Setting Achievable New Year Resolutions for Pregnant Mamas

Introduction

Ah, New Year’s resolutions—the season of “New Year, New Me!” declarations, shiny planners, and ambitious to-do lists. But if you’re pregnant, your goals might look a little different this year. After all, how do you conquer the world when simply rolling out of bed feels like a full-body workout?

The truth is, setting resolutions during pregnancy isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what matters. It’s about creating small, meaningful habits that make you feel good without adding stress to your already busy body (and mind).

So, let’s talk about setting goals that work with your pregnancy, not against it. And yes, we’ve got some helpful tools and tricks to make this journey smoother.

The Reality of Pregnancy and Resolutions

Let’s be honest: pregnancy is not exactly the ideal time for extreme goals like “run a marathon” or “wake up at 5 AM every day”. Between nausea, fatigue, and the general unpredictability of growing a tiny human, your energy might be in short supply.

But here’s the good news: you don’t need massive goals to make meaningful changes. Tiny, consistent habits often lead to the biggest results. Whether it’s drinking more water, taking daily walks, or simply remembering to breathe deeply when things feel overwhelming—small wins count.

The Habit Loop Made Simple

Here’s a quick science-backed secret to making habits stick: the Habit Loop. It’s like a recipe for building better habits, and it goes like this:

1. Cue: Something that triggers the habit.

2. Routine: The action you want to become a habit.

3. Reward: Something that makes your brain go, “Ooh, I liked that. Let’s do it again!”

Example:

Cue: After every bathroom trip (and let’s face it, there are many during pregnancy).

Routine: Drink a glass of water.

Reward: Feel hydrated and a tiny bit proud of yourself, knowing that you nurture both you and your growing baby.

It’s simple, it’s effective, and you can use this loop for almost any goal.

Top Resolutions for Pregnant Women (With Practical Examples)

If you’re not sure where to start, here are some simple yet powerful resolution ideas:

Prioritize Rest: Listen to your body and actually rest when you need to. A pregnancy pillow like this one can make naps and nighttime sleep much cozier.

Hydrate Like a Pro: Keep a cute and functional water bottle like this insulated one nearby and sip regularly.

Move Gently: Daily stretches, short walks, or prenatal yoga.

Journal Your Thoughts: Write down your feelings, dreams, and gratitude moments.

Prep for Baby in Small Steps: Organize a drawer, read a parenting book like the Bestseller "The Whole-Brain Child" By Daniel J. Siegel M.D. & Tia Payne Bryson, or pack one thing for your hospital bag.

Remember: small, consistent steps > grand, overwhelming plans.

Tools to Help You Stay on Track

Sometimes, the right tools make all the difference. Here are some must-haves:

1. A Journal

A journal can be your best friend when navigating the ups and downs of pregnancy. The 5-Minute Journal is an excellent choice. It’s simple, effective, and encourages you to reflect on the positives, helping you stay grounded even on tough days. By dedicating just five minutes a day, you can cultivate gratitude and track your journey with minimal effort, making it easier to stay on top of your goals and wellness during pregnancy.

2. Atomic Habits by James Clear

This bestselling book breaks down the science of building good habits (and breaking bad ones) into simple, actionable steps.

Building lasting habits during pregnancy may seem challenging, but Atomic Habits by James Clear offers a clear and practical guide on how to make small changes that lead to big results. Whether it’s staying hydrated, managing fatigue, or incorporating self-care into your routine, this book helps you understand how habits are formed and how to build a system for continuous improvement. A must-read for those serious about making lasting changes!

3. Pregnancy Planner (Affiliate Link: Insert Here)

A planner specifically designed for pregnant women can help you track habits, jot down thoughts, and stay organized without feeling overwhelmed.

This pregnancy journal is a beautifully designed memory book for expecting mothers, offering prompts to help you capture all the milestones of your pregnancy. With its detailed sections for appointments, milestones, and memories, this planner helps you track everything from your baby bump progress to your emotions, making it easier to stay on top of everything while you enjoy your pregnancy.

Quick Action Plan for Pregnant Mamas

Ready to set a resolution? Here’s your 3-step cheat sheet:

1. Pick One Small Goal: Think tiny—like drinking an extra glass of water daily.

2. Attach It to a Cue: Pair your goal with something you already do daily (e.g., after brushing your teeth).

3. Celebrate Wins: Give yourself a mental high-five every time you follow through.

If you want a little extra help, keep an affirmation card deck for pregnancy, like this one, nearby for daily encouragement.

Final Thoughts

Pregnancy isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up for yourself in small, meaningful ways. So set those resolutions, keep them simple, and celebrate every little win.

And hey, if you need more tips, tools, and encouragement, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Pinterest for daily inspiration.

Stay kind to yourself, mama—you’re doing an amazing job.

With love, and a happy New Year!

Melany and Samuel

P.S. Don't forget to grab your FREE Pregnancy Essentials Checklist to start the new year organized and stress-free! Download it here!