I’ll preface this post by saying that as soon as I read a title that says I need to do something, I become immediately turned off to the entire post. Maybe it’s the rebellious lady in me or something, but I don’t like being told what I absolutely must do or need to do or what I can’t live without… you get the idea.
And I’m telling you this because I feel so strongly about the advice I’m about to give that I would say that every pregnant woman must do this one thing during her final weeks of pregnancy:
RELAX.
That’s it.
For the last few weeks of this beautiful and uncomfortable time in your life, you should focus on relaxing as much as possible. I mean, think about it, you could go into labor any second! My biggest mistake was not resting more before my labor – and I was deliriously exhausted and miserable by the end of it.
And I get it – during the final weeks of pregnancy you can’t sleep comfortably and you’re anxious and there are a lot of things you maybe should do before the baby comes… but you have 9 months of pregnancy and if things are still on your list as you near your due date, maybe you can either forget about them or delegate the tasks to someone else. Trust me, once the baby gets here you will still be able to tackle household things, and you’ll even be able to shop again! There is really no point to stocking up on every item you’ll need for the next few months – after the baby is born you can send a family member or husband or friend out if you need something and can’t leave your house! Babies are portable and people love to help new moms!
The nursery doesn’t need to be done either, the baby will probably be sleeping in your room anyway! Of course, if you love projects and you love spending time in the nursery and decorating is how you relax – go for it! But I would advise not worrying about it more than necessary.
The last few weeks should all be about you. I wish I had stopped working a bit earlier (I worked until after my due date). I wish I had read more (non-baby-relatead) books. I wish I had watched movies. I was too uncomfortable and tired to go out much, but I wish I hadn’t worried about saving money ‘for the baby’ and had gone out on a few more dates with my husband. I wish I had called more of my long-distance girlfriends on the phone.
I think I was afraid if I slowed down I’d get more anxious about what was in front of me. Labor and delivery and then all of a sudden being a mom is stressful and I get it! But seriously, put down your to-do list, put your feet up, grab a fun drink and book or friend or the remote, and relax – your body and mind and baby will thank you.
This was so refreshing to read! I’m currently in my 17th weekend and already giving myself minor panic attacks over ALL the THINGS that must get done. I needed this reminder to enjoy my last few months as a childless woman, and to make plans to relax and do things for me.
SO MANY THINGS TO DO, but I promise, most of it doesn’t matter and you’ll find time later to get the unimportant stuff done, even if it’s after the baby arrives! The baby/kid related stuff never ends!
This was such a good post! 🙂
Thanks, Natalie!
Such a good reminder! I’m 18 weeks pregnant, and I will definitely keep this in mind:)
Eeeek I just saw that! Definitely keep this link somewhere as a reminder in your third trimester… I wish more people had given me this advice and I guarantee by then you’ll probably be running around like a crazy person!
Hahahaha, is it awful that I really want to do this and I can’t!?!?!? I didn’t really set myself up for success on this one…. you know, with my due date falling the week after finals. Luckily, there is a lot less due at school these last few weeks (I’ve been able to get away with one solid night of homework this week, and next week I think I’ll need two or three tops) and my house is pretty clean. There’s just still the predicament that the baby’s room isn’t done, and we’re still fairly packed… a year after we bought our house. oh, and then there’s the issue that Amberly doesn’t know how to relax!!!!! jk. I’m trying hard. I’ve been sitting more, and doing more fun things with Joe, and I’m planning lots of fun pedicures/lunches/shopping fun for when I start working from home and my schedule is more flexible. And I’m trying to take a long bath twice a week and just do things that I can enjoy for a long time without a baby crying and interrupting. And yep… I love this advice though, I’ll be sharing it and taking it to heart as much as possible… as I’m doing projects every night… hee hee.
It’s a learned skill that I also don’t possess! But now that you got most things done (except for school things) hopefully you can put your feet up for a bit!
Wise words of wisdom until you’re 2 weeks away and you are on maternity leave. I had all kinds of ants in my pants! If we ever have a #2 – I’ll definitely do things a lot differently!
I went 2 weeks past my due date, so I feel your pain! I had stopped working and was going a bit nuts!
I am 38 weeks and taking this advice! Up until now I have been preparing preparing preparing. . . I think I’m set for now. What’s still on the list can wait! Thank you so much for this post!
Awww thanks so much for commenting! I hope you enjoy your relaxing time because your little one will be in your arms before you know it and it’s going to be AMAZING!
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