You’re almost there mama! How excited and tired are you all at the same time? Yup! that’s the third trimester for ya. With both of my pregnancies I was full of energy in the beginning of my third trimester. But, once the ending was approaching, I was over it, I was tired and just wanted to meet my babies. You are probably feeling one way or the other, but since we can’t sit around wishing to give birth. I am sharing with you these awesome and smart ways you can prepare for baby the last few weeks of pregnancy.
The last few weeks of pregnancy may seem and feel like a drag and never ending. But, take this time to re-check a few things you have crossed off of your to-do list and make sure you have everything ready for your baby’s arrival. With both of my pregnancies, I tripled checked my hospital bags, I made sure I had enough diapers, wipes, baby bottles and more! It gave me peace of mind and my stress levels definitely decreased.
Bringing home a newborn is scary, amazing and you will soon find out that all of your time is devoted to your baby. Being prepared for baby the last few weeks of pregnancy will help you truly enjoy your new role. You are welcoming this new stage of life with opened arms and with zero stress because you’re not running to the store to get a baby item you forgot to purchase. Say hello to a couple of weeks of hibernation once baby is here, the best part is that you will be prepared for it!
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16 smart ways to prepare for baby the last few weeks of pregnancy
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1.Pack and re-check your hospital bag
Are you hospital bag ready? I hope you are, but if you’re not, don’t worry you can pack your hospital bag right now. It’s important to have your hospital bag packed and ready to go because you can give birth any day now. You are in your last trimester of pregnancy which mean your due date is approaching. Some moms can give birth two weeks before their due dates and some give birth past their due dates. Either way, it’s always best to be prepared, That’s why I wrote a post all about what you need to pack in your hospital and I also included a free checklist!
2. Have you checked your third trimester to do list?
I like to write to do lists in my planner to help me be more organized and to actually get whatever it is that I want to get done. You can totally write down a checklist during your pregnancy of the tings that you want to get done. Lucky for you, I have written two different pregnancy checklists. One for your second trimester and another for your third trimester of pregnancy. Check them out!
3. Clean your house
When you bring your new baby home, the last thing on your mind should be to clean your house. So, take that hassle out right now and clean your house. Of course, you may want to do this exciting task when you have the energy to do so. Take advantage of the days that you are feeling great and energized and ask your hubby to help you. A clean house can automatically put you in a great mood and having a clean house for your baby is priceless.
4. Stock up on freezer meals
Do you still feel energized? How about cleaning your freezer out and filling it up with freezer meals? Yes girl! You will be so happy that you have a few dinners ready for you and your family to eat and enjoy, once baby is home. Nobody and I mean nobody got time to cook when you’re taking care of a newborn, well at least for the first week or two. There are a lot of food that freezes up perfectly life casseroles, lasagna, breakfast sandwiches and more! This freezer meal cookbook offers 150 freezer meal recipes, easy and delicious for you to enjoy after birth.
5. Have you tried kegels yet?
Well what are kegels you may be asking yourself? Kegel are exercises that strengthens your pelvic floor muscles and therefor helping you have an easier childbirth. According to the American Pregnancy Association, toning these muscles can minimize two common problems during pregnancy, which are decreased bladder control and hemorrhoids. There you go mama, Kegel exercises it is! Here are 5 simple kegel exercises you can do today.
6. Stock up on non-baby items
Did you know that not only do you need to stock up on baby items, you also need to stock up on non-baby items? Yup! House hold items also deserves your attention mama and I’m here to help you. Some of these important items include, plastic cups and plates, hand sanitizer, paper towel and more! These are super important and here’s a quick list of all of the non-baby items you need to stock up on before your baby arrives!
7. DIY Padsicles
You can totally make your own padscicles at home. Post-partum padsicles are basically soothing ice-packs for your lady parts after you have giving birth. All you need is water and witch hazel and pop it in the freezer. You can also do them in advanced and that way, once you arrive from the hospital you can put them on. Here’s a quick guide on how to make them.
8. Breastfeeding ready
If you plan on breastfeeding, now is the time to get comfortable on how to breastfeed and learn all of the basics. You do not need to wait for your baby to be here, you can simply take the Milkology online breastfeeding class, how amazing is that!? Yes! You will learn how to breastfeed like a pro in just 90 minutes. It’s a self paced online class where you learn at your own time. Have a bonding experience with your partner, so he/she can also learn all about the breastfeeding journey you are going to embark in.
Milkology will help you eliminate your fears about breastfeeding, whether you’re worried about the pain, not having enough milk or you simply fear it won’t work for you. Stacey the instructor will guide you every step of the way, so you can be confident about your lactation goals!
9. Do not get impatient
Yes being in the third trimester of pregnancy can seem never ending and you might even feel worst than you felt in your first trimester ( who am I kidding?). Just give yourself some grace and be patient. Try to take it one day at a time and just remember that your baby will come out when she/he is ready. Try to enjoy these last few weeks of pregnancy.
10. Birth affirmations
Birth affirmation is a powerful and positive way for moms to feel empowered throughout their pregnancy, birth and postpartum period. It helps moms feel encouraged and confident about their pregnancies, labor and delivery and post-partum. Reading birth affirmations can be something that works for you and can make your feel ready for the arrival of your child. You can start with this deck of 50 cards of words of affirmation. Just remember to keep an open mind that unexpected things can happen during labor and delivery.
11. Labor playlist
I have heard about having a labor playlist but never actually did one for myself. Lazy much? But maybe this is something that you may be interested in and so I recommend it. Think about, having your favorite type of music playing in the background while you give birth? I love that idea. It can be a slow calming song, your wedding song or a song that makes you happy and stress free. The point of having your own labor playlist is to help you relax and help you get through the tough stages of labor.
12. Go on dates
You will soon have a new baby in your arms which you will be totally gushing over and I don’t blame you. Since date nights will most likely be at the back burner for a while, take advantage now that you can go out with your partner. Enjoy each other’s company, talk about being parents for the first time or third time. Bond and enjoy these moments mom because you won’t be going out on dates as often as you can after baby arrives. Speaking from the truth and of course experience 😉
13. Rest as much as you can
Feeling tired and exhausted? It’s time to take it easy and relax when your body is asking you to. Take a nap or just lay down on your bed or your pregnancy body pillow (so comfortable!) for a while. You do not need to be on the go go go every single time. It’s okay to sleep, to rest because your body needs it and so do you.
14. Prenatal online classes
Okay, so I honestly wished I had this online prenatal class 5 or 10 years ago when I was pregnant for the first and second time. It would have saved me a lot of fears and concerns I had. Imagine having a prenatal instructor right in the comfort of your home? Umm, yes please! You do not need to go outside, be at a specific time and place in order to go to a prenatal class. You can take your prenatal class whenever you want. Your partner can totally participate too because it’s online!
This online prenatal class for couples is taught by Hilary who is an experienced nurse and who have seen thousands of births! She will teach you everything from how to know you are in labor, what happens in a vaginal or C-section delivery, will you feel pain and more! Everything there is to know about labor and delivery, this course has it!
15. Induce labor
Is your due date approaching and you are just over being pregnant? Or even better, are you past due? Well mama, how about trying to naturally induce your labor at home? Here are 4 easy ways you can naturally induce your labor.
16. Enjoy it!
It can seem like you’re pregnant for a long time, which you are. But, I promise you, you are going to think it went by super fast. Enjoy every minute of it, while you can and appreciate the state that you are in. Go out on walks, write on your pregnancy journal, take pictures and soak it all in because it’s going to be over before you know it. You are carrying your precious baby and soon you will be holding your newborn. Life is amazing!
Quick recap:
The last few weeks of your third trimester is moving fast, all of a sudden you are second guessing if you have everything that you need for your baby. I get it, I’ve been there too girl! This helpful and smart list is going to help you get a few last minute things out of the way in order for you to be ready for your baby in the last few weeks of pregnancy.
Just remember that even though you might be feeling miserable, you are over being pregnant and just want your baby to be here, it is very important to be prepared. So keep this handy reminder in mind and let’s get these things done for the sake of you and your baby 🙂
- Pack and re-check your hospital bag
- Third trimester to do list’
- Clean your house
- Freezer meals
- Kegels exercises
- Stock up on non-baby items
- DIY padscicles
- Breastfeeding online class
- Do not be impatient
- Birth affirmations
- Labor playlist
- Go out on dates
- Rest as much as you can
- Take a prenatal online class
- Induce labor naturally
- Enjoy the last few weeks of being pregnant
Okay mama, I hope this list can help you relax, be productive and get things done in the last few weeks of your pregnancy. It goes by super fast and having these things ready and done will make you feel less stressed and happy. Happy pregnant wife, equals happy married life!
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These are awesome! I love the one about birth affirmations. I used pregnancy affirmations during my last pregnancy and they made a big difference!
Thanks Chelsea! I’m so happy birth affirmation worked for you, I think it’s amazing and wished I had done it with both of my pregnancies.