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Pregnancy is different for every woman. Some women suffer from all day sickness for what seems like years while other women barely feel nauseous. There are pregnant women who keep working out till the day they give birth while others barely have the energy to get out of bed.
The last trimester however, comes with similar feelings and discomforts for most women. The bump gets bigger and moving becomes more of a challenge. Nervousness and anxiousness underlie every thought about the coming birth of the baby and by this time, most women just want to get it over with.
The last trimester should ideally be a time where you have a clearer state of mind, when you stop to take a look around you and figure out the small things left to do so that when the baby comes the attention can shift towards the needs of this tiny little being. There are three main areas you should dedicate some time to during the last trimester, so you can lead the way to a healthier and more peaceful birthing experience.
The Bump
During the last trimester, your baby is set to move, kick and roll more than the previous two trimesters.
Image credit: milkandlove.com.au
Be more aware of his kicks and movements at this time and keep a close track so that if you notice a decrease in movements you can let your doctor or midwife know immediately to stay on top of things when it comes to the health of the baby.
The knick knacks
Ideally, during your last trimester, you should find the time to tie up any lose strings when it comes to certain things so your mind won’t be filled with more to-dos once the baby is in your arms. First off, make sure you close as much of your work issues, so you can go on leave with your mind at rest.
Have a look at your baby gear and figure out if you have everything you need to make your life easier once the baby is here. Invest in containers and bags; find the best breastfeeding singlets for you so you can feed your child comfortably even when you are not at home.
You don’t have to exhaust yourself running around for last minute errands if you are not up to it. Online baby stores like Bras ‘n Things and Milk and Love are two of the many online shops where you can buy everything you need. When the errands are done, take a look at your house and take care of small issues that you or your partner can solve so your home will be safe, organized and clean and you will have a more calming environment once your baby is here.
The body
Most importantly, the last trimester is the time to give your body the attention and rest it needs. Try to sleep and keep your feet up as much as your schedule permits. Meet up with your friends and unwind or create your own spa night at home and relax with candles and a warm bath. You can also focus on doing prenatal yoga during this time to help you prepare your body for labor and even take walks without pushing yourself too hard.
The last trimester can be looked at as the calm before the storm. Wonderful things are set to come with a new baby but it can also be an overwhelming time so making the last trimester a peaceful one is the best way to step into the next chapter of your life.
Great tips! I’m glad I’m done having babies.
These are great tips! I am not having any more babies (cries) but I will pass these along these tips to friends.
These are all great tips. I am done, but I know these will help lots of mamas out there 🙂
I kept my feet up whenever possible when I was in my last trimester. My ankles and feet were so sore and swollen, and it really helped.
My daughter is in her third trimester of pregnancy right now. We need to look over our baby gear and see what we have left to buy. Thanks for the reminder.
It’s been a long time since I was pregnant. My baby will be 20 this year, but these are all great tips and brought back memories of that time in my life.
I made sure to take maternity photos during my last trimester with all three of my children. It was a great way to cherish that special time.
It is totally the calm before the storm! I just relaxed and tried not to think about labor lol!
Ah… savoring those last moments of kicks and moving around in the belly, I loved putting a plate on my stomach and watching it move around, I was on bedrest at the end so I had to entertain myself lol.
Great tips! I’m almost 16 weeks with #7 and really, really looking forward to the 3rd trimester starting. Seems like forever away though!
I know so many women are glad to reach the 3rd trimester. The tips you shared are great.
I found myself needing a lot more rest during my third trimester. I have a friend who is pregnant right now and will be sharing this post with her.
I’m with the earlier ‘I’m all done’ Ladies but love all of your thoughts. Before I had kids I read madly to gain all the knowledge I could. This post will really help people.
I wish i would have had maternity photos done for my kids. It is so nice to look back at them later. I did a lot of nesting in my third trimester.
Ah I remember that last trimester well. It was so nice to have that prominent movement all of the time. 🙂
The third trimester was always good training for me. I adjusted to the lack of sleep due to an inability to get comfortable. Perfect for having a new baby.
These are such great ideas. I think prenatal yoga is a good thing to try out.
I think for me, I had trouble balancing the rest I needed in the 3rd trimester and all I had to do to get ready for the baby. Great tips!