Moving can be stressful enough without the added challenge of doing it while pregnant. But with careful planning and consideration, moving when you’re pregnant doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Below are a few tips for making your moving day as smooth as possible.

Consult Your Doctor

Moving can be incredibly taxing for expecting mothers. So if you are pregnant, it is vital to have the all-clear from your doctor to undergo such a stressful period. Consult your doctor before even planning your move to ensure you aren’t at risk for any health risks or complications caused by moving during pregnancy.

Additionally, as you transition to your new home, you must take steps to ensure a seamless transfer of healthcare. Ask your current doctor for a referral to providers near your relocation. If your doctor has no suggestions, research ahead of time and secure an established provider to ensure consistency in your prenatal care.

For expectant mothers with high-risk pregnancies or in their third trimester, you should sit out the move or delay it until after delivery.

Prepare a Moving Checklist

A move can be stressful.  Stress, however, is not advisable during pregnancy, as it can harm you and your unborn child. Making a moving checklist can help you execute your move smoothly and avoid stress.

A checklist can contain all the tasks you need to complete before moving day and the deadlines for achieving them. Doing so allows you to break down larger goals into smaller, more manageable tasks and prioritize them accordingly. Set realistic deadlines so there is no sense of urgency or rush.

Lift and Bend Safely

During pregnancy, the hormone relaxin increases, causing ligaments to loosen in order to facilitate labor. Because of this, lifting too much could cause preterm birth. Moreover, the change in your center of gravity makes you more susceptible to muscle strains, pain, and injury.

So even if you want to help with the move, you should avoid lifting anything heavy during pregnancy. Consider helping out by carrying small, light items and letting someone else handle large boxes, furniture, and other bulky items.

Get as Much Help as Possible

Make sure you get lots of help, not just on moving day.  Gather all the family and friends you and your spouse can reach and ask them for help. They can assist you with sorting through your belongings, packing, or scouting the new location.

Alternatively, you can hire a moving company to assist you. Movers can help with the heavy lifting and handling of the transportation of your belongings. Movers can also provide a comprehensive moving service to help pack and unpack your belongings.

Keep Your Pregnancy Essentials With You

Pregnant women will have a few essential items they can’t go without. An essentials kit is an excellent way to carry pregnancy must-haves with you. Organize a list of all the items well before moving to make packing easier.

A clear plastic storage bin is great for a moving day essentials pack. You can easily see the essentials in the bin and find them whenever you need them. You can keep the bin in your car so you won’t have to spend hours searching for it during or after a long moving day.

The essentials pack can include your favorite pregnancy snacks and drinks, along with your favorite comfy maternity pants. You may also want to have medications, toiletries, a phone charger, and toilet paper in your kit.

We hope that following our guidelines will allow you to have a successful moving experience. The above are simple tips you can use if you need them. However, you’ll still need to adjust and adapt for most of your move based on the circumstances. Keep in mind that your safety and that of your baby should always be your top priority when making any decision.

If you are looking for assistance and professional service, the moving experts at Dixie Moving & Storage, Inc., can help. To book your moving dates or to get a free quote, contact us today.