Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial kickoff to summer in New Jersey. From backyard barbecues and beach trips to parades, family gatherings, and peaceful days at the park, it is a wonderful time to slow down, enjoy loved ones, and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives while serving our country.
But if you are pregnant, newly postpartum, or caring for a newborn, holiday weekends can feel a little different. The heat feels hotter. The travel feels longer. The food table comes with more questions. And sometimes, the best celebration is the one that lets you enjoy the weekend without overdoing it.
Here are some fun, safe, and realistic ways to enjoy Memorial Day Weekend in New Jersey as a new or expecting mom.
1. Choose Cooler, Easier Outdoor Plans
NJ weather can warm up quickly by Memorial Day Weekend. If you are pregnant, heat and humidity may make you feel tired, dizzy, swollen, or uncomfortable faster than usual. AOG recommends that pregnant women stay well hydrated, wear loose-fitting clothing, and avoid exercising outdoors when it is very hot or humid.
Instead of planning a full day in direct sun, try:
- A morning walk at a local park
- A shaded picnic before noon
- A short visit to the beach instead of an all-day stay
- An outdoor brunch instead of a late-afternoon barbecue
- A parade or memorial service with a chair, water bottle, and exit plan
Pregnancy is not the time to “push through” extreme heat. If you feel lightheaded, short of breath, overheated, or unusually weak, get inside, hydrate, and call your provider if symptoms continue.
2. Make the Jersey Shore Pregnancy-Friendly
A Memorial Day Weekend beach trip can still be fun while pregnant or with a newborn. The key is to keep it simple.
Pack a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, extra water, loose clothing, healthy snacks, and a beach umbrella. Sit close enough to bathrooms and parking so you are not stuck taking long walks in the heat. If you are very pregnant, consider skipping crowded boardwalk times and choosing quieter morning hours.
For new moms bringing a baby, shade is essential. Babies can overheat quickly, and newborns should not be in direct sun for long periods. A shaded stroller, lightweight clothing, and frequent feeding breaks can help make the trip more comfortable.
3. Be Smart at the BBQ Table
Memorial Day Weekend and BBQ food go together, but pregnancy adds a few food safety rules.
The CDC recommends that pregnant women avoid unheated deli meats, cold cuts, hot dogs, and dry sausages unless they are heated to 165°F or steaming hot. Poultry should be cooked to 165°F, ground meats to 160°F, and whole cuts of beef, pork, lamb, or veal to 145°F with rest time.
Pregnancy-friendly BBQ tips:
- Choose freshly grilled meats that are cooked thoroughly
- Avoid food that has been sitting outside too long
- Skip unpasteurized cheeses
- Make sure salads with mayo or dairy stay cold
- Wash fruit before eating
- Drink plenty of water between snacks and meals
And yes, you can still enjoy festive food. Grilled chicken, veggie skewers, corn on the cob, watermelon, pasta salad kept cold, and fun mocktails can all make the weekend feel special.
4. Enjoy Seafood Safely
New Jersey summers often mean seafood, and many types of fish can be healthy during pregnancy. The FDA recommends that pregnant or breastfeeding women eat 8 to 12 ounces per week of seafood from lower-mercury choices.
Good options may include salmon, shrimp, tilapia, cod, sardines, and other lower-mercury fish. Avoid high-mercury fish and be cautious with raw seafood. When in doubt, ask your OB/GYN what is best for your pregnancy and personal health history.
5. Create a Mom-Friendly Mocktail Station
You do not need alcohol to enjoy a festive Memorial Day drink. Try a red, white, and blue mocktail station with:
- Sparkling water
- Fresh strawberries
- Blueberries
- Lemon or lime slices
- Mint
- Coconut water
- 100% fruit juice in small amounts
This is especially helpful if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or simply trying to stay hydrated in the heat. Keep a large water bottle nearby and sip throughout the day.
6. Keep Travel Plans Realistic
Memorial Day Weekend traffic in NJ can be intense, especially heading toward the Shore. If you are pregnant, long car rides may be uncomfortable. If you are postpartum, sitting too long may also be difficult, especially after a C-section or complicated delivery.
Make the trip easier by planning bathroom breaks, stretching your legs, packing snacks, and avoiding peak travel when possible. If you are late in pregnancy or have any complications, ask your provider before taking a longer road trip.
7. Say Yes to Low-Key Celebrations
You do not have to attend every party, cook every dish, or stay out all day to make the weekend meaningful.
Some of the best Memorial Day Weekend ideas for pregnant and new moms include:
- A backyard picnic with close family
- Watching a patriotic movie at home
- Taking baby’s first stroller walk in the park
- Visiting a local memorial ceremony briefly
- Having family bring food to you
- Setting up a shaded lawn chair and relaxing
This season of life is beautiful, but it is also physically demanding. Give yourself permission to celebrate in a way that feels peaceful.
8. Protect Yourself from Bugs
Mosquitoes and ticks are part of NJ’s warmer months. The CDC notes that EPA-registered insect repellents, when used as directed, are safe and effective even for pregnant and breastfeeding women. If using sunscreen too, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent after.
You can also reduce bites by wearing light long sleeves in the evening, avoiding standing water, and checking yourself for ticks after wooded or grassy activities.
9. Know When to Call Your OB/GYN
Holiday weekends can be busy, but your health still matters. Call your provider if you experience symptoms such as:
- Heavy bleeding
- Severe abdominal pain
- Decreased fetal movement
- Persistent dizziness or fainting
- Severe headache
- Vision changes
- Chest pain or trouble breathing
- Fever
- Signs of dehydration
- Painful swelling in one leg
For urgent symptoms, seek emergency care.
Celebrate Safely, Mom
Memorial Day Weekend is a time to remember, reflect, and enjoy the beginning of summer with the people you love. Whether you are expecting your first baby, newly postpartum, or adjusting to life with a little one, you can still enjoy the holiday in a way that is fun, safe, and comfortable.
From all of us at Advanced Obstetrics & Gynecology, we wish you a peaceful, healthy, and happy Memorial Day Weekend. For pregnancy, postpartum, or women’s health care in New Jersey, visit AdvancedOBGYNnj.com to learn more, or call 908-806-0080 to schedule an appointment.