Relocating while pregnant probably tops the list of things to be avoided, if possible. But sometimes the timing of life events is not always in your hands. Here are 9 tips to ease the some of the pain, in the hope that once your new addition arrives, you’ll be well settled in and ready to welcome him or her to your new family home.
The most important bit of general advice we can offer is: plan as far in advance as possible, and do your research. This may not always be possible, and sometimes there are last-minute unforeseen circumstances, but generally, you should have quite a bit of time to get organized.
- Research
Check out your new town for medical facilities, doctors, clinics, pre- and post-natal support, birthing classes, and the like. Get a referral from your current doctor to a doctor in your new town, if this is possible. Ensure that you have access to all your medical records, and try to get these transferred to your new location well in advance of your move; or find out if they are available online in some way. It is also a good idea to look up the best routes to get to the hospital from your new home.
- Start packing early
Give yourself at least four to six weeks before your move to get all the basic packing done. Leave out just enough to get you through the few weeks left, and pack the rest. Pack small boxes with nonessential items first, like winter clothes if its summer where you’re going – or vice versa – dishes, towels, sheets, cleaning supplies, and so on.
- Be methodical – Divide your essentials
Label each box with a short description of what’s in it and which room it comes from or is going to. It will make life for you – and any moving company employees – so much easier.
As you finish packing, separate and label the boxes that hold important items: dishes, cookware, linens, and other essentials should be packed in these boxes. When you arrive at your new home, you can unpack these first, and then take your time with the rest of your stuff. This will allow you to unpack slowly without feeling pressured.
- Take it easy
Don’t overdo it. You need to work slowly with plenty of rest breaks. Don’t try to pack everything at once; just a little each day. As the move comes closer, you won’t have a lot left to pack.
You can also avoid back pain by placing boxes on a table or countertop so you don’t have to bend over to place items inside. During the packing process, drink lots of water and other liquids. Then get the boxes out of the way. But get someone else – your husband, partner, or another family member – to move them for you.
- Flying while pregnant
If you are moving internationally, you will have to fly to your destination. Generally, women experiencing a healthy, normal pregnancy can fly without any problems. However, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that women should not fly after their 36th week of pregnancy. Take this into consideration when planning your move.
Of course, you should always check with your gynecologist to make sure he or she is unperturbed about you flying.
Also check any specific restrictions with your airline. Don’t be shy to ask for a seat with a bit more room considering you’re “flying for two”. You can also request an emergency row seat that has extra leg space.
- Consider being the “advance party”
Leaving for your new destination a little ahead of everybody else can help you avoid the stress of moving day.
Get into your new home, open it up, and air it out. You can begin sorting out a few items that you might have purchased in your new town, get some food into the refrigerator (if one is installed), or use the time to scout for nearby restaurants and stores, so you can get some snacks, quick meals, and refreshments for your family when they arrive. Maybe take the opportunity of introducing yourself to your new neighbors while you’re at it.
Or you could just enjoy some quite time before the unpacking begins.
- Don’t be a hero
Don’t push yourself too hard, mentally or physically. Try to stay calm and not worry about anything. Keep fit and healthy, but don’t overdo it; and above all, don’t get stressed about things that you feel are not being done how you wish they would be. Everything will work out great.
- Make Things Easier – Find a Good Moving Company
Hiring a mover will take all the pressure off you and leave you with only the task of packing your personal items. Movers will do the packing, all the heavy lifting, and have an enthusiastic team the other side waiting for you.