Time may never seem to move more slowly than those final weeks before your baby is born.
Sure, the first trimester may have been a bit maddening with the morning sickness and constant worries about whether or not the baby is okay. But the last month of pregnancy is filled with its own literal aches and pains. From Braxton Hicks contractions and swollen ankles to the constant urge to urinate, the weeks leading up to your baby’s birth are no easy feat.
How’s an expecting mama expected to survive?
Hack #1: Gather the essentials
Remember that 40 weeks is only a general guideline as to when your newest addition is expected to arrive. Rarely are babies born at exactly 40 weeks, with the majority being welcomed into the world somewhere between 37 and 42 weeks gestation.
Prepare everything before that 37-week point, so you don’t have to stress about having it ready when those contractions start.
For baby: laundered onesies, singlets, muslin wraps, wipes and newborn-sized nappies
For mum: basic toiletries, maternity pads, nursing pads, comfortable clothes, and entertainment items (a good book or e-reader, a tablet, magazines, etc.)
Hack #2: Drink lots of water
Yes, you’re already rushing to the loo every hour on the hour. But drinking a steady amount of water is incredibly beneficial for you and your baby:
- Drinking water helps transport essential nutrients to you and your bubs
- Staying hydrated can reduce muscle cramps and swelling
- Water prevents constipation
Hack #3: Stretch and get moving
Gentle stretching is key when it comes to staying limber and comfortable. Prenatal yoga is a fantastic way to help alleviate cramping and boost circulation, and it can even help keep nausea at bay.
As tempting as it may be to kick your feet up and stay sitting, make exercise a priority. While your doctor won’t suggest hitting it hard at the gym, he or she will likely recommend daily walks.
Hack #4: Sleep as you’ve never slept before
With your belly now being larger than ever, sleep is likely quite a bit more difficult to come by. Whenever possible, lie down and try to take a nap. Even a 10 to 20-minute snooze will help you feel well rested and energised.
Having trouble getting comfortable? Here are some bonus sleep hacks:
- Invest in a body or pregnancy pillow
- If you suffer from heartburn, try using a pillow to prop up your upper body
- Whenever possible, lie on your left-hand side (this is beneficial to you and your baby)
Hack #5: Get in some quality family time
Your life is about to get a whole lot busier. Take the time now to go on a date or two with your partner. Spend some bonus time with your older kids at the park or the movies. Planning these trips will help everyone get ready for baby while keeping your mind occupied during these last few weeks.
Hack #6: Explore new recipes for dinner
Cooking and preparing meals with a newborn is not an easy endeavour. Start researching new and delicious freezer-friendly meals that you can stash away for after the baby comes. There are also a number of “30 minutes or less” recipe books and websites out there that you will be glad you found before your bub arrives.
Hack #7: Have your postpartum wardrobe ready
Bra extenders and belly bands are a cost-effective way to get more life out of your existing clothes.
At Peachymama, we also offer discount nursing bundles that are perfect for after your little one arrives. You can choose from a variety of foundational breastfeeding clothes like tanks, tees, and long-sleeved shirts that make building a postpartum wardrobe quick and easy while keeping you comfortable and fashionable.
Photo by Janko Ferlič on Unsplash
Further Reading:
https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/sleeping-positions-during-pregnancy/