The Final Weeks Before Baby Arrives | Central Illinois Maternity Session
There’s something about photographing a family when a baby is just days away from arriving that always feels a little different.
Not the early pregnancy glow.
Not the “we just found out” excitement.
This is the almost there stage.
The stage where the car seat is probably already installed, tiny clothes are folded and waiting, and everyone in the house is starting to realize that life is about to look a little different.
This session took place when mom was 38 weeks pregnant, which means baby could arrive literally any day now. Those final weeks can feel long and exhausting, but they’re also a really meaningful time to document.
Because once baby arrives, everything changes quickly.
Suddenly there are newborn snuggles, sleepless nights, tiny cries, and a completely new rhythm to family life. Those quiet days of waiting disappear faster than most people expect.
That’s exactly why maternity sessions during this stage are so special.
They capture the moment right before everything shifts.
A Family Waiting for the Best Kind of Surprise
One of my favorite parts of this session was learning that this family has decided to wait until birth to find out the gender of their baby.
No gender reveal.
No secret envelopes from the doctor.
Just the kind of surprise that only happens in the delivery room.
It’s actually pretty rare these days, and honestly… I love it.
There’s something really special about letting that moment be a true surprise.
Their two boys are about to become big brothers, and watching them interact with their mom’s growing belly during the session was one of the sweetest parts of the afternoon. They ran around the trees, held her belly, and kept sneaking in hugs between playing.
Kids bring such a fun energy to maternity sessions like this. It makes the whole experience feel less like a posed photoshoot and more like documenting what this season of life actually looks like.
And that’s always my goal when photographing families.
Why I Love Maternity Sessions with the Whole Family
Some moms show up to maternity sessions by themselves or just with their partner, which can be beautiful and intimate.
But sessions that include older siblings always feel a little extra special.
Not only are we documenting a pregnancy, we’re documenting a family right before it grows.
The dynamic that exists in this moment will never look exactly the same again. Soon these boys won’t just be sons — they’ll be big brothers.
And someday their new sibling will look back at these photos and see exactly how excited everyone was before they even arrived.
38 Weeks Pregnant and Still Glowing
Mom absolutely rocked this session at 38 weeks pregnant, which is honestly impressive because those last weeks can be tough.
Between the warm light filtering through the trees and the relaxed energy of the afternoon, everything came together in the most natural way. Nothing about this session felt forced — just a family spending time together while documenting a really meaningful season.
Those are always my favorite kinds of sessions to photograph.
Next Stop: Newborn Photos
One of the best parts about sessions like this is knowing that it’s not the end of the story.
Soon this family will be coming back for their newborn session, and the next time I see them there will be a brand new baby in their arms.
And yes… that’s when we’ll finally find out if baby is a boy or a girl.
I’m already excited to meet the newest member of their family.
Thinking About Booking a Maternity Session?
If you’re currently expecting and wondering when maternity photos should happen, the sweet spot is usually between 30–36 weeks. That’s when most moms are showing beautifully but still comfortable enough to move around during the session.
But as you can see from this session, even 38 weeks pregnant can still create some really special images.
The most important thing is capturing this chapter before it disappears.
Because once baby arrives, life moves fast.
And these quiet weeks of waiting quickly become a memory.
