There are certainly moments when pregnancy feels endlessly long and you long for the day you can finally hold your little explorer in your arms. At the latest, when your child is born, you'll probably be amazed at how quickly the time with your bump actually passed. You might even find yourself missing pregnancy sometimes—and the special physical connection with your baby. In moments like these, it’s wonderful to have keepsakes from this unique time. We’ve gathered four options to help you preserve the memory of your baby bump for years to come.

1. Baby bump photos

Photos are the classic way to document your growing belly. What they ultimately look like is entirely up to you: as a family, as a couple, or solo; at home or out in nature. With maternity photos, you can let your creativity run free and design everything exactly to your liking. You can also decide whether you’d prefer a professional photoshoot or would rather be photographed by your partner, a friend, or another hobby photographer. Both options have their advantages: a professional photographer has experience and knows how to showcase you at your best. On the other hand, working with someone from your personal circle often feels more familiar, so you may feel comfortable in front of the camera right away.

No matter what you choose, these tips will help make the photo session a success:

• The ideal time for baby bump photos is four to six weeks before your estimated due date, when your belly is beautifully round but you still feel relatively fit and mobile.

• Dress in a way that makes you feel comfortable—because it will show in the photos. Keep in mind that your belly should be the focus, so choose clothing that highlights it in a flattering, comfortable way. Solid colors are usually the best choice, while bold patterns and bright color mixes can be distracting.

• A neutral background that contrasts with your clothing can also help your belly stand out.

• Use accessories you can playfully incorporate into the shoot. These can be, for example, baby shoes, an ultrasound image, balloons, or flowers.

• If you don’t have a clear idea yet, you’ll find plenty of inspiration for poses, outfits, and settings online. Feel free to browse before your session and let yourself be inspired.

• Not used to being in front of the camera and feeling a bit awkward at first? Turn on your favorite song—music can make it easier to move naturally and try different poses.

• If a big photoshoot isn’t your thing and posing feels uncomfortable, you can simply document the progress of your growing belly. Have someone take a photo of you each week or every two weeks in front of the same background, or take a photo of your belly from your own perspective from above. If you’d like, you can also add a sign, a board, or another marker that shows about which week of pregnancy you are currently in . This way, you can still watch your baby bump grow even later on.

2. Pregnancy Diary

During pregnancy, so many physical and emotional changes happen that it can be hard to remember all the little details afterward. The infamous pregnancy brain doesn’t help either. ;) A journal is a wonderful way to reconnect with your pregnancy later and reflect on this special time. You can jot down your feelings and thoughts, and also record milestones such as the first kick, the size of your growing belly, and the first ultrasound. This way, you can later tell your little explorer exactly how you felt while you were waiting for them. If writing isn’t really your thing, you can also buy journals with ready-made prompts—so you simply fill in the blanks.

3. Plaster cast of the baby bump

With a plaster cast, you can create a lasting memory of your baby bump. Was your little explorer really inside there? Seeing this three-dimensional keepsake will probably feel incredible! The perfect time for a plaster cast is four to six weeks before your due date, when your belly is nicely rounded but standing or sitting still isn’t too uncomfortable. It’s best to turn the casting into a shared craft afternoon and ask your partner to help. This will surely be an unforgettable experience for them, too, and a lovely opportunity to connect with your little explorer. You can buy ready-made sets that include all the necessary tools, but of course you can also gather the materials yourself.

You need:

• Newspaper

• Scissors

• Warm water

• Towels

• Rich cream

• Plaster bandages

• Disposable gloves

• Sandpaper

• Possibly paint and decorative materials

Here's how it works:

1. Cover the workspace with newspaper to protect it from splashes.

2. Unroll the plaster bandages, cut them into strips, and keep them within reach.

3. Rub your stomach and breasts generously with rich cream so the cast can be removed easily later.

4. Get into a comfortable position you can hold for a while—ideally standing or sitting semi-upright.

5. Now your partner can dip the plaster strips one by one into a bowl of lukewarm water, gently squeeze them out, and place them on your stomach, smoothing them down.

6. Once your upper body is covered with two to three layers of plaster, you only need to wait a few minutes for it to dry.

7. Carefully remove the cast with your partner’s help and let it harden overnight in a dry place.

8. Smooth the surface the next day with sandpaper.

9. If you like, you can now decorate the belly cast with paint, glitter stones, or other decorative materials, depending on your preferences.

4. Paint your stomach

Your big belly is the perfect canvas—so take advantage of this opportunity! :) Have it painted by your partner or a sibling, or get creative yourself. You and your family can either let your imagination run wild or use a template for inspiration. Popular motifs include ornate patterns or mandalas. Alternatively, you can create a minimalist belly print on paper. To do this, paint your belly and press it like a stamp onto a canvas or sheet of paper that you’ve taped to the wall beforehand. After cleaning your belly with a washcloth and warm water, you can add more prints in different colors. No matter which motif you choose, be sure to use non-toxic, water-soluble paints.

Pregnancy is unforgettable no matter what. We hope we’ve been able to share a few extra ideas to help you create lasting memories of your time with your baby bump.