If you’re thinking about booking maternity photos, one of the first things you’ll probably want to know is when to schedule your session.
The simple answer is that for most mums, maternity photographs are best taken between 28 and 32 weeks of pregnancy.
But that’s only part of the answer.
The timing of your session depends on much more than a number on a calendar. How you’re feeling, whether this is your first baby, whether you already have children, and the type of session you’re planning can all influence when the right time might be.
I’ve photographed maternity sessions at 40 weeks of pregnancy, and I’ve also photographed mums much earlier. There isn’t one perfect week that works for everyone.
What matters most is finding a time that feels right for you and your family.
Why I Usually Recommend 28–32 Weeks
For many expectant mums, the period between 28 and 32 weeks offers a comfortable balance.
By this stage, your bump is usually clearly visible, but you’re often still feeling comfortable enough to enjoy the session without becoming too tired.
Later in pregnancy, things can become a little less predictable. Some babies sit lower in the bump, some begin putting pressure on nerves, and some mums find walking or standing for longer periods much more difficult than they did only a few weeks earlier.
Of course, every pregnancy is different.
Some women feel fantastic right up until their due date, while others may feel ready for a slower pace much sooner.
That’s why I see 28 to 32 weeks as a helpful guideline rather than a strict rule.
The goal isn’t to fit into a specific timeframe.
The goal is to choose a time when you can enjoy the experience and feel comfortable throughout your session.
The Goal Isn't the Biggest Possible Bump
One of the biggest misconceptions about maternity photography is that you should wait as long as possible before having your session.
While it might seem logical to wait for the biggest possible bump, that isn’t always the most comfortable option.
As pregnancy progresses, your body continues to change. Some babies sit lower in the bump, some begin putting pressure on nerves, and many mums simply find themselves becoming more tired as they get closer to their due date.
For some women, this doesn’t make much difference.
For others, even a short walk can start to feel like hard work.
That’s one of the reasons I often recommend planning maternity photographs before the final weeks of pregnancy whenever possible.
This doesn’t mean later sessions can’t be beautiful.
I’ve photographed mums at 40 weeks pregnant, and those photographs are every bit as meaningful.
The difference is that later sessions sometimes require a little more planning around comfort, energy levels and location choice.
Personally, I would rather photograph you when you’re still able to enjoy the experience than wait for a slightly bigger bump but feel uncomfortable throughout the session.
The photographs matter.
But so does the experience of creating them.
If This Is Your First Baby
If you’re expecting your first baby and feeling well, you often have a little more flexibility when it comes to timing.
Many first-time mums choose to wait slightly longer, allowing their bump to become more visible before their session.
There are usually fewer practical considerations, too. Without toddlers to keep entertained or family schedules to work around, planning the session can feel a little simpler.
That doesn’t mean waiting longer is always better.
It simply means you may have more options available to you, depending on how your pregnancy is progressing and how you’re feeling physically.
For some mums, 28 weeks feels like the perfect time.
Others prefer to wait until 32, 34, or even later.
The right answer is different for everyone.
What matters most is choosing a time when you still feel comfortable enough to enjoy the experience rather than counting down to a particular week.
If You Already Have Children
The timing can be a little different when there are older children involved.
Personally, I would usually recommend not leaving your maternity session until the very last weeks of pregnancy if you already have a busy family life.
Young children have their own routines, energy levels, and attention spans. They often enjoy the session much more when everyone is feeling relaxed and comfortable.
Planning your maternity session a little earlier can make the experience easier for the whole family.
It can also give you more flexibility when choosing locations and times without worrying about how you’re going to feel a few weeks later.
Maternity photographs with older children are often about much more than documenting a bump.
They tell the story of a family preparing to welcome someone new.
Sometimes those photographs become even more meaningful because they show the relationship between siblings before everything changes.
For that reason, I always encourage families to think about what will make the experience enjoyable for everyone, not just what week of pregnancy happens to be written on the calendar.
What If You’re Expecting Twins?
Twin pregnancies often follow a slightly different timeline.
Many mums expecting twins find that their bump becomes visible earlier, and pregnancy can feel physically demanding sooner than it might with a singleton pregnancy.
For that reason, I would usually recommend considering your maternity session a little earlier rather than waiting until the final weeks.
The goal is not to reach a particular week of pregnancy.
The goal is to choose a time when you’re still feeling comfortable enough to enjoy the experience.
Every twin pregnancy is different, of course.
Some mums feel fantastic throughout their pregnancy, while others may prefer to plan their session earlier to avoid feeling rushed later on.
If you’re expecting twins and aren’t sure about timing, it’s always better to get in touch sooner rather than later so we can discuss what feels right for you.
What If You’re Already 34, 36, or Even 40 Weeks Pregnant?
The short answer is: it’s not too late.
Many mums find my website later than they planned, or simply don’t realize how quickly the weeks pass until they are suddenly much closer to their due date.
If that’s you, please don’t assume you’ve missed your chance.
I’ve photographed maternity sessions at 40 weeks of pregnancy, and those photographs are every bit as meaningful as sessions taken earlier.
The main difference is that we may need to plan things a little differently.
At this stage of pregnancy, comfort becomes even more important. We might choose a location with very easy access, shorter walking distances, or somewhere close to parking.
Sometimes, a relaxed in-home maternity session can also be a lovely alternative.
The most important thing is not how many weeks pregnant you are.
It’s how you’re feeling.
As long as you’re comfortable and your healthcare team has no concerns, beautiful maternity photographs can be created much later in pregnancy than many people expect.
Outdoor or In-Home Maternity Photos?
The type of session you’re planning can also influence the best time for maternity photographs.
Outdoor sessions often involve a little walking, even when we choose locations with easy access. For many mums, that’s no problem at all.
Others may find that longer walks become less comfortable as pregnancy progresses.
That’s one of the reasons I often encourage families to think about the experience they would enjoy most rather than focusing only on the photographs themselves.
Some mums love being outdoors and feel most relaxed walking through a park, woodland or open landscape.
Others prefer the comfort and privacy of their own home.
Neither option is better than the other.
The best choice is the one that feels right for you.
If you’re unsure, I’m always happy to help you decide which type of session is likely to suit you best based on how you’re feeling and what you’d like your photographs to reflect.
Choosing the Right Location for Your Energy Levels
One of the biggest advantages of planning your maternity session in advance is being able to choose a location that suits you.
Beautiful photographs do not require a long walk, a steep hill, or a remote location.
In fact, some of my favorite maternity sessions have taken place only a short distance from the car park.
As your pregnancy progresses, comfort becomes increasingly important. If you’re experiencing pelvic pain, back pain, fatigue, or simply finding movement more difficult than before, we can choose a location that requires very little walking while still offering beautiful surroundings.
Some families love open landscapes and countryside views. Others prefer parks, woodland paths or somewhere with easy access and plenty of places to stop and rest if needed.
The location should work for you, not the other way around.
My role is to help find somewhere that feels comfortable, practical, and enjoyable for your family while still creating photographs you’ll love looking back on.
Sometimes the best location isn’t the most dramatic one.
It’s the one that allows you to relax, slow down, and enjoy this chapter of your family’s story.
When Should You Book Your Maternity Session?
Once you’ve decided roughly when you’d like your session to take place, it’s worth getting in touch sooner rather than later.
I usually recommend booking your maternity session at least one to two months in advance, especially if you’re hoping for a specific season, location, or weekend date.
Booking ahead gives us more flexibility when planning your session and means we can choose a date that works best for your pregnancy rather than simply taking whatever availability happens to be left.
It also gives us plenty of time to discuss locations, clothing, whether you’d like an outdoor or in-home session and any other questions you may have before the day arrives.
That said, don’t worry if you’ve left things a little later than planned.
I know how quickly pregnancy passes and how easy it is to put things off while preparing for a new baby.
If you’re already further along than expected, it’s always worth getting in touch to check availability.
Sometimes there is still time to make it happen.
There Is No Perfect Week
If you’ve read this far, hoping to find one exact answer, I’m afraid I can’t give you one.
Pregnancy doesn’t follow a formula.
Some mums feel amazing at 34 weeks. Others are ready to slow down much earlier.
Some families are planning their first baby. Others are juggling pregnancy while chasing a toddler around the house.
That’s why I don’t believe there is one perfect week for maternity photographs.
There is simply a time that feels right for you.
For most families, that happens somewhere between 28 and 32 weeks, but the most important factor is always how you’re feeling.
If you’re comfortable, enjoying your pregnancy and excited about documenting this chapter of your life, that’s usually a good sign that the timing is right.
A Final Thought
Pregnancy has a strange way of feeling both long and incredibly short at the same time.
The weeks can seem endless when you’re tired, uncomfortable or counting down the days until you meet your baby.
And yet, before you know it, that chapter is over.
The size of your bump, the exact week of your session and whether the photographs were taken at 28 weeks or 36 weeks will matter far less than you might think right now.
What you’ll remember is how life felt.
The anticipation.
The excitement.
The uncertainty.
The quiet moments before everything changed.
That’s why I don’t believe there is one perfect week for maternity photographs.
There is simply a time that feels right for you and your family.
And if you’re thinking about documenting this chapter of your life, my advice is simple:
Don’t wait for perfect.
Choose a time when you feel comfortable, present and able to enjoy the experience.
Because years from now, those memories will matter far more than the number of weeks written in your maternity notes.
Photos can be generated.
Memories cannot.
Thinking About a Maternity Session?
If you’re unsure when would be the best time for your maternity photos, feel free to get in touch.
Every pregnancy is different, and I’m always happy to help you decide what timing might work best for you, your family and the type of session you’re considering.
You can learn more about my maternity photography sessions here:
Or contact me to discuss ideas, locations and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 28 weeks too early for maternity photos?
Usually not. For many mums, 28 weeks is the point where the bump is clearly visible while they still feel comfortable and energetic.
Is 36 weeks too late?
Not necessarily. Many beautiful maternity sessions take place after 36 weeks. The main consideration is how you’re feeling physically.
Can I still book if I'm close to my due date?
Absolutely. I’ve photographed maternity sessions at 40 weeks of pregnancy. It’s always worth getting in touch to discuss your options.
When should I book if I'm expecting twins?
Many twin pregnancies are photographed a little earlier, as bumps often become visible sooner, and pregnancy can feel physically demanding earlier on.
Should I choose an outdoor or an in-home session?
That depends entirely on your preferences and how you’re feeling. Some mums love being outdoors, while others prefer the comfort and privacy of home.
Can my partner and children join the session?
Of course. Many maternity sessions include partners, older children and even family dogs.
What if I'm struggling with pelvic pain or mobility?
We can choose a location with very easy access, minimal walking and places to rest if needed. The session should be planned around your comfort.
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