By: Patricia Gonzalez
If you’ve already hit the 36th week mark, you should have your hospital bags packed and your room ready to welcome the best gift you will ever receive in your life. Understandably so, this last stretch feels the longest out of the entire pregnancy because you are so near yet so far from delivery day. To keep from being anxious and impatient, the key is to keep busy and continue to be committed to self-care.
1. Rest and sleep. While this continues to be more challenging given your growing baby bump, rest and get as much sleep as you can. You’ll need all the energy you can gather for your delivery and for caring for your newborn baby once she is born.
2. Read, watch netflix, watch movies. Keep your mind off worrying about the delivery by entertaining yourself with positive books, tv shows and movies. Try to avoid watching thrillers, horror films, or any genres that could possibly stress you and your baby out.
3. If you don’t want to entertain yourself, work. If leisurely waiting is not your thing, continue to keep busy with work, especially if it is work you enjoy and does not stress you out.
4. Double, triple check that you have everything you need. Review the contents of your delivery bag and make sure that your supplies are complete. By this time, you should already be done nesting, but last minute additions never hurt!
5. Exercise – Do gentle yoga or walk around the village. Many doctors advise a lot of walking after the 38th week to encourage contractions. Complement this with gentle yoga and breathing exercises to keep your mind and spirit in tune with your body.
6. Keep good company. Surround yourself with loved ones and your most positive friends. Choose those who you know will encourage you, make you laugh, and reassure you that everything will be okay.
7. Make time for meditation and prayer. There might be a lot going on now, but don’t forget to connect with the source of this beautiful blessing. Give thanks, and ask for trust, guidance, and strength for this new phase in your life. He will see you through.
Congratulations in advance mama! If you have tips to share, do leave them in the comment section below.
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Patricia Gonzalez is MOMCENTER’s Editor. She has two adorable daughters–ages 1 and 2, and is married to a man who inspires her to be a better woman everyday.
Beyond her work as a writer, she also an entrepreneur and manages the PR, marketing, and social media of two of her own local clothing brands, @coralswimwearph and @pearlclothingph.
She is a woman on a mission, and believes that motherhood is not limiting, but empowering. Join her on her journey by following her on instagram at @patriciaogonzalez.
