Are you kinda dreading the last few months of pregnancy?
Feeling like you can't do anything right and just want to hibernate until it's over?
I get it! The last trimester of pregnancy is definitely not the easiest, but it doesn't have to be a total drag.
Of course there are the typical things you’ll find in any blog post about the things you need to do in your final trimester to prepare for the new baby – but what about YOU? How can you legitimately ENJOY these final weeks of pregnancy?
Here are my 10 secrets to actually enjoying your last trimester in Central & Western Maine.
1. Prenatal yoga and fitness
Prenatal yoga is a wonderful way to stay active during your pregnancy, especially in the last trimester when it can be difficult to get around. Not only does prenatal yoga help you to stay fit and toned, but it can also help to relieve many of the common discomforts of pregnancy, such as back pain, nausea, and fatigue.
Prenatal yoga can help you to prepare for labor and childbirth by teaching you breathing and relaxation techniques. As a result, prenatal yoga is an excellent choice for you if you want to stay physically and mentally healthy during your pregnancy.
2. Babymoon or staycation
If you’re like most parents-to-be, the arrival of your new baby has you excited but also a little anxious. There’s so much to do to get ready, right!?
That's why more and more couples are choosing to take a babymoon or staycation before baby comes.
If you're thinking of doing the same, here are a few tips to help you plan the perfect trip.
- Choose a destination you’re less likely to visit after the baby is born.
- Plan to relax! This probably isn’t the time for a bunch of activities and itineraries :)
- Go early in your 3rd trimester if possible
3. Journal about your favorite things that have happened this pregnancy.
It’s easy to think you’ll remember cute stories or fun things that happened this pregnancy, but once the baby arrives (and the years after) it can become a blur.
Use these prompts to remember some of your favorite pregnancy memories in your journal:
- When did you first feel your baby move? Where were you? Who did you tell? What did it feel like? How do YOU feel?
- When did your belly “pop?”
- What was one of your favorite gifts you received?
- What was some of the best advice you got?
- Did you choose a nursery theme? Why did you choose that theme or color scheme?
- How did you choose your baby’s name? Is there a funny or eventful story there?
4. Schedule prenatal massage
Prenatal massage is a wonderful way to nurture yourself and your baby during pregnancy. It can help to ease the aches and pains that are common in the last trimester, as well as promote relaxation and a sense of wellbeing. Massage can also help to reduce stress levels, which can be beneficial for both you and your baby. If you are looking for a way to relax and connect with your baby during the last few weeks of pregnancy, prenatal massage may be just what you need!
5. Start planning for your maternity leave and how you want to spend that time home with the new baby
This one isn’t quite as fun, but if you’re anything like me, planning for what’s coming up is actually relaxing.
One of the most important things to consider is how you will manage your maternity leave. If you are lucky enough to have paid leave, then you will need to decide how long you want to take off. For many women in the US, you can take around 6 weeks off work to bond with the new baby and recover from childbirth.
Talk to your employer, team and/or peers to decide who will take over your tasks while you’re gone. Don’t try to check e-mails or work during this time!
Once you have figured out the logistics of your leave, it's time to start thinking about how you will spend that time (since you won’t be checking emails or working).
For many mothers, this is a chance to slow down and truly savor all of the little moments with their newborn. It can be a special time to bond with your baby and establish a routine that works for both of you. Of course, it's also important to make time for yourself during this transition! Click here to read more on this topic (How to Enjoy the first 2 Weeks with Your Newborn)!
6. Hire a housecleaner
Being a new mom is hard enough without having to worry about keeping the house clean. Between feedings, diaper changes, and trying to get some rest, the last thing you want to do is spend your time scrubbing toilets. A housecleaner can take on those time-consuming chores so that you can focus on taking care of yourself and your baby. In addition, a clean and orderly home can help reduce stress levels and create a more soothing environment for both you and your child. If you're feeling overwhelmed after giving birth, consider hiring a housecleaner to help you out. It may just be the best decision you ever make.
7. Prenatal chiro visit
Prenatal chiropractic care is a gentle, non-invasive form of health care that can be extremely beneficial for pregnant women, especially during the last trimester.
Chiropractors are trained to work with pregnant women and their changing bodies, and they can help to ease many common pregnancy discomforts such as back pain, headaches, and nausea.
In addition, chiropractic care can help to improve uterine function and position the baby in the optimal position for delivery!
As a result, prenatal chiropractic care can help to ensure a healthy and comfortable pregnancy for both mother and child. If you are pregnant and looking for ways to improve your health and wellbeing, consider making an appointment with a trained prenatal chiropractor.
8. Buy a polaroid camera
You know those blank spots in maternity journals and baby books for photos that never get filled? Snag yourself a polaroid camera (or one that instantly prints photos for you).
Of course nothing replaces professional photos, but having something tangible and printed from your day-to-day life is so valuable (and makes filling out the baby books so much easier!)
Speaking of photos…
9. Get professional maternity portraits done
Maternity portraits are such a special way to remember this amazing time in your life. Your body is doing something incredible- it's growing and nurturing a new human being.
Maternity portraits are the perfect way to capture not only how you look on the outside during this time, but also the joy, love, and hope that you're feeling on the inside!
These photos will be treasured by you and your family for years to come, and will be a beautiful reminder of this unique chapter in your life.
Professional maternity photographers know how to pose and light you in a flattering way, so that you can feel confident and radiant in your photos. They will also help you to relax and enjoy the experience, so that you can savor this precious time. Booking a professional maternity portrait session is an investment that you won't regret!
10. Get a haircut and a pedicure!
Some may say that getting a haircut and pedicure in your third trimester is a luxury. But, I believe that it is essential for a mother-to-be's well-being. A professional can help us to feel pampered and fresh - like ourselves again. And the massage that comes along with many haircuts and pedicures can help to relieve some of the aches and pains that come along with pregnancy. It is important to remember that taking care of ourselves during this time is not selfish - it is necessary. So go ahead and book that appointment, you deserve it!
The last few months of pregnancy don’t have to be awful! There are plenty of things you can do to make the experience more enjoyable. Did I miss something? Feel free to share your own tips in the comments.
I hope this post will help you enjoy your final weeks of pregnancy as much as possible!
