Moving can be difficult at any time. However, it can be especially stressful if you are pregnant. Below are a few tips to make moving easier if you are pregnant. 

Expect to Experience Pregnancy Brain 

Pregnancy brain is a pregnancy symptom many women experience and involves a feeling of forgetfulness or a lack of mental sharpness. While experts debate whether it exists, many women claim to experience it, and it could be due to changing hormones, stress, and the lack of sleep that are all common during pregnancy. Pregnancy brain can make activities such as organizing, packing, and moving much more difficult. You may find that you cannot remember whether you already packed something or you frequently misplace your packing lists. 

To help reduce the effect of pregnancy brain on your move, make sure you start early, get plenty of rest throughout the process, and write details down. Having a moving binder and printing off moving checklists from your movers' website will help keep you organized. 

Pack a More Involved Overnight Bag 

It is common practice to pack a suitcase or clear plastic bin with items you will need for the first few days in your new home. When you are pregnant, you should be more liberal with the things you include in your overnight kit. For example, you may want to include more pillows, antacid, belly cream, and even your favorite canned food. You want to make sure that you are as comfortable as possible during the unpacking process. 

Hire as Much Help as Possible 

Moving can be expensive, and many people try to save money by doing as much as possible on their own. However, if you are pregnant, the process will likely go more smoothly if you hire as much help as possible to complete the move. Besides hiring movers, you should get quotes on white-glove services, which can involve packing and unpacking for you. Additionally, consider hiring a cleaning company to clean your new home before the movers arrive and to clean your old home after it has been cleared out. This will greatly reduce your stress and give you time to rest during the move. You may be tempted to enlist the help of family and friends. However, keep in mind that you will still have to manage them, which can be quite stressful. 

Work Out Your Transition With Your Doctor

If you will be moving a long distance, it is important to figure out which doctor will continue your prenatal care in your new area. Many doctors and hospitals will refuse to take on pregnant patients after their sixth month of pregnancy. You may need a recommendation from your current doctor, and you should make sure you have detailed copies of all of your current medical records. You should arrange all of this with your current doctor before you move. 

Aim for the Second Trimester If Possible 

During pregnancy, the first trimester usually has the most intense symptoms of fatigue and morning sickness, while the third trimester may include swelling, difficulty maneuvering, and a lack of balance. However, during the second trimester many women feel energetic and healthy without many aches and pains. This makes the second trimester the best time to move. If it is possible, you should arrange your moving date to be in the middle of your second trimester, giving you plenty of time to prepare for your move after your first trimester and plenty of time to unpack in your new home before you start your third trimester. 

If you have any concerns about lifting items while pregnant or about stress brought on from your move, you should consult with your doctor for a list of activities you should avoid.