Last week, I wrote about some of the best advice I’ve heard from Oh Baby! Fitness Moms about preparing for the first few weeks after labor. I’ve also been given a lot of advice on how to remain (relatively) comfortable during the last few weeks of pregnancy.
The last weeks of pregnancy can actually be some of the best for pregnant women. In many cases, moms have reached a bit of a zen state. They may be more physically uncomfortable then other stages of pregnancy, but they are also pretty mentally ready.
That being said, there are a lot of things that moms have said that helped them feel more calm and happy during those last few weeks. Here is their advice:
1- Work as long as you can. Nearly all of our clients say that working right up until delivery really helps with stress and anxiety—sometimes having a lot to do can be a great distraction from worrying about the big events ahead. Of course, some moms have pregnancy conditions (sciatica, early contractions) that keep them from working. Generally though, we’ve heard again and again that if you can work, do.
2- Keep moving and exercising. This can seem really counter intuitive– many people will be saying to rest, put your feet up, eat and sleep. What they don’t know though is that exercise is one of the best ways to combat some of the most uncomfortable and irritating parts of the last few weeks of pregnancy. Exercise (particularly yoga and water aerobics) will help with swelling, back pain and sleeplessness.
3- Sleep however and where ever you can. Couch? Desk? Middle of the day? La-Z-Boy? Surrounded by 12 pillows? Backseat of your car at lunch? We’ve heard it all. Do what works. Between peeing every 30 minutes, hip pain and your brain spinning — thinking about the upcoming birth, it’s going to be hard enough to get ANY sleep. Get it however and where ever you can.
4- Think about an easy birth. But not too much. There will be days where everyone around you is asking “Is it time? is it time? are you scared? Are you contracting? Is it time??” As much as you can, leave the worrying to them. Enjoy the last few weeks with your baby literally connected to you, and try not to focus too much on the mechanics of how the baby will be born. Easier said than done, but it makes a huge difference in terms of your stress levels the last few weeks of pregnancy.
What do you think? What do you wish you had done differently in the last few weeks of pregnancy? Is there anything that can make this time peaceful and comfortable? Please share below.
Best-
Kathleen
