With only three weeks left to go in this pregnancy, I still can’t get over how quickly this third trimester has gone! I would definitely be lying if I said that I wasn’t still hopeful that he will decide to make an early appearance, but I guess we will have to wait and see. I wanted to go ahead and get this blog post written and published just in case he does decide to come a little bit early!
At this time, our hospital is still only allowing one support person to be in the room due to COVID. It is definitely an understatement to say that this has been such a crazy time to experience my first pregnancy. Dealing with a global pandemic is something that I will never forget, and maybe for my next pregnancy I will get to see what a little bit of normalcy looks like. All in all, I can’t say enough how blessed I have been to have such a healthy and easy pregnancy. I have had zero complications thus far and have felt (for the most part) pretty good since day one. I know everyone is different and every pregnancy is different, but I seriously could not ask for more.
We have finally put the finishing touches on his nursery, and we won’t be sharing photos or his name until after he is born. I have been doing all of the things to get my body ready for a (hopefully) smooth and easy delivery. Once I have him and we get back home, I will start working on a blog post of some of the things that I have done to help through the labor process if all goes easy and well.
Nate and I have started the Love Your Labour program with Corrine Brown and I think that what we have learned in that program is going to be so helpful throughout the birthing process.
I definitely would be lying if I said that the third trimester hasn’t been the hardest by far. I know this is just my own opinion, but I think that with how much he has grown and some of the side effects that has come with that, has definitely made this the hardest trimester. I have been having pretty consistent and intense Braxton Hicks contractions since the beginning of the third trimester. I am definitely grateful for these because I know that my body is preparing, and hopefully it will make things easier at the end, but man are they uncomfortable! It has definitely been the toughest trimester to get a good nights sleep with all of the back pain and other side effects associated with a growing belly.
Here are some of the things that have helped me get to the finish line in the third tri:
–Heating Pad: I found a great heating pad with 6 different heat settings on Amazon that has really helped to alleviate some of the back pain I’ve been experiencing. I usually sit with it while I’m working from home and right before bed. Here is the one I ordered.
–Magnesium Supplement: Since I was so used to taking Melatonin to sleep pre-pregnancy, I’ve been supplementing with magnesium to help get a better nights sleep and to relax my muscles. It also helps with cramps.
–STAY ACTIVE EVERY DAY!!: I cannot stress this one enough. I know you’re tired, and I know sometime’s it just takes a lot of effort to get to the gym or to get up and move, but it will make so much difference in the end. I have stayed as active as possible throughout this entire pregnancy, and not only has my weight gain been minimal, but I haven’t really swelled much and it has made me feel so much better. I truly believe that this is the reason I’ve had such a good pregnancy experience.
–Pre-Natal Massage: They’re a bit of a splurge, but if you can afford to get a few prenatal massages, do it! They are so great for those sore back muscles, and help to get your body primed for labor. Make sure to do your research and find someone who is experienced with pre-natal massages.
–Chiropractor: I’ve been getting weekly adjustments since I entered into the third trimester. Again, find a Chiropractor who is experienced with prenatal adjustments. It will do wonders for your back. I also have my pelvis aligned during these visits, which will benefit in labor too and helps to get baby into position.
–Continue prenatal vitamins: Here is the prenatal I’ve been taking throughout this pregnancy.
