Being pregnant is exhausting. Cross-country moving is both exhausting and stressful. Put the two together, and you get a situation most women would not even want to think about being forced to deal with. Still, sometimes this scenario can’t be avoided. Sometimes, the move being made is taking you across the country, which is far more challenging and detail-oriented than a local move. Below are a few tips that will come in handy when cross-country moving while pregnant.
Find an Obstetrician
Even if you are in your first trimester and nowhere near your due date, you want to have a doctor lined up in your new destination. At the very least, you should have appointments created to meet the doctors you are interested in within days of your arrival. Choosing an obstetrician is a huge decision, so leave yourself time to explore your options, and don’t feel as though you need to choose the first one you meet with.
Hire the Right Cross Country Movers
Quite honestly, hiring a cross-country moving company should be given as much thought as choosing an obstetrician. This is a decision that will affect stress levels and your overall moving experience. Keep in mind that stress is bad for the baby. Make sure the movers are licensed, bonded, and insured. They also need to have a DOT Number. The right cross-country movers will provide you with a smooth and organized experience, which is exactly what you need when moving while pregnant.
Pack Early
Packing is just as exhausting as the cross-country moving process. It is important to start early and do a small amount at a time. This will ensure you don’t overdo it, and it will leave you better prepared closer to moving day. Don’t try to take care of heavy items if you are moving while pregnant. Ask someone to handle these or hire a packing service. You may also want to inquire if the moving company you are hiring handles disassembling and reassembling large pieces of furniture, too.
Make Travel Arrangements
Whether you are flying or driving, you are going to need to make arrangements. If you are flying, aim to book a flight at a time when you feel at your best during the day. For example, if you generally have morning sickness early in the morning or later in the evening, avoid taking a flight during these times.
If you are driving, plan your route and book your hotels in advance. It is also helpful to have an idea of where hospitals are along the way.
Pack an Essentials Box
You can’t fully appreciate how tiring it is to move while you are pregnant until you go through it. If you are increasing in altitude in your new destination, this will also affect how well you adapt. The point is, you probably will not want to unpack 20 boxes just to find your shower curtain, a towel, and a bar of soap. If you have an essentials box packed then you will only need to unpack that one box to have everything you need until you get a good night of rest.
Listen to Your Body
That little voice telling you to take it easy or that something is not quite right should not be ignored. A mother’s intuition starts long before the baby is born, and should always be listened to.