When you’re pregnant, it seems like everyone’s got an opinion about what you should or shouldn’t be spending your money on.
“Don’t bother with maternity photos—you’ll never look at them again.”
“Skip the massage—just sleep.”
“3D ultrasounds? That’s just fluff.”
As both an emergency room nurse and a professional maternity photographer, I’ve heard it all. But here’s the truth most people won’t tell you:
Some “splurges” during pregnancy? They’re not just about luxury. They’re about mental wellness, emotional connection, and preserving one of the shortest (but most powerful) seasons of your life.
Let’s consider three popular services: 3D ultrasounds, prenatal massages, and maternity portrait sessions—and whether they are smart prep, indulgent extras, or maybe. a bit of both.
1. 3D Ultrasounds: A Window Into Your Womb
Most moms receive standard 2D ultrasounds at prenatal appointments. But 3D ultrasounds? They offer something else—something emotional.
They let you see your baby’s facial expressions—mini button nose, pouty lips, even yawns—in real time, in color. For many moms (and partners), this is the moment it all becomes real—when pregnancy is no longer abstract and all of a sudden becomes real.
Do you need it? No.
Is it powerful? You bet.
As an ER nurse, I’ve witnessed the anxiety that can creep in during pregnancy. Worrying about your baby’s health, wondering if everything is developing on track, or simply feeling a bit disconnected—especially in those middle months when kicks are faint and appointments are brief.
A 3D ultrasound is a peace of mind, yes, but also something more: bonding. A glimpse of your baby’s face—before you even meet—can ignite a whole new level of attachment, especially for partners who don’t feel every kick.
Pro tip: Ask about centers that utilize equipment from GE’s Voluson line—those machines provide some of the best imagery available.
Price Range: $70–$200 depending on location and extras (video, photos, heartbeat animals).
Worth it? For most families, the emotional payoff is 10 times the cost.
2. Prenatal Massages: More Than Just Relaxation or Actual Relief?
Pregnancy is no picnic. With back pain, swollen feet, round ligament pain, and sleeplessness, most moms are just trying to make it from day to day.
That’s where prenatal massage can be a godsend.
These aren’t your average spa massages. They are performed by licensed massage therapists who have training in pregnancy-safe techniques, often employing side-lying or supported positions that relieve joints and promote lymphatic flow.
As a health care provider, I always recommend that moms check with their OB or midwife first—but once cleared, massage is more than indulgence. It’s preventive medicine.
Here’s why:
Better Sleep: Lowers cortisol and raises serotonin, which governs sleep cycles.
Improved Circulation: Decreases swelling in feet and hands.
Easier Breathing: Loosens tight chest and neck muscles that can restrict breathing.
Pain Decreases: Especially lower back, hips, and sciatica-type pain.
✅ Safety Tip: Choose a certified prenatal massage therapist who sees maternity clients on a regular basis.
Cost Range: $80–$150 per session.
Worth it? A no-brainer if pain, swelling, or anxiety are making pregnancy more difficult than it needs to be.
3. Maternity Portrait Sessions: Vanity or Valuable?
Get honest with me. Maternity photography can often seem like a luxury item. Flowing gowns, glamorous lighting, dramatic poses. But what you can’t see in the photos is what happens behind the scenes.
You don’t see the mom who came into the session feeling insecure, tired, bloated, not herself, and left with a tear in her eye saying, “I actually feel beautiful again.”
You don’t get to see the daughter, years later, holding a framed picture of her glowing, pregnant mother and saying, “Wow, this was me in your belly?”
You don’t get to see the healing.
Because Maternity Photos Aren’t for Instagram Likes.
They’re for capturing a fleeting glimpse—before everything changes.
I started photographing pregnant women not just because I’m an artist, but because I’m a Nurse. I’ve worked in ERs for 20+ years, and I’ve seen what women go through—body, mind, and soul.
Pregnancy changes you. Your body, your mind, your sense of identity. It’s fierce. It’s messy. It’s magic. And you deserve to see yourself through a lens that respects all of it.
Our studio is recognized for upscale maternity portraits—some soft and ethereal, others bold and editorial. We even do underwater session. We tailor the experience to each mom, and sessions often include partners and other children. Some women choose gowns. Others choose implied nude or fine art silhouettes. There is no “right” way to photograph your pregnancy—just your way.
Bonus: Reserve your maternity session with us, and receive a complimentary 3D ultrasound or prenatal massage gift certificate—because we believe your baby and your body deserve to be spoiled.
Cost Range: Extremely variable ($360 mini sessions to $7,500+ for full custom experiences with wardrobe, hair, makeup, and wall art).
Worth it? If pampering, legacy, and emotional connection are important to you—it’s invaluable.
So… Splurge or Smart Prep?
Let’s name it for what it is: Intentional Investment.
Pregnancy is full of decisions that overwhelm. But if you strip away the noise, it typically boils down to this:
What will help you feel more connected to your baby?
What Will Make You Feel Better in Your Body?
What memories will you want to hold close—not just in your heart, but on your wall?
If the response to any of those inquiries leads you to a massage, a 3D view of your baby’s face, or a portrait you’ll cherish forever—then it’s not a splurge. It’s preparing your mind, your heart, and your space for the next chapter.
And that, mama, is smarter than smart.
Want More Info?
If you’re considering a maternity session and want to learn more about what’s included, what to expect, or how to redeem your free 3D ultrasound or prenatal massage gift, visit:
www.SacramentoMaternityPhotography.com
We serve moms across the entire United States. Every woman deserves to be seen during this once-in-a-lifetime season.
Final Thought
You’re not being “extra” for wanting to remember this time.
You’re not high-maintenance for needing a little extra care.
You’re preparing. You’re connecting. You’re celebrating.
And that makes you a very smart mama.
