Those final weeks of pregnancy when you’re “waiting” around for baby’s arrival can feel like an eternity. From about 37 weeks on it could be any moment!… or it could be another month… Wow.
In my experience, what you do with yourself in those final days and weeks can be a game changer for your mental and physical wellbeing as you enter your birthing time.
Here are my top tips for how to navigate those final days when you’re “still pregnant.”
1 Don’t over think it
Unless your healthcare provider has said otherwise, you have nothing to worry about! It’s okay that you’re still pregnant. In fact, it’s wonderful. Enjoy your final time with baby on the inside. Don’t feel pressure for baby to come because of hospital policies, doctor pressures, comments from friends or family, etc. Trust that baby will come in their own time. If you are okay being pregnant right now (meaning you don’t have any serious concerns or discomfort), then there’s nothing you need to do right now other than enjoy the ride!
2 Stay busy
Having been in this situation, I know that us mamas can go a little crazy at the end waiting for baby to come! It’s hard to explain to others but you know it when you experience it. Keeping your mind busy can definitely help with this and ease any anxiety that may be building. Mini household, garden, or art projects that can be abandoned at any time are the best. Choose something fun that feels good doing, but isn’t sapping your energy or stressing you out. Here’s a few examples: plant some flowers in your garden (you may have to get another family member to agree to water them for the first month!). Make an art project with your other children. Reorganize part of your closet. Write in your journal, or write a note to your baby. Play an instrument. Create a mandala with natural treasures from your yard. Set up a birth altar if you haven’t done so yet (this can just be a specially decorated space in your home where you’ll be for part of labor). Record a video of you talking to baby through your belly. Make a postpartum door sign for visitors if you haven’t done this yet! Learn more about this activity here.
3 Stay rested
As truly helpful as it can be to keep yourself preoccupied, you should also take every opportunity that you can to rest. Go to sleep early. Take naps. Kick your feet up. Life is about to change big time. Take advantage of this time to enjoy some sweet rest!
4 Continue eating healthy foods
You know I could talk about this one all day! Just cause it’s the end of your pregnancy, don’t give up on your healthy habits now! Your baby is still getting all of their nutrients through your food (and your body). And, very importantly, you will need sustained energy from food when your labor begins. You’ll be thankful you’ve been eating those nutrient dense foods when you’re birthing time begins, because it can take a lot of work from your body.
5 Continue light exercise
Exercise is so important during pregnancy and staying active during those final days will help keep your body limber (yes please for labor!). Definitely don’t overdo this one though. Since labor could really begin anytime, we want to make sure we have energy reserved for this. Light exercise like walking around the block, prenatal yoga, gardening, gentle swimming, and playing with your kids is perfect.
Sending you lots of love!
Above all else remember to listen to your body and heart, and to trust the process!