Pregnancy is full of stressing to get everything ready for the baby, getting the nursery ready, picking baby names, and packing the hospital bag. Sometimes, we forget to put mom and dad first! Expectant couples need to prioritize their relationship and enjoy some quality time together. Some people go on a babymoon, but this list is for the family who wants to keep things local. Here are ten pregnancy-friendly date activities in Charlotte, North Carolina.
1) Pregnancy Friendly Dinner Date Night in Uptown Charlotte
Charlotte is known for its ample dinner locations, but while pregnant, bars aren’t your thing… at least for nine months! There are tons of diverse dinner options that we love! For a good locally owned southern-inspired meal, we recommend Haberdish! Afterward, you can head to their co-owned desert location right around the corner, Reinging Donuts. For a higher-end dinner, we love The Capital Grille; they can even make mocktails! If you want some excellent American-style food, Alexander Michael’s is a great location. While they are also a tavern, their food is just as great!
2) Brunch if date nights aren’t your thing while pregnant
Brunch is a fantastic option if you’re looking for an alternative to a dinner date, but still want to enjoy a meal together! One highly recommended brunch spot is First Watch, known for its delicious and healthy options. They offer a variety of dishes and even cater to vegetarian and vegan preferences. Another Broken Egg Cafe is an excellent choice for a casual brunch experience. If you prefer supporting local businesses, Stacks Kitchen is a fantastic locally-owned brunch location. There are multiple South Charlotte locations in Matthews and Waxhaw. Their unique offerings and friendly atmosphere make it a great place to enjoy a lovely brunch date.
3) Enjoy a local baby moon
If you want to stay local but still enjoy a baby moon, there are several ways to do that in Charlotte. If you wish to book an Airbnb or a hotel, there are many options. Ballantyne Hotel and Spa is great for a more relaxing baby moon experience. The Ritz-Carlton in uptown Charlotte gives you the city vibes while settling back into the hotel room for the night. The Lake Norman area is excellent for renting an Airbnb for the weekend and getting some fresh air! There are cute shops and restart, and you get an away-from-home feel while still being close to your OBGYN if needed!
4) Prenatal Couples Massage
A prenatal massage can be a perfect pre-baby date for expecting couples, offering a blissful experience for both parents to be! As the pregnancy progresses, the mother’s body undergoes various changes and can experience discomfort and stress. A prenatal massage provides a soothing and therapeutic touch that helps alleviate pregnancy-related aches, pains, and tension. It allows the expectant mother to unwind and indulge in self-care while providing a bonding opportunity for the couple. The expert hands of a trained massage therapist create a tranquil setting where both partners can connect and focus on the well-being of the mother and baby. Finding a massage therapist trained in prenatal massage is extremally important. Hand and Stone and Palestra Boutique Spa, are some locations located in Charlotte. We highly recommend calling ahead and speaking to them to make sure they will have a prenatal therapist.
5) Watch a Comedy Show while expecting
Going to a comedy show as a date night while pregnant can be a hilarious and lighthearted experience for expecting couples. Laughter is known to be a great stress reliever and mood booster, making it a perfect choice for an enjoyable evening out. Look for comedy shows that offer a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere, preferably with seating options that prioritize the comfort of the expectant mother. Sit back, relax, and let the comedians entertain you with witty jokes and funny anecdotes. Sharing laughs creates a joyful and positive atmosphere. We recommend not going too late into your pregnancy as laughing too much has been said to induce labor and increase baby activity in some women! Just check with the venue about any restrictions or guidelines for pregnant attendees. The Comedy Zone and The Fillmore are our favorite locations in Charlotte!
6) Enjoy an Outdoor Movie as your pre-baby date
Want to enjoy the great outdoors without doing too much? Enjoy a movie under the stars! Crossroads Cinema has Free Outdoor Movies at Camp North End All Summer long! From Footloose to The Princess Bride and even Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, there will be a movie for everyone. Bring a comfy seat for the momma-to-be, some snacks, and a nice blanket to snuggle in. They also have retro games to play while waiting for the movie to start! Check out the whole movie list here.
7) Watch a Live Show
Watching a live show can be a fantastic date night option for expecting couples, providing you with an enjoyable and memorable experience. Whether it’s a theater performance, musicals, or a concert, live entertainment offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the arts. Seek out venues with comfortable seating options and consider opting for shows with shorter durations to accommodate the expectant mother’s comfort. Knight’s Theater and Ovens Auditorium are two great options in Charlotte! They have many different show types and have events happening all the time. Enjoy the anticipation and excitement of the event together, savoring the shared experience and the emotions it evokes.
8) Host a Game Night
We all know that sometimes you want to stay at home, especially later in your pregnancy. A game night offers the perfect opportunity to bond and create lasting memories together and with friends. Set up a cozy, inviting atmosphere with soft pillows, blankets, and ambient lighting. Choose some of your favorite card games or trivia for a fun night with friends. Serve delicious mocktails and pregnancy-friendly snacks. This intimate and enjoyable date night allows you to engage in friendly competition, laughter, and conversation, all while celebrating this extraordinary chapter in your lives.
9) Go on a hike… or nice hot mom walk
If you want to take an active approach to your date, go on a hike! Whether you drive to Ashville or stay close to home and visit our local greenways, like Anne Springs Greenway, Little Sugar Creek Greenway or Cane Creek Park, you will surely get a good walk-in. Choosing which path to follow will be essential depending on your activity level or how far along you are. It’s also a great way to try to induce labor if that’s what you’re going for!
10) Have a Maternity Photoshoot
Having a maternity photoshoot with NicSo Studio is an excellent choice for expecting couples seeking a truly exceptional experience. With professional hair and makeup services, we ensure that you look and feel your best for the photoshoot. The studio also offers a selection of stunning couture gowns, making you feel like an actual maternity model. We provide faux Champagne and snacks to enhance the celebratory atmosphere, creating a luxurious and enjoyable setting. The most exciting part is the artwork we create, capturing your perfect baby bump in timeless photographs. This experience allows partners to celebrate their love and anticipation while creating lasting memories. With the guidance and expertise of the NicSo Studio team, you can rest assured of capturing the essence of your journey and having beautiful artwork that encapsulates the joy and anticipation of this remarkable time in your life.
