Guide to Positive Pregnancy Affirmations

Affirmations are short, positive statements designed to challenge negative and unhelpful thoughts. While they might seem simple, when used effectively, affirmations can be a practical and valuable part of your pregnancy. Have you ever used affirmations or have you considered using them?

In this post, I want to discuss positive affirmations for pregnancy by addressing the following questions:

• Why use them?
• Which types of affirmations are most effective?
• How can I incorporate positive affirmations into my pregnancy?

Why Use Them?

Positive affirmations can be used for many reasons. Here are a few:

To Counteract Negative Thoughts, Self-Doubt, and Limiting Beliefs

Affirmations are short, positive statements that are designed to counteract negative thoughts, self-doubt, and limiting beliefs. Basically, you’re consciously choosing positive statements as a replacement for what is not serving you in helpful and productive ways.

Here’s an example of negative thinking:

Pregnancy is so hard. I should be doing more. Resting feels like I'm not being productive, and I should push through the fatigue. I feel so lazy lately.

Try this instead:

✨ Rest is productive. In stillness, I recharge and replenish for the journey ahead.

To Inspire Action

Using positive affirmations to inspire action can make this strategy more effective. 

✨ I care for my baby by caring for me.

This affirmation can be especially helpful to those who feel guilty when prioritizing their own needs. So, don’t just say this to yourself. Believe it and apply it to your life. Caring for yourself directly and positively impacts your baby. This is true, now, in pregnancy, and it will continue to be true postpartum. (And, by the way, you deserve to prioritize your needs and care for yourself irrespective of how it is benefits others.)

To Support Body Positivity and Self-Love

We’ve all received so many messages from so many different sources throughout life about what our bodies “should” look like. It can be challenging when you’re experiencing a disconnect here. In pregnancy, your body goes through remarkable and significant changes. It is adapting and adjusting, as necessary. But, many different thoughts about your own body can surface during this time. It can be really helpful to remind yourself of the positive ways your body is working to manage the demands placed upon it.

Try this affirmation:

✨ My body is doing incredible work every day.

To Provide You With Bits of Wisdom

Pregnancy, birth, and beyond is a transformative time. You’re undergoing significant changes in a relatively short period of time. You’re also facing challenges. Adapting to change and working through challenges are a few reasons why so many people describe childbearing as a transformative event. Affirmations can provide you with bits of wisdom to help you adapt and problem-solve. 

Here’s an example:

✨ My fears are messengers. I will listen, learn, and use their wisdom to guide me.

Which Types of Affirmations are Most Effective?

This will be unique to each individual. But let’s talk about some characteristics of effective affirmations:

They Need to Resonate Authentically With You

Affirmations that don’t resonate authentically with you will not be effective. They need to be relevant to what you’re experiencing and how you’re feeling. You need to feel a connection with the statement. You need to feel something when you say it. If a specific affirmation doesn’t speak to you, find one that does.

They Need to Be Realistic

Affirmations need to be realistic in order to be effective. There is no value in repeating statements about things you can’t control. This is fairly common with pregnancy and birth affirmations. Here’s an example of one that may feel unrealistic:

I will have a pain-free and effortless labor without any discomfort or challenges.

There is no way to guarantee that labor will unfold in this way for you. Try this instead:

✨ I can both plan for birth in advance and adapt, as necessary, in the moment.

To me, this affirmation implies that I can plan for the birth that I’m hoping to have. I can prepare in ways that support my plans. But, I also know that it’s important to adapt if my birth unfolds in ways I wasn’t expecting. 

They Need to Avoid Toxic Positivity

Toxic positivity, when applied to affirmations, involves the rigid insistence on maintaining a positive mindset at all times, regardless of the complexity or challenges of your experiences. While positive affirmations can be empowering, the concept of toxic positivity arises when these affirmations are used to dismiss or invalidate genuine feelings of pain, sadness, or struggle. Affirmations should acknowledge the multifaceted nature of human emotions and experiences, allowing individuals the space to express and process their authentic feelings. When affirmations become a means of suppressing or denying difficult emotions, they can contribute to a superficial approach to self-help, potentially hindering genuine personal growth. It's essential for affirmations to embrace a balanced and compassionate perspective that acknowledges both the positive and challenging aspects of life, promoting a more holistic and realistic approach to well-being.

Try this example:

✨ All of my feelings about this pregnancy are valid.

How Can I Incorporate Positive Affirmations Into My Pregnancy?

Here are five ideas:

Develop a Morning Ritual

Begin each day with a positive affirmation ritual. Create a calming space, perhaps near a window or in a cozy corner. Take a few deep breaths, then recite your chosen affirmations for the day. Consider using a mirror and making eye contact with yourself as you say the affirmations.

Create an Affirmation Journal

Keep an affirmation journal dedicated to your pregnancy journey. Write down affirmations that resonate with you, your experiences, and your aspirations. Reflect on your entries regularly, and consider writing about any positive changes or moments of self-discovery.

Create a Visual Affirmation Board

Create a visual affirmation board or collage by combining positive affirmations with images, colors, and symbols that represent your journey. Place it in a prominent spot in your home, such as on your bedroom wall or near your workspace, as a constant reminder of your affirmations.

Share Them With Your Partner

Share your favorite affirmations with your partner. Affirmations can be wonderful topics of discussion or conversation starters that provide your partner with insight into how to better support you through this journey. This is a great way to increase connection as you navigate this exciting and challenging time together.

Use Them in Meditation

Use affirmations to begin meditations sessions. Consider choosing one to repeat several times as you begin a session before settling in to focus on your breath. You can also “breathe in” the positive affirmation and “breathe out” any corresponding negative thoughts.

Want to use positive affirmations in your pregnancy? I have free printable pregnancy affirmation cards available! Find them (and more) in my Free Resource Library.

Access the Free Affirmation Cards!