The Best Self-Care Practices for Every Trimester of Pregnancy
Chicago | Naperville | Hinsdale | Barrington
Maternity Photographer
Simple Ways to Feel Grounded, Nourished, and Empowered Through Every Stage
(Featuring tips from a Naperville maternity photographer and creative lifestyle expert)
Pregnancy is a journey like no other — full of change, wonder, anticipation, and yes, challenges. Whether you’re navigating morning sickness, feeling the flutters of a first kick, or counting down the days to your due date, one thing remains true: you deserve to feel supported and cared for through it all.
As a maternity photographer in Naperville, Illinois, I’ve had the privilege of meeting countless expecting mothers and families. And while each pregnancy story is unique, one thing remains the same: when women take time to care for themselves, they feel more grounded, more present, and more confident — both in front of the camera and in their daily lives.
In this blog post, I’m sharing the best self-care practices for each trimester of pregnancy, with gentle guidance that supports your mind, body, and heart — and keeps you feeling like you, even as everything shifts.
First Trimester: Nurture and Rest
The first trimester is often filled with new emotions, hormonal shifts, and (for many) fatigue or nausea. During this season of quiet growth, the best self-care is often the most basic — slowing down and honoring your body’s need to adjust.
First Trimester Self-Care Ideas:
Prioritize rest — go to bed early, nap when you can, and give yourself permission to slow your pace.
Stay nourished with small, frequent meals that feel gentle on your system. Keep crackers, citrus, or ginger nearby for nausea. Make your own ginger tea to keep handy.
Hydrate often — keeping a beautiful water bottle nearby can help you remember to sip throughout the day.
Start a pregnancy journal to process the emotional side of early pregnancy and connect with your growing baby.
Say no without guilt. You’re growing a human — that’s more than enough.
Naperville and Wheaton moms-to-be: check out local prenatal yoga studios like Grow Well Yoga or tea shops like Nuovo Tea & Wellness that offer relaxing, pregnancy-safe blends.
Second Trimester: Reconnect and Rebalance
Often referred to as the “golden trimester,” the second trimester is when many women feel their energy return. It’s a wonderful time to reconnect with your routines, move your body with ease, and prepare your space for what’s to come.
Second Trimester Self-Care Ideas:
Move your body gently — try prenatal yoga, walking the Naperville Riverwalk, or light strength training with guidance from your provider.
Pamper yourself with maternity-safe skincare, soothing baths, or a prenatal massage.
Begin nesting — curate your baby registry, decorate the nursery, or organize small spaces to feel more prepared.
Book your maternity photo session — this is the perfect time to document the glow, before the final stretch. (Tip: Late second trimester is ideal for photos — you’ll have a beautiful bump, but still feel comfortable.)
Connect with other moms — whether it’s a local birth prep class or online community, feeling seen is powerful.
Looking for maternity photography in Chicago area, Naperville, Downers Grove, or Hinsdale? My natural-light studio and garden sessions are designed to celebrate your story with warmth and beauty. Alicia’s Photography
Third Trimester: Prepare and Protect Your Energy
In the final stretch, your body is working hard — and so is your mind. This is the time to simplify your days, prepare your heart and home for baby, and set boundaries to protect your energy.
Third Trimester Self-Care Ideas:
Practice rest as preparation — embrace slow mornings, early nights, and moments of stillness.
Pack your hospital bag with intention — include comfort items that will make you feel cared for.
Set realistic expectations for postpartum and ask for help where needed (meals, housework, emotional support).
Write a letter to your baby — a beautiful way to reflect and connect during the wait. This luxury stationery is perfect for this type of keepsake.
Lean into comfort — soft clothes, warm drinks, nourishing meals, and cozy routines.
Planning a final celebration? Many Chicago-area moms choose to do a maternity session or throw a baby shower around week 34–36 as a way to pause and honor the moment. Here is the perfect venue for a baby shower!
Final Thoughts: Self-Care Is Not a Luxury — It’s a Lifeline
Pregnancy is full of changes, but within each shift is an opportunity to turn inward and care for yourself more deeply than ever before. Whether you're in your first trimester or your final weeks, remember that small acts of self-kindness add up — and that you are worthy of rest, joy, and grace in every season.
If you’re looking for a maternity photographer in the Naperville or Chicago suburbs, I’d love to create something beautiful for you. Whether you dream of a sun-soaked garden session or a cozy indoor shoot, your story deserves to be told with heart.
With love and light,
Alicia Staley Johnson
Alicia’s Photography
Downers Grove | Wheaton | Geneva