When you’re expecting a little one, there are a million and one things on your to-do list, like writing a birth plan, decorating the nursery, and shopping for all the adorably tiny outfits. Hopefully, planning your maternity and newborn sessions is high on the list, too! As a maternity and newborn photographer based in Anchorage, Alaska, one of the top questions by expecting mamas is “When should my maternity session take place?”

Most of my clients find that between 28 to 34 weeks is the perfect window for their maternity photos. During this time, your baby bump is nice and round, and you’ll have more energy to enjoy the session. It’s the stage when you’re glowing, and everything looks just right for photos.

That said, every pregnancy is different, so listen to your body. Some women might feel more energized later in their pregnancy, while others may prefer to schedule their session a little earlier. If you feel your bump is already showing and you’re comfortable, it’s perfectly fine to plan your session around 24 weeks, especially if you’re expecting multiples, which often have an earlier arrival date. Or, if you want a more pronounced bump, then waiting until the 30-34 weeks mark is absolutely okay.

Ultimately, the key is to choose a time when you feel confident and comfortable in your body.

One thing I will remind mamas is to be mindful of the calendar. Life gets busy, especially when expecting, and forgetting or putting off booking your maternity session until your last month can be risky. Babies have their own timeline, and you never know when they might decide to arrive! Scheduling your shoot earlier (around 28-34 weeks) allows for a more relaxed session, as you won’t be stressing about the baby coming early or feeling rushed to get it done and can instead enjoy every bit of the wonderful and beautiful experience your maternity session can be.

One last tip:
Maternity photographers often book months in advance, especially during peak seasons. Be sure to reach out at least 2-3 months before your preferred session date. This gives you the best chance of securing your preferred time and allows your photographer to plan accordingly. But if time did get away from you, don’t be afraid to ask if there are any last-minute openings- we’ll always do our very best to accommodate every mama and baby.