When I found out I was pregnant, it was honestly only a matter of hours before I started a pregnancy journal.
To put that in perspective, I had to wait two whole days for my husband to come home from overseas before I could even tell him. I was avoiding flatmates, dodging friends, and carrying this enormous secret alone. I was completely overwhelmed with emotion. I had to get those thoughts out of my head.
I should probably disclose that I've always been passionate about journalling. I already ran a wedding journal business at the time, and I've kept a diary since childhood. So recording that moment felt natural.
But here's the thing.
Even if you have never kept a diary in your life, journalling during pregnancy is something I truly believe every mum-to-be should consider.
And there are very good reasons why.
Journalling Helps Your Brain Process What's Happening
Pregnancy is information overload.
The minute you see those two lines, you are suddenly consuming advice, medical information, stories, warnings, checklists and opinions. It is a lot.
A well-studied benefit of journalling is that the act of writing helps your brain process emotion and information more clearly. A brain imaging study by UCLA psychologists found that putting feelings into words reduces activity in the amygdala, the brain's emotional centre, and activates the thinking brain instead.
In simple terms, writing helps calm emotional overwhelm.
Early pregnancy especially can feel intense. Exciting. Terrifying. Magical. Vulnerable.
Journalling gives those feelings somewhere safe to land.
When You're Keeping It a Secret, Writing Becomes Your Voice
The first trimester can be an emotional rollercoaster.
Hormones are shifting. Your body is changing. You might feel unwell, exhausted or anxious. And often, you are not yet sharing your news.
If you're someone who usually processes things by talking, that silence can feel isolating.
Writing becomes your safe outlet.
You can explore fears without judgement. Record excitement without having to explain yourself. Express frustration without receiving unsolicited advice.
Your pregnancy journal becomes a private space where every emotion is allowed.
Journalling Has Real Psychological and Physical Benefits
Expressive writing has been linked to:
• Lower stress levels
• Improved mood
• Greater emotional clarity
• Fewer depressive symptoms
• Better cognitive performance under stress
Some studies have even linked journalling to physical benefits such as improved immune function and faster healing.
Pregnancy asks a lot of your body and mind. Anything that supports emotional regulation and wellbeing is worth considering.
You Will Not Remember It All (Even the Beautiful Bits)
Sure, there are parts of pregnancy we might prefer to forget.
But there are also so many moments you will want to remember:
• The first time you saw your baby on an ultrasound
• The first time you heard the heartbeat
• The first flutter of movement
• The first time someone else felt baby kick
• The names you debated
• The strange cravings
• The dreams you had about the future
Pregnancy brain is real. Research shows pregnant women can experience reduced working memory and concentration. Many mums talk about the fog, the forgetfulness, the lost train of thought.
When you write things down by hand, your brain processes and retains information more deeply than when typing.
Your pregnancy journal becomes your memory bank.
Later, when your baby is in your arms, and the newborn blur takes over, you will be so grateful those thoughts are captured. Many mums also continue writing once baby arrives, transitioning into a baby book to document the first years.
How to Begin a Pregnancy Journal
Once you decide to start (and I hope you will), you have two main options.
1. Use a Guided Pregnancy Journal
A structured pregnancy journal includes prompts, checklists and dedicated sections. It removes the pressure of wondering what to write.
You simply respond.
These are perfect if:
• You like guidance
• You don't want to miss milestones
• You prefer a clear structure
If you prefer structure and prompts, a guided pregnancy journal makes it easy to record each milestone.
2. Use a Blank Journal
A plain journal gives complete freedom. You can write 20 pages about the day you found out, or three lines once a week.
These are perfect if:
• You love flexibility
• You want to write letters
• You prefer a free-flowing diary style
There is no right or wrong way. The most important thing is choosing something you genuinely want to open and use. Pairing your journal with a baby photo album ensures both words and images are preserved beautifully.
What to Write in a Pregnancy Journal (If You're Stuck)
If you're staring at the first page unsure where to begin, try:
• How did you find out?
• What was your first thought?
• Who did you tell first?
• What are you most excited about?
• What are you afraid of?
• What kind of parent do you hope to be?
Or simply start with:
"Today I am feeling…"
It doesn't need to be perfect. It just needs to be honest.
Start Now, Not When It Feels Perfect
Do not wait for:
• The perfect pen
• The perfect time
• More energy
• Neater handwriting
• Printed ultrasound photos
Start messy. Start emotional. Start tired.
Write two lines.
That is enough.
Because one day, your child may read those pages. And what they will treasure most is not perfect grammar or curated photos.
It will be your voice.
Your heart.
Your honesty.
And that moment when you first began becoming their mother. Explore our collection of pregnancy diaries designed to help you capture this once-in-a-lifetime journey.