moving while pregnant
Reading Time: 4 minutes

When it comes to moving, there are a lot of things that have to be taken care of in order to get the job done, and it can be an arduous task for even the most well-meaning of couples. Add pregnancy into the mix and things can get extremely difficult for some, which is why it’s important to take the time to set out some quick parameters before the big move. This is predominantly for safety reasons, as a pregnant woman should not be doing painstaking labor.

Consult With Your Doctor

Before you even consider packing up a box, make sure it’s safe for you to take part by speaking with your doctor. You must skip this one if you have any issues, such as a higher chance of preterm labor. Don’t forget to arrange with your new healthcare provider before moving to a new place.

Working with their healthcare providers, pregnant women who are thinking about moving could establish arrangements for the move and make sure the necessary support is in place.

Come Up With a Plan

Instead of obsessing about it, there are things you can do to simplify your relocation. It’s normal to be forgetful or lose sight of things and tasks during this time. Making a list of the items you’ll need such as boxes, packing materials, and tape as well as the things you need to do a room-by-room.  You can write to-do lists on paper if that’s how you want to organize your thoughts.

Start Early

The baby’s health and yours are of utmost importance. Reduce your stress as much as you can to protect yourself. Whether you’re pregnant or not, one way to reduce stress during the moving process is to avoid trying to do all the packing in a short period of time. When we spend even a short time living in a house, we collect an absurd amount of things.

It’s possible that you will underestimate how long packing will take, so start at least a month before the move. Pack everything you can into an area that isn’t used very often to start. Every few days, try to finish one room. 

To Make Room For The New, Get Rid Of The Old

Before moving day, make sure you sort, go through and get rid of anything unnecessary. Schedule a carrier service to donate items to a nearby Goodwill or shelter. 

To reduce the amount of physical relocation required on a moving day, make sure to have newly purchased baby furniture, clothing, and other items sent to your new address. You can also place a request on your baby registry to have presents mailed to your new home address.

Do Not Move Heavy Objects

First and foremost, if you’re pregnant, do not move heavy boxes at all. This can really hurt the back and cause strain in the womb. Instead, have a dolly ready or something else that might help move boxes from one end to another. Best of all, consider hiring a moving company to do the job. Packing and moving should not be done together, but rather just packing and only things that aren’t too laborious.

Pregnant women should avoid lifting anything heavier than 18 pounds if they are under 20 weeks pregnant, and 13 pounds if they are above 20 weeks pregnant.

Do Not Move During Holidays

Moving over the holidays may be stressful, especially for pregnant mothers who want to spend as much time as possible with their partner before the baby is born. Prioritizing emotional health and communication will help to make the move and the season joyful.

Communicating with your spouse and sharing your feelings with them is another crucial piece of advice. Both moving and being pregnant may be emotionally exhausting, so being open and honest with your husband about your feelings can make it easier for them to provide you the support you need.

Find or Hire People To Move You

The moment is not right to bend, lift, or struggle with large objects while pregnant. It is not advised for pregnant women to move heavy furniture; instead, spend your time helping others in other ways. Before moving day, make a plan for who will move so that everyone is aware of their responsibilities. Check out Movers Corp for the greatest offer if you need assistance choosing a reliable moving company.

Take Breaks

The second thing to remember is to take a lot of breaks during the moving process. A pregnant woman is not supposed to be doing such extreme motions, and spending hours on end packing and preparing can be a strenuous workout for anyone, so if it is done, make sure that lots of breaks are taken.

Moving Day Kit is a Must

Everyone should have a moving day kit that includes the necessities, such as a set of clothes, soaps, and other urgent needs. Be sure to pack lots of healthy snacks, drinks, and a seat for when you need to take a break.

Ask For Help

The last thing to consider is getting a packing service or someone local to assist with the packing and unpacking process. Also, consider having someone help out with the moving chores around the house prior to moving. The last thing you want to do is cause any sort of strain in the middle of a pregnancy. There are a variety of options to consider when looking for a service or even a neighbor that can help with putting things away in boxes.

The above tips are just basic ideas to help pregnant women with the moving process. It’s not advisable to do too much when changing residencies and to work within the means of any given person. Never overwork, as it can cause serious problems.

Share:
Written by Margarita Hakobyan
Margarita Hakobyan is the founder and CEO of MoversCorp.com. She has published more than 300 articles about moving, storage, and home organizing, making her a moving specialist since she began writing about the moving industry in 2005. Follow her on LinkedIn and Twitter.