Christmas Gift Ideas for a Pregnant Woman

As Christmas time rolls around there is a person with a forty inch waist who can't wait to down those Christmas cookies and milk. No, it's not Santa Clause. It's that pregnant woman counting down the days until her bundle of joy is due. It can be hard to shop for a woman whose hormones are changing more that a hyper five-year-old's wish list, but there are some gifts that she'll appreciate more than you'll ever know.

1. A PEDICURE. Most pregnant women can't see their feet, let alone paint their toenails. Many salons will not give an expectant mom a pedicure until she reaches thirty-six weeks. This is due to a particular spot near the ankle that, when stimulated, could cause contractions. If she has not reached the thirty-six weeks mark, a gift certificate for this little treat could be purchased and placed in her stocking to be used when it is safe. Not only could this gift bring on a much wanted labor, but her toes will be beautiful for the hospital stay.

2. A MASSAGE. There are several salons and massage parlors that offer specialized prenatal massages to sooth aching backs. Be sure to specify that the massage will be for a pregnant woman. There are many essential oils used in regular massages that could be harmful to the growing baby. Many expectant moms consider massage a must during the nine months.

3. A NURSING BRA. Even if she isn't planning on breast feeding, a soft cup nursing bra can provide comfort during the last few months of pregnancy and the first few months post partum. During these times, the breasts have a tendancy to swell and become tender. The soft cup nursing bra can offer extra support (especially at night) and will expand with the chest area if any swelling occurs. A good maternity store will usually have a large selection and many are reasonably priced.

4. A NICE ROBE. After the birth, friends and family usually flock to the hospital to see the new addition and the exhausted mother. Hospital gowns arn't exactly flattering (think of the large, gaping hole in the back), and many mothers arn't back to prepregnancy size immediately after birth. A comfortable, yet beautiful robe to receive guests in would be much appreciated.

5. LOTIONS. Every woman fears the dreaded streach marks, but not every woman gets them. Heredity plays a large roll in the streach mark factor. If you know that she is concerned, there are several lotions especially designed for pregnant women on the market today. If you think she might be offended by giving her streach mark lotion, consider a body butter or cream to help relieve the dry, itchy skin associated with pregnancy and winter time. A promise to use that lotion for a massage would be an added bonus gift.

6. A GOOD MOVIE OR BOOK. After baby arrives, there is not much time for reading or watching movies. If there is a book or movie that she has been wanting to add to her colection, now is the time.

7. A ROMANTIC DINNER. It could be a while before mom and dad feel comfortable enough to leave baby at home and indulge in a nice, romantic dinner. Friends and family could give a gift certificate to her favorite resturant to use with her significant other. Husbands could suprise her with a wonderful night out. During this date, try not to discuss the baby. Use the oppertunity to concentrate on yourselves.

8 . TICKETS FOR SOMETHING AFTER THE BABY ARRIVES. Many mothers start to feel a little claustrophobic even before the baby is born. Some are convinced that they will never get out of the house again. Tickes to many different types of events (theatre, concerts, dinner cruises, etc....) can be purchased several months in advance. Surprise her with tickets to something that you know she'll enjoy and have a baby sitter already lined up. This will let her know that her social life will not die with the birth of her child.

9. MAID SERVICE. It does not matter if you can pay for one day or two months, a maid service could be a life saver. When the nesting phase of pregnancy hits, the house can never be clean enough and many pregnant women are not physically able to clean it as well as they would like. Many a husband have received phone calls from tearful wives begging them to come home and help them clean. A little extra help could be a great gift for both husband and wife.

10. SOMETHING THAT SPARKLES. Enough said.

Hopefully these hints will be helpful, but when everything is said and done, all any woman wants is to feel appreciated and loved. That is the greatest gift of all.