Your due date is fast approaching. You feel anxious, excited and somewhat petrified all at the same time. You are also feeling tired, sore and absolutely ginormous.
Everyone you see after finding out the “due date” can’t help but exclaim, “Oh, wow! She’ll be here any day now.” Yes, thank you for reminding me. If it weren’t for this giant basketball-shaped bump protruding from my midsection I might have forgotten.
The last few weeks of your pregnancy are a crazy time. No matter if it’s your ninth time around, you’re hoping for a water birth at home or you’re having a scheduled c-section; there’s always some uncertainty going into that big day. Babies aren’t aware of our “birth plans,” and you can never know for sure how things will play out.
As this is my second time around I have learned that it’s best to keep yourself as busy as you can in those last few weeks. I know the worst possible thing I could do is to sit around, twiddling my thumbs while googling strange methods of self-induced labor on the internet. Hmm… It doesn’t sound so bad to consume three whole pineapples in one sitting.
So, if you’re in your third trimester and starting to feel the due date anxiety kick in, here are 12 ways to keep your mind off you due date.
12 Ways to Keep Your Mind Off Your Due Date
- Get your hair done- There are moms out there who are actually hiring hair dressers to come to the hospital after they deliver. Save yourself the trouble by getting it done before the big day! Warning: your beautiful blow out may not survive your tumultuous labor and delivery.
- Go shopping- Yes, I know you probably spent an absurd amount on adorable baby clothes, but it’s still nice to take some time to walk around the mall. Babies may be a cinch to take shopping, but once they turn into toddlers you’ll find yourself thanking God for the genius that invented online shopping. Note: I may or may not have read that walking helps induce labor.
- Go to the movies- Good Papa and I used to love going to the movies pre-baby. Now, I can’t really recall the last time we were there. A movie is a perfect place to go before the baby comes, if only for a nice, quiet place to nap.
- Go out to eat- Yes, it’s still quite possible to go out to eat once your baby arrives, but it’s so much more relaxing and enjoyable without a little human distracting you from your meal. Suggestion: book a reservation for 7 pm or later; once the baby comes you’ll be hitting up the early bird special at 5.
- Get your nails done- Pregnancy is the best excuse to go out and pamper yourself. Besides, even though you may look like a hot mess after you have the baby, at least you’ll have nice nails.
- Get a prenatal massage- If you can splurge for a prenatal massage, definitely do so. Again, much like the movies, it’s a great way to take advantage of a quiet place to rest.
- Go on a date- I think regular date nights are important after the baby comes, but nothing beats a worry-free date night. Once the baby arrives, if you manage to sneak away, it’s difficult to avoid stressing about your newborn… Are they okay with the sitter? Are they going to take the bottle? Are they going to sleep?
- Go grocery shopping- You might as well stock up on plenty of snacks to keep by your bedside for those late-night feedings. Pregnancy cravings don’t even compare to the hunger that accompanies breastfeeding.
- Make some freezer meals- Confession: I did not do this last time. I wish I had though. If you can muster up the strength to bang out a bunch of freezer meals, do it!
- Organize your house- At 37 weeks, I must be nesting because I. can’t. stop. organizing. It has certainly kept my mind off what’s to come and my house has never been cleaner.
- Take a bath- I’m not really a bath person, but I decided to take one the other day. WOW! It was truly heaven on earth.
- Do a crafting project- Last pregnancy I bought a sewing machine and decided to make my own special robe to wear after I delivery. Well, I started to make my own robe. I’m happy to say that I never had the chance to finish. Maybe I’ll finish it this time around…
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What are some things you have done to keep your mind off your due date?
So basically STAY BUSY! haha! I’ve gone through this three times now and I found the first time was the hardest because you are just waiting for your life to change, with not a lot to keep you naturally distracted. So this is a great list!
Christine recently posted…Everyday Chic With Three Comfy Pieces
YES! haha Do anything you can to keep your mind off what’s to come. At least that’s what I need to do.
This cracks me up so much because it reads like it was written by a mama due any day. Ha! I’m sure you’re anxious, but it’s good you have a few tricks in mind to distract yourself. I wish I had done more in those last few weeks. They dragged on forever. Baths were my savior and luckily I was in the massage business so I was able to get some from my colleague occasionally.
Tarynn Playle recently posted…Migraine Relief
haha! I guess it’s obvious that I’m getting down to the wire! You are so lucky you had a few prenatal massages! I did have one, and it was so nice.
These are great tips! My kids were all early and I still couldn’t keep my mind off my due date. I don’t know how full or past term moms stay sane!
Great ideas! I especially love the pampering ones because it is so uncomfortable at the end, so anything to make yourself feel better is good. I hope the rest of your pregnancy is smooth, and your birth too. So exciting!
Shann Eva recently posted…Home Matters Linky Party #54
I like getting a pedicure, manicure or prenatal massage. This time around I also want to stock up on easy freezer breakfast items. Eggs and oatmeal are easy enough to make with a baby, but I want to get some waffles, pancakes and muffins in the freezer. Or at least to make mixes so I only have to add the wet ingredients.
Rebekah @ Surviving Toddlerrhood recently posted…{Free Printable} Fall Scavenger Hunt for Toddlers and Kindergarteners
I think it’s so important to pamper yourself a little before having a baby. Great tips!
Melissa recently posted…How to Be the Best Mom Ever
I would also suggest you exercise! No, you don’t have to become a master of sports. You just need to stretch a little! Choose what you like best. Personally, I’m for swimming. This is the safest activity for pregnant women. Additionally, it’s very beneficial for health.