When to Take Maternity Photos

When searching for a Salem maternity photographer, you also wonder: when to take maternity photos?

There’s a harmonious balance to strike between showcasing your baby bump and ensuring your comfort as the due date approaches. Whether you’re a first-time mom, have previous parenting experience, or are carrying multiples, the timing can vary. From strategic scheduling for different circumstances to the possibility of a last-minute photo session, I’m sharing my best advice to help you figure out when to take maternity photos. And the best part? Your maternity photography experience comes as a complimentary gift when you choose me as your newborn photographer.

First-Time Moms

Maternity photos are best taken between 34 and 36 weeks pregnant. We schedule it for this time because while we want your bump to be nice and round, we don’t want you to be far enough along that you are uncomfortable or risk going into labor before we do the maternity session. I usually start by looking at booking it at 34 or 35 weeks. If that time frame is not working for whatever reason, we can look at week 36. I don’t like to go past 36 weeks because then we are getting into a risky space where you might have the baby before we have a chance to take the photos!

Experienced Moms (Not Your First Pregnancy)

There are other factors to consider. If this is not your first pregnancy, you can probably schedule it a bit earlier because you will show earlier. So when starting to thinking about when to take maternity photos, look at booking it for 33 or 34 weeks. Also, if you went into labor a few weeks early with a previous pregnancy, you’ll want to schedule on the earlier side too. 

Moms of Multiples

When you carry twins, the best time to schedule maternity photos is around 24-28 weeks pregnant. If you have triplets, you should schedule even a bit earlier than that! Carrying multiple babies can lead to a faster rate of growth and potential earlier delivery, making an earlier session preferable.

Late Pregnancy

If you contact me late in your pregnancy, you feel comfortable and up for it, and I have availability in my schedule; it’s not too late! You can still have maternity photos taken at 39 or 40 weeks. You just need to go into it with low expectations. Knowing that you may be headed into labor before we have a chance to take your photos. That said, I’ve done many successful maternity sessions where we got them in just in time!

It’s important to remember that these are general guidelines, and your pregnancy is unique. Factors like your health, comfort, and my availability should also be taken into account when deciding when to take maternity photos.

Complimentary Maternity Photos

When you hire me to be your newborn photographer, you also get me as your maternity photographer…for free! Included with your booked newborn session are a studio maternity session, access to a curated wardrobe for mama, and ten digital files from your maternity session. 

I’d love to hear from you! If you are ready to book the most special before and after photos of your life, contact me here, and we’ll start finding the best time to take your maternity photos. 

How to Choose the Right Maternity Photographer for You