Pregnant Belly

Create a Pregnancy Scrapbook

Scrapbooking provides a fun and easy way to preserve your pregnancy-related memories. Most craft stores and many online retailers carry an array of pregnancy-themed albums, embellishments, and decorative papers. Products can be purchased individually or as an all-in-one scrapbooking kit. If you live near a larger craft store, you may even be able to attend a class on pregnancy scrapbooking.

To create your pregnancy scrapbook, plan to take weekly photos documenting the changes in your body. If possible, stage each photo in the same location. For added impact, dress in a form-fitting shirt that accentuates your newfound curves!

In addition to collecting photos of your pregnant belly, you’ll also want to take the time to describe how you prepared for your baby’s arrival. The following questions can be used to jumpstart your journaling.

• How did you feel when you first found out you were going to be a parent?
• How did you share the news with your family and friends? Who did you tell first? If your child has older siblings, how did they react to your announcement?
• What unusual food cravings did you have during your pregnancy? Did your cravings change as your pregnancy progressed?
• What was your favorite part of being pregnant? What was the most difficult aspect of the experience?
• What items did you need to purchase to prepare for your child's arrival? Is your child’s nursery filled with handmade items or special family keepsakes?

Belly Casts Create a Treasured 3-D Keepsake

While a maternity scrapbook provides an affordable way to document your pregnancy, still photography simply can’t capture the full effect of the pregnant form. However, belly casting kits let you preserve the details of your pregnant belly in 3-D. In just a few short hours, you can freeze this precious moment in time.

Most belly casting kits use fast-drying plaster of Paris. Since you’re likely to need help wrapping the casting material around your bulging abdomen, consider inviting the expecting father or one of your close friends to participate in the process. Most women use a belly casting kit during the last few weeks of pregnancy, although some choose to make multiple casts to record the progression of changes in their bodies.

When it’s time to decorate your cast, don’t be afraid to express your creativity! Many pregnant women enjoy painting or stenciling decorative designs on their finished casts. If you’re having a girl, a floral or butterfly motif makes an excellent choice. If you’re having a boy, try painting an abstract geometric design. You may also wish to add your child’s name, birthdate, footprints, handprints, or your favorite motherhood quote.

Once you’ve completed your belly cast, don’t toss it into the corner! Belly casts are meant to be seen and enjoyed. Many women choose to display them in the nursery, although you may prefer to keep yours in your own bedroom. If you’d like your cast to be visible to guests, you could opt to display the finished piece in your living room or hallway. Whether you choose to frame the cast of your pregnant belly in a shadowbox or display it on an easel, it’s guaranteed to become one of your most treasured mementos.