Celebrating Cozy Season: Your Guide to an Autumn Pregnancy

If you're expecting during the autumn months, you're in for a treat! We’ve made it out of the sweltering months, and many consider fall to be the best time to be pregnant. Autumn usually brings more moderate weather, cozy clothing options, and there are plenty of festive activities to look forward to. Between pumpkin patch photoshoots and comfy sweaters, an autumn pregnancy can create memories as colorful as the falling leaves.

Get ready to embrace this special season, mama! With a little planning and these handy tips, you can make the most of your fall pregnancy while staying comfortable and healthy. Here are our top suggestions for navigating your autumn pregnancy:

Pregnancy hormones can cause your body temperature to fluctuate. On top of that, the fall season has temperature fluctuations of its own! This means layering is your best friend during autumn. Start with a comfortable base layer, add a cozy sweater, and top it off with a light jacket or cardigan. This way, you can easily adjust your outfit as needed throughout the day or when transitioning from outdoors to indoors and vice versa.

Take advantage of the milder temperatures to enjoy outdoor activities. Prenatal yoga in the park can be a refreshing way to stretch and relax and even connect with other local mamas-to-be. You might also consider birdwatching at a local nature reserve or taking a gentle hike! A leisurely walk can boost your mood and help maintain your fitness. 

Just be sure that no matter what you choose, you’re wearing appropriate footwear to prevent slips on wet or leaf-covered surfaces.

Autumn offers some of the most comfortable and stylish options for maternity clothes! Here are some must-haves for your fall wardrobe:

1. Oversized sweaters: Perfect for accommodating your growing bump while keeping you cozy.
2. Maternity Jeans and Leggings: Pair them with tunics or dresses for a comfortable yet put-together look.
3. Maxi dresses: Layer with cardigans for a versatile outfit that works for various occasions.
4. Boots: Choose comfortable, low-heeled options that are easy to slip on and off.

Dress up your look by adding some statement jewelry that’s to your taste! And don't forget to invest in some quality support garments or compression socks to help manage any swelling or discomfort as your pregnancy progresses. Take a look at our Pregnancy Lookbook guide for more maternity clothing fashion tips and tricks!

Autumn is full of fun activities that are perfect for pregnant women. Here are some ideas to make the most of the season:

Capture your pregnancy journey with a beautiful fall-themed photoshoot! Many of our mamas tell us that pumpkin patch photos are among their favorite pregnancy memories. 

To make the most of your pumpkin patch photoshoot, consider scheduling it during the “golden hour” just before sunset. This helps ensure your photos have warm, flattering lighting. Bring along props like a small chalkboard to display your due date or a pair of baby shoes to rest on a pumpkin.

You can even consider staging some photos with pumpkins of various sizes to demonstrate your growing family! And while planning a variety of pictures is a great idea, don’t forget to capture some candid, unstaged moments of yourself (and your partner, if applicable) enjoying the festive atmosphere.

That said, wear comfortable, sturdy shoes, mama. Pumpkin patches can be uneven, and you want to ensure you don’t lose your footing! 

And check out our pregnancy announcement ideas for more adorable pregnancy reveal ideas!

Local, open-air farmers’ markets are perfect for enjoying this season’s nice weather while discovering a wide range of fresh produce, and handmade crafts (perfect when you’re in that nesting stage)! 

Many farmers' markets offer a variety of pregnancy-friendly snacks and beverages, like fresh seasonal fruit, apple cider, or baked goods. This is a great way to support local businesses while getting some gentle exercise and fresh air. Plus, you can stock up on nutritious fall vegetables and fruits to satisfy those pregnancy cravings! (Just be sure to bring a friend or partner to help carry any bags if they start getting heavy.)

As the evenings get cooler, snuggle up with a warm blanket and enjoy some relaxing movie nights at home. It's a great way to unwind and bond with your partner before the baby arrives.

Create a comfortable nesting space with plenty of pillows to support your changing body, and consider investing in a pregnancy pillow for optimal comfort during these movie sessions. Many expectant mothers opt for light-hearted comedies or uplifting documentaries to keep the mood positive, and avoid anything too intense or scary that might increase stress levels. 

Make it a special event by preparing pregnancy-safe mocktails and healthy snacks like air-popped popcorn or sliced fruits. If sitting for long periods becomes uncomfortable, try compression garments to help stimulate circulation, and consider breaking up longer movies into multiple sessions. Don’t be shy about needing to take stretching breaks, mama! 

One of the most fun aspects of an autumn pregnancy is the opportunity to get creative with Halloween costumes. Here are some popular ideas:

1. Basketball player: Paint your bump like a basketball and wear your favorite jersey.
2. Avocado: Dress in green and use your bump as the pit.
3. Pumpkin: A classic choice! Wear an orange shirt and a strategically placed “stem” hat.
4. Skeleton: Wear all black and add a baby skeleton over your bump.

These costumes can also double as a creative pregnancy announcement if you haven't shared your news yet! 

And check out our Trick-or-Treating For Two Halloween pregnancy blog for tons of fun costume ideas!

Family is usually top of mind during the autumn season, making Thanksgiving a wonderful time to celebrate your pregnancy with family and friends. Here are some tips:

1. If you haven't announced yet, Thanksgiving gatherings can be a perfect opportunity to share your news.
2. Be mindful of your dietary needs! Communicate any foods you are avoiding—like raw or undercooked proteins, or unpasteurized juices or soft cheeses—to your host in advance. Some moms also experience food aversions while pregnant, and poultry is a common one. Whether you are hosting or attending, consider how the smells of cooking food might impact you. 
3. Take breaks as needed, and don't feel pressured to participate in every activity.
4. Consider traveling earlier in the week to avoid heavy traffic days. Long car rides and getting stuck in traffic can be tricky if you are later in your pregnancy and dealing with discomfort or urgency around using the restroom! If you deal with nausea and morning sickness, keep that in mind as well, as motion sickness plus morning sickness can equal a real mess. 
5. Make the holiday extra special and consider celebrating your pregnancy with a baby shower in the days before or following Thanksgiving. 

As the crisp autumn air starts getting even cooler, it's wise to start preparing for the winter months ahead. Your changing body and the approaching chilly season call for some thoughtful planning to ensure your comfort.

Consider investing in comfy, layerable maternity clothes that will keep you toasty while accommodating your growing bump. Look for options like maternity leggings paired with loose tops or even oversized sweaters. Don't forget about accessories like a cozy scarf and gloves to keep you warm during outdoor activities!

Footwear is another crucial consideration as winter approaches. You’ll want to wear comfortable shoes that are easy to put on, like sturdy, flat boots with good traction to prevent slips on icy surfaces. Some mamas go up a half-size to accommodate any potential swelling in their feet, too.

And with cold and flu season approaching, it's a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider about getting a flu shot. This can help protect both you and your developing baby from the potentially serious complications of influenza (and keep in mind that resources like the CDC advise that pregnant people should seek out the actual flu shot and should not opt for the nasal spray version). While you're at it, discuss any other winter-specific health concerns you might have, such as how to safely clear snow or navigate icy walkways.

Autumn can be an ideal time for a babymoon or family visits before your little one arrives. The cooler temperatures and beautiful fall foliage can make for a memorable trip! So, if you're planning to travel during your fall pregnancy, keep these tips in mind:

1. Always check with your healthcare provider before making any travel plans, especially as you near your due date.
2. Stay hydrated and take frequent breaks during car trips to stretch and use the restroom.
3. If flying, consider wearing compression socks to help prevent swelling.
4. Pack layers to accommodate changing temperatures and your fluctuating body heat.

Consider destinations known for their autumn charm. If you're planning a road trip, map out scenic routes that showcase the changing colors of the season. Remember to pack plenty of layers, as autumn weather can be unpredictable, and don't forget your camera to capture those gorgeous fall landscapes as a backdrop to your pregnancy journey.

Every mama's experience is unique, and the changing seasons bring their own set of joys and challenges. But with a bit of preparation and self-care, you can fully enjoy your autumn pregnancy while caring for yourself and your growing baby.

So, embrace the cozy sweaters, crunchy leaves, pumpkins, and beautiful fall colors as you prepare for your little one's arrival, mama! And don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider with any specific questions or concerns. Here's to a beautiful autumn pregnancy!

Information provided in blogs should not be used as a substitute for medical care or consultation.