By the time you make it to the third trimester of pregnancy, there are behaviors, some more pleasant than others, that come to be expected.
Trying to waddle walk anywhere, even if it’s just across the room, will be slow. If you are walking with someone who is ready to have a baby, don’t mock her for being slow!
If I feel the need to eat ice cream every.single.night. I’m allowed. Especially if it’s the middle of summer!
Yes, I just went to the bathroom 20 minutes ago. And yes, I need to go again! You’d feel the same way if someone was literally doing handstands on your bladder!
Exhaustion hits again during the last few weeks. People say it gets you ready for being up at all hours when the baby is born, but I think it’s just rude! Use every chance you have to take a nap while you can!
Please don’t tell me how big I look or tell me I look like I could have my baby any moment. I’m well aware of my due date, thankyouverymuch, and yes, I know how big my belly is. Either tell me how great I look, or don’t say anything at all!
Now that we’ve established what to expect when you’re in your last few weeks of pregnancy, here are some things I can’t live without as the D-day approaches!
Tums. Heartburn is a reality for me at this stage of pregnancy, and I keep a bottle on my nightstand and usually in my purse, too!
Pregnancy pillow. Sleep is hard to come by at the end. People say it gets you ready for waking up at night with the baby, but that doesn’t make it any easier! There are several options for pregnancy pillows out there. I have a Snoogle. I think I started using it when I hit 20 weeks, and now I don’t leave home without it! I love that it supports my back and stomach. Yes, it’s a little awkward, and sometimes my hubby feels like there’s a third person in the bed, but I say it’s worth it!
Comfortable clothes. By the end of pregnancy even your maternity clothes stop being comfortable. Find a few shirts and bottoms that work and wear them every day. For me it’s long tank tops, loose skirts or shorts, and shoes I can easily slide on.
Water. It’s important to stay hydrated when you’re pregnant. Sure, it means you’ll be visiting the bathroom even more, but baby needs water! Especially on these hot days.
A massage. By this point, you’ve been carrying an extra 20-plus pounds for almost nine months. Treat yourself to a prenatal massage—I recommend finding a masseuse with a special table that you will let you lay on your belly!
Patience! The last few weeks before the baby is born feel like the longest. It’s a strange mix of anticipation and anxiety. Sure, you have a date circled on the calendar when the little one is “supposed” to make his or her appearance, but really that’s just a guess (unless you have a scheduled C-section, but even then, babies have a mind of their own!). I got lucky with my first and he was born on his due date. I went into labor with my second late on his due date and he was born the next morning, but that doesn’t mean this time around will be the same!
A word of advice to expecting mamas: don’t tell yourself you’re going to have the baby early. It will only make the last days and weeks drag by that much more slowly! And don’t be discouraged if your due date comes and goes and you’re still waiting for baby. Be thankful you were able to carry your little one full term! So many mamas with babes in the NICU would love to be in your shoes!
Our water park opens up the lazy river for water walking from 11-1 every day. I use my lunch hour 2-3 times a week to exercise. It is the only thing preventing my feet from swelling up right now and it feels good to exercise without taxing my body so much.