If you went to school in Kenya, you must have written compositions and inshas. Remember how teachers would emphasize mafanikio and misemo? The details in the words and phrases chosen, the perfectly shaped handwriting, the thrill of filling pages with your own story. That same practice, which felt like a task back then, can become one of the most powerful tools for self care during pregnancy: journaling.
Pregnancy is a journey filled with excitement, anxiety, and countless unknowns. One day you’re overjoyed, the next you’re questioning everything. Journaling through pregnancy provides a safe space to unpack those emotions, track milestones, and create a keepsake that you, and maybe even your child, can look back on years later.
Why You Should Consider Journaling Through Pregnancy
For Emotional Release
Pregnancy comes with hormonal changes that can make emotions overwhelming. Writing things down allows you to vent frustrations, express joy, and process fears. Think of it as free therapy, your pen and notebook don’t judge.
The Emotional Disclosure Theory developed by psychologist James Pennebaker showed that writing everyday for 15 to 20 minutes can improves one’s emotional and physical health through the organization of chaotic thoughts into coherence.
To Track Progress
From the first kick to unusual cravings, journaling helps you document the small but important details you might forget. Later, it becomes a beautiful record of your journey.
Tracking your progress like this can also come in handy in medical settings when you need to remember certain symptoms or inconsistencies in your baby’s kicks.
To Reduce anxiety
Putting worries on paper often makes them feel lighter. When you re-read, you realize some things you stressed about were temporary. Journaling through pregnancy gives perspective and reassurance about your concerns.
The act of expressing your emotions on paper, according to scientific studies, brings your emotions from the amygdala to the brain’s prefrontal cortex. The former is your brain’s fear centre and activation leads to anxiety and emotional hyper alertness.
However, there are times when journaling or any other activity simply can’t quit you mental stress during pregnancy in which case it’s best to speak with a maternal mental health psychologist.
Related: Taking Care of Your Mental Well Being During Pregnancy
To Strengthen the Connection
Writing letters or notes to your unborn baby creates a sense of bonding. You’re already building a relationship even before you meet face to face.
And when your baby is finally here, reading the journals to them out loud makes another way to bond with your child as you look back on your pregnancy journey with affectionate memories.
To Create Memories
Years from now, you can share your thoughts and experiences with your child. Imagine gifting them a journal full of your raw, authentic experiences while carrying them.
How to Get Started With Journaling Through Pregnancy
Sounds like something you can do? This is how you can start journaling when you’re pregnant:
- Choose your medium: Old-school notebook, fancy pregnancy journal, or even a private digital app, whatever feels natural to you.
- Set aside time: Even 10 minutes in the morning or before bed can be enough. Psychologists recommend 15 to 20 minutes of expressive writing, which is simply getting all your thoughts on paper.
- Don’t overthink: Write freely. It doesn’t have to be “perfect composition” level. Grammar, spelling, or handwriting doesn’t matter here. What matters is expressing yourself.
- Mix it Up: Don’t restrict your pregnancy journaling to writing only. Add doodles, photos of your bump, or even paste ultrasound printouts. Make it uniquely yours.
Pregnancy Journaling Tip: Use these examples of prompts to get you started if you’re stuck.
How do I feel today (emotionally and physically)?
What’s a funny or memorable moment from this week?
What am I most looking forward to meeting my baby?
What fears am I holding onto right now?
Get Pregnancy Healthcare at Malaica
Journaling during pregnancy is more than just writing; it’s a practice of reflection, self-care, and memory-making. The same way we crafted compos and inshas back in the day, you can now craft a personal story of motherhood-in-the-making. It’s not about perfection, it’s about honesty, connection, and capturing moments that time would otherwise blur.
Here at Malaica, our job is to support you throughout the pregnancy journey whether clinically with medical assessments, mentally through our virtual psychologist, nutritionally through our maternal health nutritionist, and access to an online community of moms who are as far along as you are.
Call or send us a message at +254 746 610643 to learn more about how our personalized and holistic antenatal care can empower your pregnancy journey.