10 Best Pregnancy Journals Reviewed in 2024
Stacey Joseph
Pregnancy journals make excellent gifts for new parents, but usually, the parents themselves or a close family member purchase them once the pregnancy is announced. This is the perfect time to get one because it can be used right away to document the exciting details. These books are terrific for the pregnant mom and the coming infant to read years later. Mom will find the journaling soothing and relaxing as she writes down her feelings, thoughts, and hopes each day.
The baby will someday read this book and appreciate the care that went into the accumulation of information that was occurring during their development. It is a priceless gift that only parents can provide in such a personal way. Here are the ten best pregnancy journals offered online currently. The details of their design, capacity, ease of use, and price range are given to help you choose.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 45 hrs of research
Spiral book or hardcover format
96 pages
Relevant and interesting prompts
Divided into weeks
10 Best Pregnancy Journals Reviewed
1. The Belly Book
Spiral book or hardcover format
96 pages
Relevant and interesting prompts
Divided into weeks
Could use some organizational tabs
Very popular with almost 1,500 online reviews, The Belly Book Journal is the best pregnancy journal among women currently. It is separated into weeks for recording the specifics you want to be remembered over the years. You can add photos and pictures of your belly, ultrasounds, and family members to make the diary quite unique and endearing.
Read moreDesign
Offered in a spiral book or hardcover format, you have the choice of cover with the same interior of pages. Authored by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, it has 2 color pages and 96 pages in total. If you prefer a journal with plenty of blank space, then this is the one for you.
Capacity
Enjoy the relevant and interesting prompts that will lead you to create an exciting and detailed account for your child. There are plenty of spaces to put photos, prenatal visit information, and ultrasound pics. A complete picture of your nine-month experience will fit in this volume nicely.
Ease of Use
Divided into weeks rather than months, women will enjoy the ease with which journaling can occur. With this format, many extra details can be recorded for each day. There is so much happening at this time of a woman’s life that will want to be remembered forever.
Price Range
With a below-average cost for pregnancy journals, this one is a good buy for moms-to-be who are on a budget but want to record their precious moments. It has a good length of pages and covers the entire 9 months of pregnancy. You get the value you would expect from a higher-priced book with this book.
2. Mom's One Line a Day
Small diary form with 372 pages
Good for 5 years
Yearly reflection and comparison
Baby scrapbook and pregnancy journal
Small size can be difficult to write in
The Mom’s One Line a Day Memory Book is #29 on Amazon’s best Journal Writing Self-Help books and #55 in its Motherhood books. It is for those moms who want to continue their journaling beyond the pregnancy for themselves and their babies. Small in form just like a regular diary, this pregnancy journal can be carried with you for writing anywhere.
Read moreDesign
Authored by Chronicle Books, this excellent volume is in a diary form to make it easy to use and carry around with you. It is set up as a yearly account but with spaces for 5 entries for that particular day. For the first 5 years of the child’s life, it serves as a baby scrapbook and pregnancy journal combined.
Capacity
You can begin writing in this volume during pregnancy and continue for the first years of life. It is a great buy for mothers who want to quickly jot down a few things for the days as they pass. Good for 5 years of journaling, this book has 372 pages.
Ease of Use
Since most pregnancy journals that are available have space for just the pregnancy or even the first year of life, they cannot give you the coverage of life that this one can. You have 5 years of collected information and details that this volume can hold.
Price Range
Below average in price, it allows the reader or writer a mode of reflection for certain days and comparisons since each day is collected for 5 years. For example, January 20th will have 5 sections where the year is written and then the information you want to remember or be remembered.
3. Expecting You
Made into a diary form
Cloth hardcover, ribbon marker, and removable bellyband
Good for single mothers or same-sex couples
No silly or goofy prompts
Does not have as many prompts as some other journals do
Document experiences, thoughts, and feelings you have during your pregnant months in diary form with the Expecting You Pregnancy Journal. Single moms and non-traditional families will love this pregnancy journal that does not have any wording addressing “mommy and daddy” in it. there is just the space and prompts for fun and vital facts, thoughts, and feelings during the pregnancy.
Read moreDesign
Written by Amelia Riedler, this journal in diary form is small enough to bring along anywhere you go. It has a hardcover, ribbon marker, and removable bellyband. This book has been described by buyers as well-designed and organized.
Capacity
Including 144 pages, it gives the writer plenty of space for recording their ideas when they occur. This is ample room for everything that happens during the pregnancy from ultrasounds, photos, and doctor visit information. With it as a diary, you will be encouraged to write in it each day.
Ease of Use
With good prompts that are not silly or goofy, parents will appreciate the seriousness of this journal. Also, it does not use references to daddy and mommy that is important for single mothers or same-sex couples. It is terrific for non-traditional families.
Price Range
Use this volume just for the child or to help yourself adjust during the months of pregnancy. It is priced below average when compared to most other books of its kind. This journal inspires the writer with periodic illustrations and quotations throughout the book.
4. Studio Oh! Bump for Joy
Guided by trimesters
Fill-in-the-blanks and checklists
Holds 32 pictures with 5 extra pockets
Beautifully illustrated
Is more for first-time mothers
Divided into trimesters, the Studio Oh! Guided Pregnancy Journal has gorgeous illustrations that make this an exceptional keepsake for parents and children. Insert your photos, ultrasounds, and even mementos into this wonderful book of memories and feelings. Even the cover is pretty with designs in foil on a colorful background. Both parents will love keeping this incredible journal.
Read moreDesign
Containing the artwork of Alli Alyssa Nassner, this 144-page book is colorful and vivid with the beautiful illustrations. It is a hardcover book with accents foil stamped in a bold design. This volume is presented online as a couple’s book that both parents can write in.
Capacity
There are spaces for personal notes for 40 weeks, helpful tips, and facts for the entire 9 months. It can hold 32 pictures with 5 extra pockets for mementos or more photos to highlight those special moments. Whatever you want to insert in the pages, there is room to spare.
Ease of Use
Guided by trimesters, moms and dads can write all that is occurring at the time of pregnancy. It has many prompts that are thoughtful and relevant. There are places for both parents to give their input of the time. Also, there are fill-in-the-blanks and checklists to ensure you are getting everything documented.
Price Range
Average in price among current pregnancy journals, this one is a unique keepsake for recording your memorable moments. Keep it for yourself or for the upcoming baby to have during their life. With all of its included illustrations, prompts, and suggestions, this volume it a good bargain.
5. Bump to Birthday, Pregnancy & First Year
Baby journal and pregnancy diary
Easy to manage format
Design of a diary
Award-winning journal
Buyers say there is not much space to write things
Bump to Birthday is a diary for parents to record all of the events and happenings during pregnancy as well as all of the details of the infant’s first year too. Because this is such a well-designed volume, it has earned a couple of prestigious awards. You will love it too for its unique prompts, spaces for journaling, and pretty illustrations. Be sure to begin journaling early for a more complete book.
Read moreDesign
This is a baby journal for the initial year and a pregnancy journal book designed in an easy to manage format. It is authored by Helen Stephens and Journals of a Lifetime to be one of the most interesting and detailed diaries that are available. it will eliminate the need for 2 books for these time periods.
Capacity
It has 160 pages for you to record all the relevant information that you think your child would appreciate knowing in years to come. This is enough space to put your thoughts and feelings of your body changes, doctor’s appointments, and happenings in your life. There is space for you to write something daily or weekly as you desire.
Ease of Use
Record all the infant’s firsts such as holidays, steps, foods, smiles, and words in this lovely illustrated diary. It does not have as much blank space as some of the other journals listed, but it does have much to offer you and the unborn child for a special treasure.
Price Range
The cost is average for this wonderful book that is much more than just a journal for pregnancy. It was a 2014 best seller of the Independent Publisher Book Awards, a shortlisted item in 2012 for the Gift of the Year, and a winner of the 2012 Loved by Parents Award.
6. From Pea to Pumpkin
Formats of diary or hardcover
Progress shown using veggies and fruits
Placeholder of a ribbon bookmark
Spaces for photos and ultrasounds
Prompts questions can be awkward and repetitive
This pregnancy journal book shows the growth of the child week to week by indications on the pages of growing fruits and veggies in pretty watercolors. Taking a unique path with developing food items throughout the volume, this book adds a special twist to your time of being pregnant. You can visualize the growth of the child as you record the changes and experiences in your own life.
Read moreDesign
Written by Geralyn Broder Murray, this title is in the formats of a diary or hardcover. It includes a placeholder of a ribbon bookmark, so you never lose your place. Writing in it will become a daily pleasure for you to look forward to each day.
Capacity
There are many simple prompts to fill in and places for photos and ultrasounds in this 96-page journal. The more things you put in it the more meaningful the book becomes. It is perfect for the whole 9 months that you are pregnant.
Ease of Use
It is different than other journals in that each week it indicates the infant’s progress using veggies and fruits in watercolors. It thus earns the title of Pea to Pumpkin. Each week features a new food item to show the growth of the little one you are expecting.
Price Range
Below average in price, this lovely book has a gorgeous design. It is great for memory recording whether this is your first child or one of many. You get everything you would expect from such a diary to document all of your beautiful memories. You could also check the best family albums for your most precious memories.
7. Nora's Nursery Unisex Planner
Neutral color for either sex
High-quality sleeve
Weekly stickers for progress
Envelopes for treasured items
A few people were not satisfied with the quality
The Unisex Pregnancy Journal Planner features a pleasing design that is color-neutral and gorgeous for either sex. When the baby’s sex is a surprise or you are giving this as a gift and do not know the sex, it is perfect with the gray coloration. This book has some extras that others do not offer such as stickers, a protective sleeve, and envelopes to put mementos.
Read moreDesign
The entire book and illustrations are in light gray to be neutral for either sex. It comes in a high-quality sleeve that can house the book to keep it clean and protected. Parents will like the stylish and modern design that is both refreshing and eye-appealing.
Capacity
This wonderful book will lay flat for writing and using and looks like a volume for the coffee table. With great illustrations, it will please anyone who views it. Included are envelopes for treasured items such as the hospital bracelet, ultrasound, and cards.
Ease of Use
It features checklists, writing prompts, and blanks to fill in with vital information during the pregnancy. There is also lots of space for individual writing and experiences. You get a good balance of photos and texts to help you save time yet include everything.
Price Range
Including stickers for each week from the 8th to the 40th, this average-costing book comes with a card to give as a gift to expecting parents. The anticipation will build when using the stickers for each week. Most other diaries do not have this addition.
8. The Nine Pregnancy Countdown
Form of a diary
Nine sections with tabs
Prompts for moments and milestones
Check-in places, quick notes, and belly photos
Documentation is weekly and not daily
The Nine Pregnancy Countdown Journal is a diary that builds the suspense week by week for you and your family with its colorful format. Jumping from the first month of pregnancy to the last week of pregnancy is easy for looking back on your pregnancy progress. The colored tabs make it much easier to use than some other journals. There are plenty of marvelous ideas included for prompts that will encourage you.
Read moreDesign
In the form of a diary, this journal serves as a precious countdown to the important moment of delivery. It is divided into nine sections that are tabbed colorfully for every pregnant month to keep you on track. This makes it well-organized and so simple to use.
Capacity
Written by Kelly Sopp and David Sopp, a husband a wife team, this exciting volume has 144 pages in total. You can include pictures of you, the baby bump, and friends and family during the pregnancy. It is small to bring along with you wherever you go.
Ease of Use
It has smart prompts for funny moments and important milestones, so you do not leave out anything you want to remember. Some prompts include the first baby flutter, unsolicited advice, and special feelings and thoughts. Of course, there are plenty of others to get you started.
Price Range
The cost is below the common average for this journaling volume. If you want a book that is more like a diary than a memory book, then this is the one to get. It includes check-in places for quick notes and belly photos each month to make your book so unique.
9. Pearhead Book
Guided sections
Photo space in the cover
Leather-like cover
Pockets for special mementos
Prompts were disappointing said a few people
My Pregnancy Journal from Pearhead is a smaller than usual book but it makes up for it with the many features and superb decorative cover. This is the only book that we spotlight that has a spot for a picture in the cover. The spiral binding allows the writer more flexibility than the other diaries too to make journaling easy.
Read moreDesign
This cover is full of X’s and O’s for hugs and kisses and a space for a picture of the newborn or of the sonogram image. There are detailed hearts on the cover too that are foil stamped for terrific decoration. It is one of the prettiest journals you will find.
Capacity
The 74 pages feature spaces for photos and pockets for documents or other special mementos. You could possibly fill such books to the point they are overflowing, so this one has a unique closure. It comes with a strap of elastic to close it securely.
Ease of Use
Included are guided sections for the special journey and an insert in the cover for a sonogram photo. Some prompts include the first visit to the doctor, telling the news to others, the different trimesters, the precious arrival, and planning throughout.
Price Range
With a below-average cost, this fabulous diary has a spiral binding so it will lay flat when writing in it. you can even fold it back unlike most other journals. The fantastic cover feels like leather but is a durable PU material that is so smooth. It looks much more expensive than it really is.
10. As You Grow
Artwork is gender-neutral
Pregnancy to age 5
Paper is archival and acid-free
Pockets for mementos, photos, and keepsakes
Not very detailed for the pregnancy
As the highest-priced book, we spotlight here, the As You Grow Journal will be one that you will want to exhibit to others all the time. It has artwork and features throughout that distinguish it from the many other diaries that you will find. It is not just for the pregnancy as there is plenty of room for journaling until the baby is 5 years old.
Read moreDesign
The design of this journal is timeless, elegant, and chic with artwork that is gender-neutral. It is illustrated and written by Korie Herold and features a cover that is elegantly lined. You will want to show off this beautiful book for many years to come.
Capacity
Tell of the child’s development until they are age 5 with this book of 160 pages. There are plenty of spots for photos and pockets for mementos and keepsakes. Some sections are the first weeks of the baby, the first year, and pregnancy to the birth.
Ease of Use
The sections are guided to be easy to use with lots of space for writing, plus it will lay flat for writing comfort. Included are letters for the child from you. Document the silly, sweet, and precious moments and first milestones with this exceptional item.
Price Range
This is the highest-price volume highlighted in this piece. It is made of a superb paper that is archival and acid-free, plus is large enough for the pregnancy until the child is 5 years old. This book is Amazon’s #1 product for the categories of Extended Families, #2 for Scrapbooking, and #7 for Parenting Boys.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Design
Just like any other type of journal, these books are filled with blank or lined pages for all of your feelings, thoughts, hopes, and dreams about your pregnancy and the future child. They are both small and large depending on the design of the particular book. Most of them are hardcover with regular binding or spiral binding.
Some have fancy and colorful illustrations to make the pages so pretty and eye-pleasing, while others have many prompts to help you. The prompts can be in the form of questions, fill-in-the-blanks, or just titles of the page. Use them or make up your own. They are there to give you ideas of what to write in the various weeks or trimesters you are living in. The best aspect of a journal is how personal you can make it with only what is important to you.
Capacity
Most of these best pregnancy journal books contain over 100 pages for the entire 9 months of documentation. The more pages it has, the more you can write in it. One of the books has enough space and pages for 5 years of journaling if you want to record the first years of life.
The smaller diary types have only a few lines for you to put the most relevant data of the day. This helps you be concise and not write too much unimportant information. That is a vital key to an exciting journal – keep it short and sweet. Your child will love reading it when they are grown.
Ease of Use
Keeping a pregnancy journal is just as easy as writing and collecting the facts of the day. You can, however, improve on this exercise with added items. These can include photos, magazine clippings, articles, ultrasounds, and drawings. The journal you choose can be divided in one of three ways. It will be separated by days, trimesters, or months for your notes.
Make sure to choose one that you feel the most comfortable with for what you intend to write. If the diary is purchased well after the time that you discover the pregnancy, then it will be challenging to remember the beginning days.
Price Range
The majority of these highlighted diaries are in the lower-than-average category since the As You Grow Memory Book costs much more than the others. None of them are expensive, so you should certainly have at least one to document your crucial pregnancy information. The least expensive is the Mom’s One Line a Day Book which can be used for 5 years of memories.
When you consider all that these volumes contain besides plenty of space for you to write what you desire, they are all a great purchase. The prompts, illustrations, questions, fill-in-the-blanks, and pockets for photos and mementos make them so well worth the cost.
Design Capacity Ease of Use Price Range 
Keeping a pregnancy journal gives you the opportunity to record for both you and your future baby the events of choosing a name, the moments when you announced to everyone your pregnancy, and the feelings of the first kick among other incredible moments.
Not only will the best pregnancy journal give you a permanent written record of how you felt during this special time of your life, but the actions of writing in it will reduce stress, enhance immunity and resilience, and, in general, prepare you for the emotional position of motherhood.
Other Factors to Consider
Creativity
You can be as fancy or creative as you want to be with a pregnancy diary that you design yourself. Follow the given prompts in the journals or make up your own as you feel the need. The more you include inside, the more meaningful it becomes to you and the precious child that will one day treasure it so much.
If you draw well, then add some designs. You can add stickers, photos, or newspaper/magazine clippings. Writing in various pen and pencil colors will also add some pizzazz to your journal.
Emotional Development
Keeping a journal for anything is healing and mentally soothing for the writer. It is an emotional experience that allows the written expression of feelings, thoughts, and dreams. These can be read over and over again for further discovery into how we felt at certain times in our lives.
Moms and dads can grow emotionally as they jot down the facts of the time of pregnancy that are vital to them. The child, years later, can also experience these written emotions in their own way to understand well how life was for their parents before their birth. Dealing with your feelings and stress is eased with a journal or diary.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: Can keeping a pregnancy journal increase strengthen the bond between the mother and the baby?
Yes, it can in two ways. When the journal is kept, a strong attachment starts immediately as you write down important details of your life before the baby arrives and as it grows. Then, when the child is old enough to understand the details of the record, you can both share in the experiences again with you elaborating on what has been written for them. It makes for a durable bond between the two of you.
q: What are some ideas to put in a pregnancy journal that are creative and interesting?
You can jot down the details and feeling you had in telling everyone the news from family members, friends, and your partner. How your body felt as changes occurred is another good topic to cover in such a journal. Doctor visits, food cravings, and odd symptoms you had during the nine months are terrific too. Choosing a name can be documented, especially who chooses the name and what other choices there were.
q: Is it important to record your feelings during pregnancy in a journal or just events that happened?
Of course, you should jot down your feelings at this time. Questions that can be answered in this account include the place you were when the pregnancy was discovered and what made you realize you were pregnant. The first person that was informed and if the pregnancy was kept a secret from anyone. Describe moments that you liked and disliked during the pregnancy.
q: Is it best to get a book with prompts in it or one that has just blank pages?
This depends on the content that you intend to put in it. if you feel like you want to cover all the bases that usually go in such a journal, then get one with the prompts. If you, however, want to go out on your own intuition and make the book unique in content, then choose one with the blank pages.
q: Do these books have spaces for photos and ultrasounds?
Yes, most of them do have special places inside for these mementos. If there is not enough room for these things, you can always tape or clip them inside the covers or first and last pages.
q: What are parents complaining about after they receive these journals?
Since these books are all so different and people have preconceived notions of what they want to record in a pregnancy journal, some of these volumes can be disappointing. There may not be enough pages or too little space for all you want to write. By far, the most frequent negative remark is the exact wording in the prompts and suggestions that might not be what you would desire.
Sources
- , Sweet Memories: The Benefits of a Pregnancy Journal, Online Article
- , Here’s how to keep a pregnancy journal – According to Instagram star mum Clemmie Hooper, Online Article
