Congratulations, you’re now in the final stage of your pregnancy and although it may seem like it’s never going to end, it will. These last few months will be the hardest, and you’re going to face the most changes, but it will all be worth it in the end.
This will be a very busy trimester, you will not only continue to do all your regular activities, but you will also add some to your list of things to do. It’s more important than ever to be eating well, drinking enough water and education yourself on what to expect. Even if you’ve had children before this pregnancy, every pregnancy is different, so it’s best always to be ahead of the game. Here are some of the things that you should consider for the final trimester.
A Birth Plan
No-one can predict how your birthday is going to go, no matter how much some people may try. Chances are it’s never going to happen according to plan because to be frank babies often have there, and it’s the kind of situation that you don’t have complete control over. However, you can put a rough plan in place to ensure the aim is to give you the most relaxing and comfortable experience possible. Birth plans are a good idea and should be discussed with your health care professionals and also any birthing partners. Often your birthing partner is the person who can stand up for what you want when you are otherwise busy.
Think About A Birthing Class
Knowledge is Power. However, birthing classes aren’t for everyone. The beauty of online is that now people can access information from home as well as going out to a class. The aim is to educate you to be able to make informed decisions regarding childbirth confidently. A good piece of advice is to avoid hospital-based courses, which generally emphasize their routines rather than your options. Not only does it help you to prepare for childbirth, but it also helps you with what to expect afterward too, and it allows you to make friends with other expectant parents. They will also be able to teach you about topics such as Braxton hicks, your waters breaking and signs of preeclampsia. If you want to learn more about non-labor contractions, a birthing class or researching online is ideal.
Talk things Through With Your Partner
If you haven’t already now is the time to start talking with your partner, about your ideas on child-raising, it may be that you’ve already had this discussion because you have children already. But there is a lot to consider right down to things like how gender can affect decisions you make for them. Other elements include:
- If you intend to co-sleep
- Feed on demand or set a schedule
- How is the nighttime routine going to work- will you both do it or just one?
- Name choices
You and your partner need to understand these kinds of choices and why you’re making them because you’re going to need each other’s support.
What help Will You Need After Birth?
It’s safe to assume that you’ll be in bed nursing or sleeping twenty-four seven for at least a week, if not longer if you had a c-section. You not only need this time to recuperate but also to require a bond with your baby and learn how to feed and comfort them. Every child is different, so they will all like different things. Having your partner is ideal and one of the reasons you get paternity leave or joint maternity leave as you are bound to need someone to just run little errands like getting milk from the store. Talk with your partner about how you both envision the first couple of weeks of your new small family, even more so if you are introducing siblings to each other. Although everyone is going to want to visit, try to keep visitors to a minimum, it will help you and your family out in the long run, and everyone is bound to understand.
Pack your Bag For Hospital
It’s advised that you pack your hospital bag at least two weeks before birth and you should be packing on even if you have a home birth. You’re probably going to want several kits which contain items for different people and times:
- One for during labor- Healthy snacks, loose clothing, change of clothing, dressing gown, slippers, cooling spray, handheld fan, music. Etc.
- One for after labor- Loose clothing to go home in, PJ’s for overnight stay (with breastfeeding access, nipple cream, etc.
- One for the baby- Diapers, nappy cream, sleepsuits, vests, wipes, premade milk if you need it, etc.
- One for your partner- change of clothes, camera, chargers, books, treats, healthy snacks, etc.
It’s a good idea to make sure that you have some cash with you too as you will need it for car parking and trips to the cafe (as your partner does deserve a break now and then)
Have Fun And Shop For Essentials
There are countless lists of baby essentials on the internet about what you’re going to need when you’re little one arrives, and there’s no doubt you’ve already started to shop around and buy the odd few bits. The truth is there is plenty that you don’t need and should try not to go overboard, here are a few things that should be on your list:
- Somewhere for them to sleep- bedside cribs are increasing in popularity.
- Nursing pillow
- Diapers- a case or two of newborn diapers. Don’t overbuy as you never know how quickly they will grow.
- Wipes
- Vests
- Sleepsuits
- Hats
- Mittens
- Socks
- Different top levels of blankets
- Baby sleeping bag ( so you don’t have to worry about them getting cold in the night)
- Diaper bag
- Infant car seat (you might consider one that converts to a stroller)
- Breast pump and bottles to express milk or bottle making materials
- Baby monitor
- Salve to prevent cracked nipples.
- Nursing bras and nursing clothes/nightgown so that you can nurse easily.
There is plenty for you to consider and for you to buy when it comes to a baby, but every person is different in their own right. Do you have anything that should be on this quick guide for the third trimester? Please share them in the comments section below.