Those last few weeks of pregnancy are tough. Physically, your belly has grown larger than you ever thought imaginable. Isn’t it amazing that your child has been growing in there, and your body supporting him? Emotionally most women are just done and want labour to start. Endless questions from family, friends and strangers asking “when is the baby due” have got you feeling like this pregnancy is never going to end. Remember that your due date is called an estimated due date and babies sometime need more time. So, here are some things you can do to enjoy and cherish these precious days before life gets a bit more chaotic with a newborn!
- Plan lunch, dinner, or coffee dates with friends. It might be a while before you will have time to do this again so relish these moments to connect with the people you love. Their conversation and company will surely keep your mind off of due dates and labour and the enjoyment might just get some oxytocin moving through your body!
- Pamper yourself! Book a massage, pedicure, hair cut, whatever suits you and let yourself relax and enjoy. It’s unlikely you will have a chance to do any of this type of self-care once baby is here and why not start labour rested and refreshed.
- Speaking of refreshed….TAKE NAPS! Take many naps, lots of naps! The better rested you are when labour starts the more energy you will have to bring baby earth side.
- DANCE! Put on your favourite booty-shaking songs and dance away. This movement will help you relax all of your muscles around your pelvis and get baby into an optimal position. Plus dancing just makes you feel good!
- Make love! There I said it. Sexual intercourse is known to help soften your cervix as semen contains prostaglandins and the uterine contractions during an orgasm release oxytocin which help during labour. If this sounds like the furthest thing from what you would enjoy this late in your pregnancy how about a snuggle and some smooching. That would also be beneficial in getting labour going and a great way for you and your partner to connect before most of your attention is needed to care for your baby.
I know this is a difficult stage but remember that you will soon be staring into the eyes of your new baby!