The best time for maternity photos is between 30-36 weeks, which is between 7-8 months of pregnancy. If you are expecting twins or more, then you can schedule it slightly early, between 26-32 weeks (6-7 months) of pregnancy. 

As you sprout into parenthood, there comes the time where your bump is just large enough to be the highlight of the photo and just small enough so that you can comfortably stand and click a picture.

In this blog, we will discuss:

• When is the right time to get maternity photos
• What to wear during a maternity Photoshoot
• Tips for maternity pictures

Courtesy: Vlada Karpovich

Right Time for a Maternity Photo Session

Some mothers schedule a maternity photo shoot as soon as they find out about their pregnancy, whereas others wait until the anatomy scan or the 12 week mark. That said, planning ahead of time is the best thing you can do so that you feel comfortable.

The ideal time for a maternity photoshoot is between 28-36 weeks. This is the point when your bump is prominent, so it will be clear in your maternity photographs that you are pregnant. Here is why having a photo session at full term could be a bad idea:

• You can go into labor at any point during the last month. Not only does this come with a bit of a risk, but what if the baby comes before the date you have booked for the session?

• The third trimester of pregnancy is incredibly uncomfortable. This is because the pregnancy hormones relax the connective tissue that holds your bones in the pelvic area, putting more strain on your joints and ligaments.

Bonus: Here is a beginner’s guide to scanning old photos and preserving your fondest memories!

Why Wait?

Maternity and newborn sessions should reflect the natural beauty of your pregnancy, including your glowing skin, beautiful baby bump and the joy of being a mother. In some cases, certain complications arise due to a medical issue leading to a miscarriage, which is why many women like to wait until the third trimester. About 80% of pregnancy losses occur during the first trimester (0-13 weeks).

Contrary to later months, you might be able to move properly without much discomfort and also cherish your baby’s movements instead of being riddled with pain. This is the time when you will be able to move about freely without fear of injury.

Things get a little tricky if you are on bedrest. In this case, you should wait till you get cleared by your doctor first. Furthermore, avoid any locations where you have to hitch-hike all over a location or walk through any hazardous areas. You can also consider an indoor session since this will allow you to stay clear of heat.

When booking a session, you also need to factor in the turnaround time of your photographs. Most photographers deliver photos within 7-10 days, but it’s better to ask so that you can schedule accordingly.

When Should I Have an Early Photoshoot? 

Everyone’s body is unique. There is no one-size-fits-all pregnancy and for some mamas-to-be, the baby bump can appear way earlier than others. Your general abdominal strength and level of fitness will also play a role in how your belly appears. It may take more time for your uterus to move up and out of your pelvis if, for instance, this is your first pregnancy. In such a scenario, it is better to shoot a maternity photo session earlier.

Courtesy: Pavel Danilyuk

High-risk Pregnancies

Some pregnancies come with some complications. In case of any medical issues or emergencies, you will have to move the timeline of your photo session further up if you are pregnant with a high-risk baby. This could also put restrictions on things like where the maternity photos are taken. Consult your doctor before taking any action as you may have to reschedule your plans in light of their advice.

Pregnant with Multiples

When expecting more than one baby, it’s only natural that your due date estimates change. This implies that your pregnancy bump will be visible sooner than usual and you’ll be less comfortable earlier as well. Less than 50% of all twin pregnancies last beyond 37 weeks. If you are carrying more than one baby, chances are you’ll deliver early.

Twins are born around 36 weeks, which is about four weeks earlier than the normal mark, whereas triplets arrive about 33 weeks and quads take 31 weeks.

What to Wear for Maternity Photos?

The color of your clothes and your style will greatly impact how you feel during the photoshoot and how your photos come out. If you are going in a studio maternity session, bring at least 2-3 outfits so that you can capture different looks.

These outfits could range from casual to formal ones for more versatility. Some good outfit ideas are:

• Body-con dresses that highlight the shape of your bump
• Empire line dresses
• Lingerie or lace dresses
• Lingerie with an open-buttoned shirt
• Bandeau tops or cropped tops with normal jeans (unbuttoned)
• A bandeau top with a flowing maxi skirt

As for the color palette, go with simple colors that create maximum impact and also complement your skin tone. Some good options include white, all-black or cream colored outfits. Avoid patterns or anything with complex embroidery as this could take the focus away from what you want to highlight.

Courtesy: Georgia Maciel

Tips for Maternity Photoshoots

• You can shop for maternity clothes on websites like ASOS, Isabella Oliver, Tiffany Rose, etc.
• Companies like Isabella Oliver, Bundle ‘n Joy and Belles and Babes even let you rent outfits.
• If you are going with your partner, make sure they are wearing something equally casual as you.
• You can include some props to bring more depth and layers into your photograph. Have a chat with your maternity photographer and be open about any ideas that you have in mind.
• Some good poses for a maternity photoshoot include seated poses, standing poses, pictures with you interacting with your gown, etc. Here are some more posing tips for photos.
• If you want your belly to appear flatter, avoid poses that make you face straight towards the camera and shoot from a side. Another option is to use a 85mm lens.