This post shows you the 10 First-Trimester Date Ideas Before the Baby Arrives.
The first trimester can be a wild ride. Between exhaustion, nausea, and adjusting to the reality that this is happening, you might not feel up for big, elaborate date nights. And that’s okay.
So, if you’re spending most of your time curled up on the couch, guess what? That’s exactly where you’re meant to be. Let’s make it special. In this post, we’ll cover some of the coziest first-trimester date ideas before the baby arrives!
1 Movie & Takeout Night
Pick a nostalgic movie from your childhood and talk about the kinds of movies you want to introduce to your baby one day.
There’s something magical about revisiting childhood movies—especially when you’re about to become a parent yourself.
If it’s December, grab a blanket and put on Home Alone 1 & 2 (because, let’s be honest, those are the only ones that count). If you’re a millennial like me, maybe you go for 101 Dalmatians, The Lion King, or Aladdin.
This is more than just a cozy movie night—it’s a conversation starter.
- What were your favorite childhood movies?
- What did you love about them?
- Are there any movies you can’t wait to introduce your baby to?
For me, I get emotional thinking about watching Disney movies with my child. The idea of them falling in love with the same characters I grew up with? Pure magic.
And yes, order takeout. Because cooking in the first trimester? No thanks.
2 Baby Name Brainstorm Date
Sit on the couch with a list of baby names and talk about what names you love and why.
There’s something special about picturing your future child and imagining the name they’ll carry for life. This date is cozy, lighthearted, and full of possibilities. Since you’re still in the first trimester, you get to explore names for both boys and girls, which makes it even more fun.
Grab a baby name book or open a name app, sit back with a warm drink, and start reading through options. You’ll come across names that make you laugh, names that remind you of childhood friends, and names that spark unexpected memories.
Maybe you’ll think of a favorite author, an inspiring historical figure, or even a place that holds meaning for you. And don’t forget to play around with nicknames—because some names sound adorable on a baby but need a grown-up alternative for the future.
- What names remind you of your childhood?
- What kind of life do you imagine for your child?
- What are your favorite authors, scientists, or historical figures?
- What about nicknames?
- Are there any names that bring up strong memories (good or bad)?
Even if you don’t land on the name yet, this is a bonding moment—one that makes the future feel even more real.
One day, you’ll be calling this name every single day, and that’s something worth dreaming about.
3 DIY Spa Night
Light some candles, do face masks, and give each other a massage. Relax and enjoy time together.
One of the best first-trimester date ideas before the baby arrives is one that requires zero effort and maximum relaxation. A DIY spa night is the perfect way to be close, enjoy each other’s company, and think about something other than nausea, sickness, and anxiety.
In my house, we’ve always made this a fun, silly experience. Face masks? Absolutely. A warm shower followed by my fruity, sugary body lotions? Of course—because nothing beats climbing into bed when the whole room smells amazing.
We also used to take our dog, put him on the bed, and let him participate in our spa night!
This isn’t just about pampering—it’s about being close in a way that feels intimate without the pressure for anything more. It’s easy to forget that physical touch doesn’t always have to be sexual. Sometimes, it’s just about being together, enjoying the moment, and appreciating the small gestures of care.
- Light candles or dim the lights to set a calm atmosphere.
- Do face masks together and laugh at how ridiculous you look.
- Take turns giving each other gentle massages—shoulders, hands, feet, whatever feels good.
- Use your favorite lotion or body oil after a warm shower for extra coziness.
- Play soft music or just enjoy the quiet.
Pregnancy is a time of change, both physically and emotionally, and this date is about soaking in the love you share before life gets busier.
There’s something really special about these slow, sweet moments—just the two of you, completely present, completely at ease.
4 Pregnancy Journal Date
Start a pregnancy journal together and write down your thoughts, feelings, and things you want to remember about this journey.
One of the most special first-trimester date ideas is taking time to document everything—because, trust me, this chapter of life goes by so fast.
A pregnancy journal isn’t just about writing down facts like doctor’s appointments and cravings (though those are fun to remember!); it’s about capturing the emotions, the excitement, and the little moments that make this time unforgettable.
This can be as structured or as casual as you want. You can get a guided pregnancy journal with prompts, or you can grab a simple notebook and write whatever you wish. Maybe you write letters to your baby, jot down funny pregnancy moments, or reflect on what it felt like when you first saw those two pink lines.
- Write about how you felt when you found out you were pregnant.
- Describe any funny or surprising pregnancy symptoms so far.
- Write a letter to your baby about how excited you are to meet them.
- Keep a running list of cravings, mood swings, and emotional moments.
- Take turns answering “What are you most excited for?” and “What are you most nervous about?”
This is something you’ll cherish years down the road. One day, you’ll look back at these pages and remember exactly what this season of life felt like—the anticipation, the joy, the love that was already growing before your baby even arrived.
5 Playlist-Making Date
Create playlists together: one for labor, one for late-night baby feedings, and one for when you’re both exhausted but need a mood boost.
One of the most fun and low-effort first-trimester date ideas is making playlists together—because music has a way of bringing comfort, energy, and even a little sanity to the wild ride of pregnancy and parenthood.
This isn’t a one-and-done kind of date. You can continue to add to these playlists throughout your pregnancy, adjusting them as your moods, needs, and emotions change. First trimester exhaustion? You’ll need a playlist for that. Feeling extra emotional for no reason? A playlist for that, too.
- Labor & Delivery Playlist – Songs to keep you calm, motivated, or distracted when the big day comes.
- Late-Night Baby Feedings Playlist – Something soothing for those 3 a.m. moments when the world is quiet, and you’re rocking a tiny human back to sleep.
- Mood-Boosting Playlist – Upbeat songs for days when exhaustion, hormones, or nausea feel like too much.
- “Hard Days at Home” Playlist – Music that feels like a hug when you’re overwhelmed, anxious, or just need to breathe.
You can start a joint Spotify or YouTube playlist and keep adding songs over time. It’s a small thing, but one day, you’ll be holding your baby, listening to these songs, and realizing how much this music has become part of your journey. And that’s something really special.
6 Read-Aloud Book Date
Pick a book about parenting or childhood development and take turns reading to each other. Discuss what you find interesting or surprising.
One of my favorite first-trimester date ideas before the baby arrives is reading together—because, let’s be honest, there’s so much to learn about newborns, and pregnancy brain is real, so I need all the help I can get.
My husband and I always go to my OB appointments together, and he loves picking up those little pamphlets and booklets from the waiting room. And honestly? They’re awesome!
We’ve read through ones about breastfeeding, the first days with the baby, diaper changes, and so much more.
Sometimes, we just sit on the couch flipping through them, laughing at the illustrations, or realizing, oh wow, we had no idea that’s how it works.
You can make this date as simple or as deep as you want. Grab a book about parenting, childhood development, or even a lighthearted guide to surviving the newborn stage. Take turns reading sections aloud, and let the discussion flow naturally.
- Pick a book or pamphlet that interests you both (or just grab whatever your OB’s office has—trust me, they’re great).
- Read out loud and pause to talk about anything surprising, funny, or totally new to you.
- Share any personal experiences or thoughts about how you’d handle certain situations with your baby.
There’s something really special about learning together. It makes you feel like a team, like you’re already stepping into this parenting role side by side. And honestly? It’s a great way to bond and feel a little more prepared for what’s to come.
7 Dream Home & Nursery Planning Date
Browse Pinterest together and save ideas for the baby’s nursery or your future family home.
No pressure if you don’t have your dream home yet! My husband and I will be having this baby in our rental (and we live in one of the busiest neighborhoods in the city), and even though we’re in our 30s, we don’t own property—and let me tell you, it’s nothing to be stressed about.
That doesn’t mean we can’t dream. We have a joint Pinterest board where we pin ideas for our future home (my husband is an architect, so he’s very into this), and we love planning our nursery setup.
We’re also heading to IKEA soon to pick up baby stuff, which has turned into a fun way to imagine what the first days with our little one will look like.
- Browse Pinterest or design websites and pin nursery ideas that make you excited.
- Talk about how you want the space to feel—cozy, minimalist, colorful, neutral?
- If you’re planning to buy a home one day, save ideas that inspire you.
- Imagine your first days with the baby—where will you be rocking them to sleep, changing diapers, or cuddling up together?
This date isn’t about having everything figured out. It’s about dreaming, planning, and embracing the excitement of building a space for your growing family—whether that’s in a rental, a future home, or wherever life takes you.
8 Comfy Blanket Fort & Storytelling Date
Build a cozy fort in the living room and take turns telling childhood stories that you’ll one day share with your baby.
One of the best things in the world is to build a blanket fort in the living room. Bonus points if you can spend a night there! Our dog goes crazy when we do this!
Blanket forts are all about being free and playful. You’re gonna feel the same when you’re playing with your baby one day.
Turn off the lights, grab your pillows and blankets, and use string lights or a flashlight for that ultimate cozy vibe. Once you’re all settled in, take turns telling childhood stories—the ones that made you laugh, the ones that stuck with you, and the ones you can’t wait to pass down to your little one.
- Share the funniest thing you did as a kid that your parents still talk about.
- Talk about your favorite bedtime stories or books from childhood.
- Reflect on the small traditions that made you feel safe and loved growing up.
- Imagine the stories you’ll tell your child one day—what do you want them to know about you?
This is one of those date ideas that remind you of the magic of childhood—and how amazing it’s going to be to create those moments all over again, this time as parents.
9 “Top 10 Memories” Date
Reflect on your top 10 favorite moments together as a couple and dream about what’s to come.
Before life gets even busier, take a night to pause and reflect on everything that brought you here. This is one of those date ideas that makes you appreciate just how much your relationship has grown—and how much more is ahead.
Cozy up on the couch or in bed, grab a snack, and take turns.
- How did you meet?
- What was your most amazing date?
- What about late-night talks that lasted until morning?
- Did you have an embarrassing moment together, inside jokes?
- Remember the biggest adventures and the unexpected moments that shaped your relationship.
- Talk about what you’re most excited for as you step into this new chapter.
- Imagine the new “Top 10” moments you’ll create with your baby—first laughs, first words, family traditions you’ll start together.
By the end of the night, you’ll feel so connected and grounded in love. Because no matter how much life is about to change, your story together is just getting started.
10 First Ultrasound Reflection Date
If you’ve had your first ultrasound, spend time talking about how it felt to see your baby for the first time and what emotions it brought up.
There’s something completely surreal about that first ultrasound. One moment, this pregnancy feels like an abstract idea, and the next, you’re watching a tiny heartbeat flicker on the screen. It’s a moment that stays with you forever.
This is one of those first-trimester date ideas before the baby arrives, that’s all about soaking in the emotions of this milestone. Whether you entered feeling nervous, excited, or completely shocked, take a moment to reflect on the experience together.
- What was the first thing that crossed your mind when you saw your baby?
- How did it feel to hear the heartbeat?
- Did anything surprise you about the ultrasound?
- What emotions did you notice in each other during the appointment?
- What are you most looking forward to at the next scan?
This is just the beginning of a lifetime of moments that will take your breath away.
This list isn’t about “one last hurrah before life is over.” I hate that narrative.
Your life isn’t over—it’s just beginning in a whole new, exciting way. These date ideas aren’t about mourning the past but about connecting in the present and imagining the future.
These first-trimester date ideas, which are all part of the Pre-Baby Talk, are perfect for before the baby arrives. That’s why, when the baby comes, you’ll be ready and prepared for…
…all the love in the world.
Which of these ideas do you like the most? Let me know in the comments!
Don’t forget to pin this post so you’ll always have these date ideas handy!
This post showed you 10 First Trimester Date Ideas Before the Baby Arrives.
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