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Setting Intentions for Pregnancy, Birth, and Motherhood

Krystal Long

Updated: Jan 27


A woman in a white lace dress stands in a sunlit forest, gently holding her pregnant belly, surrounded by tall trees and soft shadows.
Take a moment, where ever you are, close down your eyes, take three, slow, deep breaths and set an intention for yourself!

Pregnancy, birth, and the transition to motherhood are some of the most transformative moments in a woman’s life. Amid all the excitement, changes, and uncertainties, it can be easy to feel unmoored. That’s where setting intentions for pregnancy, birth and motherhood comes in. Intentions are like guideposts—they provide focus, clarity, and grounding as you navigate this incredible journey.


Why Setting Intentions is Important

Setting intentions is about more than just making plans; it’s about tuning into what matters most to you and aligning your actions with those values. Intentions help you:

  • Stay connected to your deeper goals and priorities.

  • Cultivate a sense of control, even when things feel unpredictable.

  • Create a positive mindset for approaching challenges.

  • Strengthen your connection to your baby, your body, and your journey into motherhood.


When you set intentions, you’re giving yourself permission to pause, reflect, and consciously choose how you want to show up for yourself and your growing family.


Examples of Intentions

Intentions can be as unique as your journey. Here are a few one-line examples to inspire you:

  • Physical Well-Being: “I will nourish my body with healthy foods and gentle movement to support my baby and myself.”

  • Birth Experience: “I will trust my body’s wisdom during labor and stay open to how my birth unfolds.”

  • Emotional Well-Being: “I will give myself grace as I navigate the ups and downs of pregnancy and motherhood.”

  • Mindful Connection with Baby: “I will spend a few quiet moments each day bonding with my baby.”

  • Parenting Approach: “I will parent with love, patience, and an open heart, while seeking support when I need it.”


How to Set and Ground Yourself with Intentions

  1. Reflect on Your Values and Goals

    • Take some time to think about what matters most to you during this season of life. What kind of pregnancy, birth, and motherhood experience do you envision? What are your fears, hopes, and priorities?

  2. Use Visualization

    • Close your eyes and picture how you want to feel. Imagine yourself during pregnancy, in labor, and as a new mom. What does a calm, aligned, and intentional version of you look like? This can give you clues about the intentions that resonate most deeply.

  3. Write Them Down

    • Writing your intentions makes them tangible and gives you a point of reference. Place them somewhere visible—on your bathroom mirror, in your journal, or on your phone—so you can revisit them regularly.

  4. Be Specific About Your Goals

    • Break down your intentions into actionable steps. For example, if your goal is to prioritize physical well-being, identify habits like drinking more water, walking daily, or attending a prenatal yoga class.

  5. Include Your Partner

    • Share your intentions with your partner or support person. This helps create a sense of teamwork and ensures they know how to best support you. For example, you might ask them to remind you of breathing techniques during labor or help prepare nourishing meals.

  6. Stay Flexible

    • Life doesn’t always go according to plan—and that’s okay. Intentions aren’t about perfection; they’re about focus. If things shift, revisit your intentions and adjust them as needed.

  7. Seek Professional Guidance

    • If you’re unsure about how to align your intentions with practical steps, don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals. A childbirth educator, doula, or lactation consultant can offer guidance tailored to your needs.

  8. Make Time for Regular Reflection

    • Check in with yourself weekly or monthly. Are your intentions still serving you? Are you staying true to what you value most? Reflection helps you stay aligned and make adjustments as necessary.


A Quick Exercise to Ground Yourself

Grab a pen and paper, and try this simple exercise:

  1. Write down three words that describe how you want to feel during pregnancy, birth, and motherhood.

  2. Reflect on why these words resonate with you. What do they mean in the context of your journey?

  3. Turn those words into intentions. For example:

    • Word: “Calm” → Intention: “I will create moments of peace in my day, no matter how small.”

    • Word: “Empowered” → Intention: “I will educate myself about my options so I can make informed decisions.”


Final Thoughts

Setting intentions is a powerful way to stay grounded and aligned with what truly matters during this transformative time. Remember, intentions are not rigid rules; they’re guiding lights. Be kind to yourself, stay open to the unexpected, and trust that your intentions will evolve as you grow.

By grounding yourself with intention, you’re not just preparing for labor and motherhood—you’re creating a foundation of mindfulness, connection, and strength that will serve you for a lifetime.

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