunnel thanks to the vaccine rollout, many places are still encouraging people to practice social distancing and avoid gathering with others.
So, how can you still enjoy the exciting events associated with pregnancy while keeping yourself and others safe?
Smaller is Better
There have been different guidelines in place throughout the pandemic when it comes to having a safe gathering. But, one thing that has remained consistent is the advice to keep any get-togethers as small as possible. You don’t have to give up the joy of sharing the news of your baby or having a small celebration. But, consider inviting only close family members, and keep the following tips in mind to make sure everyone stays safe:
- Hold the event outside (if possible)
- Keep it to 10 people or less
- Require mask-wearing
- Encourage distancing
You can keep yourself and your baby safe if you have a get-together by considering the COVID-19 vaccine. While more research needs to be done, no evidence suggests pregnant women should be kept from receiving the vaccine.
When it comes to keeping others safe, it’s a good idea to have as many precautionary measures in place as possible. Use pre-packaged food items, including drinks. Have hand sanitizer available at every table, and masks for those who forgot to bring one.
People may be more inclined to come to an event if they feel safe, so ensure your guests that you are taking every precaution if you decide to have a celebration.
Get Creative With Your Get-Togethers
If you don’t necessarily want to keep your event small, that’s understandable. You may want to shout your excitement from the rooftops when it comes to your pregnancy! So, why not take that excitement and energy and channel it into a creative way to celebrate?
One option is to host a “drive-thru” baby shower. This allows you (and your little one!) to be the center of attention while keeping everyone safe. You simply need to set yourself up in a comfortable chair outside and decorate your front lawn or at least the area where you’re seated. You can use the birthstone of your baby’s projected birth month as your theme or a favorite sport; the theme can inspire your guests to decorate their cars or choose a gift. Invite your guests to drive by at a certain time. When they do, they can choose to stop the car and talk for a few minutes from a safe distance, give you a gift, or even just honk as they drive past your home. It’s a short and sweet way to celebrate that allows everyone to see each other in-person.
If you want your shower to be more of an “event”, consider hosting it virtually. There are plenty of ways to bring a shower to life, even online, including:
- Playing games with everyone.
- Having baby-themed music playing.
- Giving away prizes (you can mail them later).
- Sending everyone cupcakes or sweet treats to enjoy during the shower.
If people send you gifts ahead of time, you can open them during the virtual shower, so everyone can still take part in that tradition.
Coming up with alternative ideas for a baby shower can be a lot of fun. So, don’t be afraid to think outside of the box when it comes to different ways you can bring people together to celebrate. These smaller showers can end up saving you money, which can be applied to hospital bills later on. Babies are expensive, and parents often go into medical debt just to have them. The fewer expenses you accrue prior to the birth, the better; this will help you get out of debt without having to rely on just debt forgiveness or lines of credit.
Take Care of Yourself and Enjoy the Small Moments
There is no question that this pandemic has caused a ton of extra stress on everyone, but that may be especially true for expectant mothers. You may be at a greater risk for mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. Making self-care a priority (both physical and mental) can help you to get through your pregnancy safely, even if things aren’t exactly traditional along the way.
Your body will go through incredible changes throughout your pregnancy. Take the time to appreciate those changes and welcome them, because they are your body’s way of preparing itself for your child. Your brain goes through changes, too, thanks to hormonal shifts. Embracing all of these changes can help you to feel more fully prepared.
Whether you’re currently working from home and spending most of your time there, or you’ve been able to get out and about a bit more, take the time to care for your mental and physical health.
Stay as physically active as you’re able, take breaks during the day, and do what you can to reduce stress. That might include practicing mindfulness or meditation or journaling each day. Even though the pandemic has undoubtedly thrown a wrench or two in what you thought your pregnancy experience would be, at the end of the day it comes down to how you feel and what you make of this unique time.
Celebrations may be altered, but they’re not gone forever. Think of all of the wonderful birthday parties and other family and friend get-togethers you’ll be able to have after your baby is born because you took precautions to keep everyone safe now. You will never forget this time in your life or this pregnancy. One day, you’ll be able to tell your child all about how they were born during a pandemic, and it will be nothing but a distant memory.
