Good Gifts for Expectant Mothers

• Choose the perfect gift for a mom-to-be. Barry Austin/Photodisc/Getty Images

  There are lots of things an expectant mom needs, so coming up with the perfect gift does not have to be difficult. She is likely to receive all sorts of items for the baby, so why not choose something that is just for her? The gift could help her relax or could be something to help her take care of the baby more easily.

A New Camera

• An expectant mom probably wants to take plenty of pictures. Before the baby is born, she will want to document the nursery coming together, her baby showers and her changing shape. Once the baby is born, she and the baby's father will want to take lots of pictures of the baby, ranging from the moment of birth to her first day home to her very first steps. So purchase a new digital camera for her. You could choose to go with a small, sleek camera that will fit easily in her purse. Alternatively, you could choose a larger camera with many different settings. Think about her lifestyle and range of knowledge in regards to electronics and photography before you make your decision.

A Gift Basket

• Create a fun gift basket for a soon-to-be mother and have a good time filling it with items she can use. Include creams and lotions to help her avoid stretch marks and pamper her tired tootsies. Include a container of bubble bath or bath salts to help her relax at the end of the day. Aromatic candles are another welcome addition to the gift basket as are certificates for pampering services such as pedicures or manicures. As her stomach grows, it will become harder for her to reach - or even see - her feet but at least she'll know they look and feel terrific, thanks to you.

A Girls' Night Out

• Just because she's pregnant doesn't mean she can't have fun out on the town. While she doesn't need to go out to a club and dance all night, or frequent a place where she'll encounter lots of smoking and alcohol, there are plenty of other options. Get a group of her friends together and surprise her by making reservations to her favorite restaurant. Or whisk her off to see a play or concert. Earlier on in her pregnancy, she might also enjoy going to see a movie. Later in pregnancy, those smaller seats in some cinemas can become more challenging.

A Pregnancy Massage

• Pregnancy can become quite uncomfortable for many women. The pressure and added weight the baby puts on their back, neck, legs - you name it - can cause serious discomfort. Give her a gift certificate for a pregnancy massage to help relieve this pain. Be sure you purchase your gift card from someone who is trained in performing pregnancy massages, as they are different from regular massages. A massage therapist who doesn't know how to specifically work on a pregnant woman could cause more harm than good.