The Last Weeks of Pregnancy- 7 Things to have in Mind

Overview

The last few weeks of pregnancy can be hard. Physically because our belly is already huge and gets in the way everywhere, our feet may be swollen, and if it`s summer – oh the heat…

But what makes it even harder is the anticipation and the lots and lots of thoughts going on in our minds…

On this Page

  • Coping with late pregnancy- physically and mentally
  • Why a birth plan?
  • Early signs of labor
  • False and real contractions
  • When to leave for the hospital
  • What to pack in your hospital bag
  • To-do list
  • Fun activities for the last weeks

What we don`t know…

  • when exactly to expect our baby
  • how long we are going to be in labor
  • if we might have a c-section
  • how we will get along especially if it`s our first child
  • how our other kids may react and behave toward the baby

How can we get our minds off the thoughts?

  • write a to-do list
  • think about a birth plan
  • have some fun activities
last weeks of pregnacy

1. Help our body cope with late pregnancy

The Belly

It is really great to massage it with moisturizing creams or oils such as olive or almond oil to increase blood circulation and prevent dry skin which will we be uncomfortable as your skin stretches with your growing belly

You will find a large supply of stretch mark creams and oils in every price range, but don`t be too quick to spend your money- according to the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology there have been no proven studies on any effect those products have in prevention or treatment.

The legs and feet

As to swollen feet cold showers help and whenever you can take a break and put up your feet to rest and reverse blood flow.

If you have a tendency for enlarged veins you may consult your physician about compression vein socks. Those look nothing else but regular stockings and you wear them during the day. In summer this can be a little uncomfortable and annoying but just keep in mind that you want your legs to be beautiful and vein free after your baby is born. And the feeling of heavy legs as it gets later in the day? Forget about it- as the socks prevent your blood from flowing down and staying in your feet they cannot get heavy and tired anymore! As soon as you get used to them you won`t be comfortable without them anymore.

Contact your physician or simply order your socks online after you make sure you know what exact size you need- they have to fit really tight or they won’t do their job.

Fatigue

And what about fatigue? According to the American Pregnancy Association, we should rest frequently, do moderate exercise to keep our bodies in shape, and maintain a balanced, nutritious diet with lots of water.

Sleep

If you have trouble sleeping because you usually sleep on your belly or back, a pregnancy pillow is an absolute must-have for you! It helps relax your whole body and really find a good sleep

2. Write a birth plan

The closer due-day comes, the more we think about how it will be. Many women choose to write a birth plan.

First, writing down something always helps us sort our thoughts and plans and get things off our minds without having a feeling of losing them.

Second, if we don`t have a doula to talk to the staff- we will arrive at the hospital in labor, stressed out and in a rush and there will be no time left to talk. We just hand over the plan.

3. When to expect our baby- Early signs of labor

So we have a due date but that doesn`t mean we know when our baby will be coming. Usually, babies are born between weeks 37 and 42. But what are the signs of upcoming labor?

  • Lightening
  • When our baby is ready to come out it will drop into a lower position and this will make us feel lighter and free
  • Lower back pain and cramping
  • We might feel cramping in our pelvic and rectal area
  • Bloody vaginal discharge:
  • The mucous plug which blocks our cervix during pregnancy for protection gets discharged a few weeks, days, or even hours before labor.
  • Diarrhea
  • Lots of women have frequent stool loss before or while going into labor.
  • The water breaks

4. How can we tell the difference between real and false contractions?

  • Real contractions get more intensive with time
  • Real contractions are felt in the back
  • Real contractions do not change or go away if you move
  • Real contractions have an exact frequency that gets shorter with ongoing labor

5. Go to the hospital immediately, if

  • Leaking of amniotic fluid
  • Bleeding
  • Decreased movement of the baby

6. The Hospital Bag

When to pack

  • As we mentioned above after week 37 its time of delivery could be anything from a few hours to one whole month so by then you should have packed your hospital bag. Only leave out things for daily use like toiletries.

What to pack

Of course, each one likes and needs to have different things but here is a list of things that are simply useful in my experience and some must-haves:

  • Identity and/or other paperwork required
  • Flip flops or house shoos to walk around
  • Almond oil ( helps a great deal during birth)
  • Comfortable Nursing Bra
  • Nursing clothes or cover if you like
  • Swaddle ( babies like to be swaddled and hospitals tend to be cold)
  • Disposable underwear or tight boxers that won`t leak
  •  (healthy) Snacks ( you will be so hungry after delivery)
  • Charger
  • Something to read (in between visitors it can get boring)
  • The home-going outfit for you and the baby
  • Comfortable but also nice clothes for you if you don`t want to walk around in robes all the time
  • MakeUp – as a fresh Mom it`s nice to look fresh and neat and it will make you feel great
  • Toiletries
  • The day we go home we have to bring the car seat

The last few weeks of the 3rd trimester of pregnancy may make us uptight, nervous, and stressed out. If we already left work we might be full of anticipation and can`t wait for it to happen if we`re planning on working right to the end we may be afraid of not getting everything ready before it is going to happen.

3rd trimester baby belly

7. The To-do List

  • We should try and get everything ready by week 34.
  • have the house or apartment cleaned thoroughly
  • prepare the nursery
  • washed and prepared everything for the baby
  • have all the shopping done
  • pack our bag
  • take pictures
  • As soon as we`re finished with the big stuff by week 37 or 38, we can calm down, relax and wait for the baby to come without being worried.

Fun activities for the last bit of waiting

And just in case we get bored or impatient while waiting here is a list of things to do to pass the time:

  • Read a book
  • Have your nails done
  • Have your hair done
  • Go shopping alone (if there are no other small kids)
  • Prenatal Yoga
  • Sleep a lot
  • Prepare meals for the freezer you can just warm them once the baby is born
  • Watch our belly moving and daydream about our wonderful baby
  • Take special pictures of you, your belly, and the siblings if there are
  • Family photos and funny before and after photos and videos

Childbirth is one life experience you have ahead of you. Listen to your own body and enjoy every minute of it.

References