December 5, 2022 Posted in Moving Tips
Kate Holland

A true grunge and rock music fan born in Seattle, Kate has moved across the country and started writing about her experience

Moving While Pregnant – Tips and Tricks Every Future Parent Should Know

Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also be stressful. If you’re planning on moving while pregnant, here are a few tips and tricks to make the process a little easier. Planning ahead and being organized will help keep you and your baby safe and comfortable during the move.

A pregnant woman in a blue cardigan overlay

Pregnancy is an amazing time in a woman’s life, but it can also be quite challenging. If you’re pregnant and moving cross country, here are some relocation tips to help make the process as smooth as possible and help you move efficiently. Note that every pregnancy is different, so always consult with your physician before making any major decisions. With that said, here are some general tips that include hiring a cross-country moving company and taking care of yourself properly.

Talk to the Doctor Before Anything Else

Make sure it’s safe for you to take part by consulting with your doctor before you even consider lifting a box. You must skip this one if you have any issues, such as a higher chance of preterm labor. As stated by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, pregnant women should avoid lifting anything heavier than 18 pounds if they are under 20 weeks and 13 pounds if they are above 20 weeks pregnant.

The latter is below ten to twelve novels or a KitchenAid mixer! Don’t forget to find a new healthcare professional before relocating to a big city or anywhere else. It is advised that you relocate before the third trimester and bring your medical history and health insurance to another state with you.

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Make an appointment with your doctor and talk about the upcoming relocation

If You’re Moving While Pregnant, Start Preparing on Time

The baby’s health and yours are of utmost importance. Reduce your stress as much as you can to protect yourself. One way to reduce and deal with stress during the relocation process is to avoid trying to finish all the packing at the last minute. When we spend even a short time living in a house, we collect an absurd amount of things. It’s possible that you will underestimate how long packing will take, so start at least one month before the relocation.

Pack everything you can into an area that isn’t used very often to start. Every few days, try to finish one room. When relocation day preparations are in full force and the date approaches, but you still have a full house to pack up, you won’t have to worry. Giving yourself extra time to pack can give you more peace and comfort, and it’s the best relocation day tip out there.

Ask For Help, and Let Others Assist You

When you’re expecting, it’s important to ask for help when packing and preparing for a move. This will help ensure that you and your baby are safe and comfortable during the move. If you’re hiring professional movers, be sure to let them know that you’re pregnant, so they can take extra care of your belongings. If you’re doing most of the things on your own, be sure to take breaks often and listen to your body to avoid overexertion.

Relocating to another state while you’re expecting can be a challenging experience, especially if you’re trying to do it all on your own. If you’re relocating with your family, ask everyone to participate. Your friends can also be of great help if you’re feeling overwhelmed. They’ll be more than happy to lend a hand. Relocations, in general, can be stressful, but by being prepared and taking things slowly, you can make it a smooth and successful experience.

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Avoid All the Heavy Lifting and Bending

Increased quantities of the hormone relaxin are produced during pregnancy, which helps labor by loosening ligaments. You are more prone to injure yourself as a result of this, along with stance problems and excess weight. Back pain, pubic symphysis dysfunction (SPD), carpal tunnel syndrome, and sacroiliac joint issues are also typical pregnancy injuries.

Most people lift with their arms extended, bending their spines somewhat. Use the hip hinge method instead, which involves straddling the object, bending your knees, bending from the hip with a straight back, holding the thing close to you, and lifting with your legs. Additionally, it is advised to use supportive footwear with adequate arch support, support belts, and a carpal tunnel wrist splint to promote stability.

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While getting some exercise is important, you should avoid any heavy lifting

Prepare a Relocation Day Kit

It’s simple to lose sight of the zillion tasks that need to be done because of the dreaded pregnant brain. To highlight important days ahead of time, use some wise relocation hacks, make some to-do lists, and utilize a calendar. In this method, you won’t overlook scheduling the movers or transferring the cable.

But most importantly, there will be a few necessities you simply cannot go without. Create a list of these things well in advance of the move, so you have time to prepare a last-minute “relocation essentials kit” to put them in.

  • Bring a chair with you so you can relax.
  • Pack electrolytes and snacks to maintain a healthy blood sugar and hydration level.
  • Also include an overnight bag with clothes, toiletries, and a phone charger.
  • For the several times when you’ll need to urinate throughout the day, don’t forget toilet paper!

To list the contents of each box and make labels, use a pen and paper or a program like Sortly. You will not have to sift through them all to find anything if you do it that way. Now, let’s see what should be packed and sorted in these boxes with necessities.

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Don't forget to pack toiletries, nutrients, and other essentials and keep them with you

Prepare Healthy Snacks

You should put your favorite comfy clothes, prenatal vitamins, and go-to pregnancy snack in a separate box. Make sure such products are accessible as well if there are any necessities for a restful night’s sleep on your first night in your new house. However, when it comes to snacks for the road, you should make sure you pack healthy and nutritious stuff.

Nuts, Seeds, and Whole Grain Crackers

A handful of nuts or seeds can provide a good source of protein and healthy fats to help keep energy levels up. Just be sure to choose varieties that are unsalted and without added sugar. Crackers made from whole grains can provide some fiber and complex carbohydrates to help keep energy levels up.

Fresh Fruit, Dried Fruit, and Vegetables

Fresh fruit is always a good option for a healthy snack, and remember to wash it thoroughly before eating. Dried fruit is another convenient snack option and can provide some essential nutrients. Additionally, raw or cooked vegetables make a great healthy snack. They are packed with essential nutrients and can help you reach your daily recommended intake of fruits and vegetables.

Popcorn, Whole Grain Bread, and Rice Cakes

Plain popcorn is a healthy snack that is low in calories and fat. Just be sure to avoid varieties that are coated in butter or salt. If you can not go through the day without some bread, remember that whole-grain bread is a good source of complex carbohydrates and fiber. Also, rice cakes are a healthy snack that is low in calories and fat.

Hire Movers to Do the Heavy Lifting

The moment is not right to bend, lift, or struggle with relocating furniture. It is not advised for women who are expecting to move heavy objects at all. Instead, spend your time assisting others in different ways. Before the big day, make a plan regarding who will move what item so that everyone is aware of their responsibilities. Do comprehensive research if you need help locating reliable long-distance movers.

Why Hiring Movers Is the Best Option

There are a lot of things to think about when you’re expecting and relocating to the Midwest or any other part of the country. One thing you shouldn’t have to worry about is whether or not your belongings will arrive safely. Researching cross-country moving companies and investing in trustworthy cross-country moving services is the best way to ensure a stress-free move. Here’s why:

  • They have the experience and know-how to get the job done quickly and efficiently.
  • They have the proper equipment to move heavy furniture and appliances without damaging them or your home.
  • They will take care of all the packing and unpacking for you, so you don’t have to lift a finger. Packing services are the answer to most of your problems.
  • They can provide insurance in case anything gets damaged during the move.
  • They will take all the stress out of the relocation, so you can focus on your pregnancy and keeping yourself healthy.

Hiring professional cross-country movers is the best way to ensure a smooth, stress-free move. So don’t hesitate to call a reputable long-distance moving company and invest in long-distance moving services to get the job done right.

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Hire professionals and avoid the hard work

Hire Cleaners to Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Dust and dirt are the last things you would like to leave behind for the future owners of your home. Think about hiring a cleaning service to finish the move-out cleaning after everything has been put onto the relocation truck because you are expecting and should avoid using harsh chemicals. This is not only a safer choice for you during your pregnancy, but it also significantly lessens the physical stress of the first day of the move and removes one item from your move-out list.

The video below shows how different things look after being professionally cleaned.

Listen to What Your Body is Signaling

Your body may find it exhausting to move. Always be aware of how you and your unborn baby feel and whether you’re overwhelmed by anxiety about relocating. Don’t be afraid of taking an hour or so off if you start to feel worn out and lethargic. To avoid having to look for food, try to keep some snacks and beverages close at hand in your transparent plastic container. It’s crucial to nourish and hydrate yourself. Be careful and avoid putting your body under excessive stress.

If you’re relocating during your first trimester, keep things as lowkey as possible. You may not feel up to doing a lot of heavy lifting or packing, so ask friends and family for help. If you’re moving while pregnant in the second trimester, and you’re feeling good, you can probably do more of the work yourself, but be sure to take frequent breaks. And if you’re relocating while you’re in the third trimester, it’s best to leave the packing and heavy lifting to others – after all, you need your energy for childbirth!

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Ensure you give yourself plenty of time to rest

Take Care When Relocating Out of State While Pregnant

There are a few other things to keep in mind when you’re expecting, and you’re planning to relocate to another city. Make sure to stock up on supplies like water, snacks, and painkillers, wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and consider how much walking you’ll be doing. If at any point you start feeling sick or uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to stop what you’re doing and rest. Also, it’s perhaps a good idea to invest in a cross-country moving service, such as an auto shipping service, and travel by plane to avoid long rides. Being pregnant and relocating can be tough – but with these tips in mind, you’ll make it through just fine!

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