One question I get asked frequently as a DC maternity photographer is when to schedule your maternity session. You can truly take your maternity photos any time but there is an ideal window that I recommend.

Between 27-34 weeks is the best time to schedule your maternity session. Here are several reasons why I recommend this timeframe.

1. Your bump will show. If you schedule too soon you will hardly have a big enough bump to show on photos. This is especially true if it’s your first baby. You want to be able to show off that sweet bump you’ve worked so hard to care for through the first trimester.
2. You will feel your best. Your second trimester tends to be the favorite time of pregnancy for most women. Your morning sickness has subsided and you gain your strength again. I was able to start working out again in my second trimester and it always makes me feel better physically and mentally as well. Third trimester can bring ligament pain and pelvic floor discomfort so being able to capture your photos in time is helpful.
3. You are still very mobile. I love capturing many maternity angles and one of my favorites is laying mothers on the grass or a lace blanket. It adds such a feminine touch to photographs. It can be hard to move around if your belly is too big or your balance is difficult. I myself waited a bit too long for my own maternity photos and couldn’t move around as much as I wanted.
4. You have extra time. If you wait too long for your photos, you may not get your gallery back before your baby arrives. It adds to your anticipation looking through all of your maternity photos.
5. You are prepared. Scheduling your maternity photos in your second trimester or beginning the third is best. This prepares you for anything that may come unexpected. If you would go into pre-term labor or if you had complications that didn’t allow you to move much. You can rest that your photos are already taken.

I hope you found these tips helpful!

Jessica is a Washington DC maternity photographer and a mama herself. She loves finding ways to help her clients have smooth sessions. Creating comfortable environments and connections mean so much to here. She serves the Washington DC area as well as Maryland, Alexandria and Arlington. You can view more of her maternity sessions here and in this blog post.