Shopping for gifts for pregnant women can be a bit challenging. On the one hand, numerous gifts for an upcoming baby are easy to find. These may make good gifts for pregnant women, especially if they need help acquiring all the things that will be needed for a new baby. However, the focus with these gifts for pregnant women is definitely on the baby, not the woman. Thus sometimes shopping should focus on the mom to be, instead of on the baby.

Pregnancy tends to become increasingly uncomfortable as it progresses. Tired muscles and aching backs are just some of the symptoms some pregnant women may experience as they carry a growing baby. Gifts for pregnant women that offer a little relief to aches and pains are often very desirable. Gift certificates for massages with experts on pregnancy massage are usually appreciated.

It is important to inquire about the experience of massage on the pregnant body. Some spas may be terrific, but treatments in heat, like mud treatments or warm cedar treatments may not be healthy for a pregnant woman. Many day spas have specific programs, which are both safe and comfortable for the pregnant woman, so look for these.

Other gifts for pregnant women that are often met with appreciation are any types of pampering kits or baskets. Also look for pretty stylish clothes for either during the pregnancy months or after pregnancy. While many pregnancy styled clothes still look a little outdated, some newer brands are fashion conscious, allowing the woman to have access to both comfort and design.

Though there is much focus on the baby, some books are great gifts for pregnant women because they address the woman’s experience of pregnancy. What to Expect When You’re Expecting is an excellent choice. The modern woman may also appreciate the more hip Girlfriend’s Guide to Pregnancy, written by Vicki Lovine. These two books often help women negotiate the challenges of dealing with a pregnant body, and cover issues that women may be embarrassed to address with their doctors.

A beautiful journal can make one of the great gifts for pregnant women who enjoy writing. One can purchase a “pregnancy diary,” but one can also simply purchase a nice journal where a woman can record her thoughts, whether pregnancy related or not.

Some gifts for pregnant women serve a dual purpose. For example, a slide rocker and ottoman can be quite comfortable before baby, and can be useful for rocking baby or feeding baby after his or her birth. As well, one size fits all robes or slippers may be useful for a pregnant woman both before and after she gives birth.

Some people plan a post-pregnancy gift or offer baby sitting services shortly after baby is born so that a couple can have a post-pregnancy date. One shouldn’t feel insulted if such an offer is not accepted. First-time moms especially may feel so attached to a newborn they simply are not ready to leave the baby for any length of time.

Don’t wait for a shower to think of gifts for pregnant women. Your offering babysitting services in the present or cooking the occasional meal might tremendously touch a woman pregnant with her second or third child. These gifts can help a pregnant woman take some time off to rest and relax; most pregnant women find this to be one of the finest gifts one can receive.