Back to school with a bump: Navigating pregnancy as a parent

August 25, 2025

Providence Maternity Team

[4 MIN READ]

Getting ready for the new school year at the same time you’re getting ready for a new baby isn’t for the faint of heart. To not just survive but thrive during this challenging time, it’s important to prepare.
Planning ahead, asking for help and taking time for self-care are all critical to successfully managing back-to-school season while pregnant.
Remember to give yourself grace. You’re taking on two challenges at once. Be proud of your accomplishments, even the small wins.

Back-to-school with a bump: Navigating pregnancy as a parent

Preparing for a new baby’s arrival while gearing up for the school year can feel overwhelming. While just one of those life events is stressful enough to bring a competent adult to their knees, both may leave you ready to throw your hands in the air and wave the white flag. Especially when your energy levels have all but evaporated.

To succeed during this challenging time, you need to embrace thoughtful planning, your support network (maybe even inviting a few new members) and lots and lots of self-care.

Providence OB-GYN Dafna Trites, D.O., shares some key ideas to consider when parenting with a baby bump.

Tackling the to-do list

Your to-do list is a mile long, but your morning sickness won’t let you get off the couch. Or maybe you’re trying to redecorate the nursery while your kids are clamoring for a trip to the store to buy school supplies. Either way, a schedule can save the day.

“Planning ahead to create a daily or weekly schedule can ensure you’re meeting everyone’s needs while giving yourself time to rest,” Dr. Trites says.

Focus on essential tasks, prioritizing must-dos over nice-to-dos and dividing larger projects into smaller, more manageable steps whenever possible.

You can also involve your kids in certain tasks, like packing lunches, and order supplies online to save yourself time and stress.

Building a support system

When you have school-aged kids and a little one on the way, you need backup. If your friends and family members reach out to offer to help with things like childcare, getting your kids to and from school or daycare, or running errands, take them up on it.

“Raising kids takes a village,” Dr. Trites says. “Don’t be too proud to say ‘yes’ to offers of help. It’s impossible to do everything yourself.”

Also, if your family and friends haven’t reached out to offer help, don’t be afraid to ask them for support. Maybe you could use someone to cut your grass for a few weeks. Or maybe you need someone to watch the kids so you can run to the grocery store for an hour. Whatever it is, ask.

“People often want to help but don’t know what you need,” Dr. Trites adds. “That’s why giving them a specific job can work really well.”

You can also find a support group online. Building connections with others in a similar situation can help you learn tips for handling challenges and focusing on wellness while helping you feel less alone.

Finally, you may want to contact your kids’ teachers at school or at the educational program they attend to let them know about your pregnancy. That way, if your kids ever need help negotiating the changing family dynamic while they’re not with you, their teachers will know what’s going on at home.

Finding time for self-care

It probably won’t take you long to realize that you have significantly less time for self-care this time around than you did with past pregnancies — at least with your first. While that’s to be expected, it doesn’t mean you’re completely out of luck.

If your kids are still young, they may still need naps, which is when you can steal one for yourself. On the other hand, if your kids are a little older — even in high school — they’re likely more independent, meaning they can do things like homework or go to soccer practice while you take an hour for yourself.

No matter what, rest is vital to a healthy pregnancy and a happy mom. Pregnancy can cause fatigue and disrupt your sleep, impacting your ability to focus and your overall well-being.

Here are a few tips to ensure you’re putting your best foot forward:

Eat a balanced diet.
Engage in light exercise (with your doctor’s approval).
Nap when you can.
Stay hydrated.
Try relaxation techniques or practice meditation.

Even if you can’t indulge in a nap when you’re feeling tired, try a low-energy activity with your kids, like reading a book together on the couch, to give yourself a few minutes to sit down and recharge.

Giving yourself grace

Parenting is hard. Parenting while preparing to welcome a new baby is even harder.

“You’re doing two tough jobs,” Dr. Trites says. “Be proud of yourself and what you’re juggling.”

Contributing caregiver

Dafna Trites, D.O., is a Providence OB-GYN at Facey Medical Group in Tarzana, California.

Find a doctor

If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant and are looking for an experienced, caring provider to help you navigate pregnancy and welcome your baby into the world, we can help. Providence offers maternity, prenatal care and obstetrics services. You can also search for an OB-GYN or midwife who’s right for you in our provider directory.

In addition, Providence offers support for women experiencing emotional, social and psychological challenges during and after pregnancy through its Maternal Mental Health Program.

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