Are you going crazy waiting for your bundle of joy to arrive? I am currently 39 weeks and 3 days as I write this and going insane with this waiting game. I don’t remember feeling this anxious with my first little man. I don’t know what it is but since I hit about 38 weeks…I have had this overwhelming anticipation of wanting to meet my second boy. I thought to myself I cannot be the only mama seriously struggling with patience nearing the end of pregnancy. So I felt inspired to share with all you expecting mamas all the things I am doing to keep my mind busy.
The end of the third trimester can get real hard fast. Not only are our bodies reaching max capacity for our growing babes but the mental/emotional game is no joke. I am at the point where I have all these things I want/need to do before baby arrives but have no energy to do them. It’s this constant tug and pull that I deal with. Do I nap or do I meal prep? I also have a 17 month old who keeps me on my toes. The window I have during his naps are the only time I can accomplish things that I need to. Then you work this overwhelming anxiety and impatience of wanting to meet our second little boy into the mix. And, well, I am a hot mess.
Staying busy definitely helps keep my mind off of wondering when this little man will make his arrival. Below is a list of things that have helped distract me and I hope it can help you as well. We’re almost there, mamas!
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Clean, Clean, and More Cleaning
There are always things to clean. I am not talking about the usual day to day tasks like laundry and dishes. I am talking about some good old deep cleaning. Cleaning is a great distraction. Plus, you always feel good afterwords. And trust me, bringing a newborn home to a clean house is the best thing you can do.
Cleaning is not usually my first choice of things to do when I have free time but I love cleaning when I am pregnant. I guess that’s the nesting instinct that all expecting mamas get when they’re pregnant. But don’t overdo it. Make sure you aren’t reaching, picking up heavy things, and overworking yourself. Sometimes I can forget that my body is being stretched and pulled to fit a growing baby so you have to take it easy.
Double Check Everything Is Ready For Baby’s Arrival
While you’re waiting for baby to make their grand entrance, double checking everything is put together is a great distraction. Of course, there is no way to fully prepare for your new baby especially if it’s your first. But there are definitely things you can do to make the transition easier. I have a great third trimester checklist in another post that covers all the must dos before baby arrives.
Find the checklist here —>Third Trimester Checklist
Rest and Take It Easy
Now is a good time as any to rest as much as you can. Take advantage of the quiet and free time if you will to sleep and just take it easy. It is a whirlwind bringing home a baby for the first time. You will sleep less and all your time will be occupied with your newborn. It’s a beautiful time but it will be also be mentally and physically exhausting.
You will not regret spending the waiting time getting some extra snoozes and extra relax time. Trust me…I’ve been there.
Go Pamper Yourself
Along the lines of resting, it’s also a great idea and distraction to squeeze in some self care while you have the chance. Go get your nails done or schedule a prenatal massage. Go on a dinner date with your person or go do some shopping. Whatever it is, go do something for you. It’s a great time filler too.
Self care is so important to put into your daily routine. Get in the habit now because self care will help keep you sane during the newborn stage.
Related Posts:
Self Care Tips For Busy Moms
Tips On How To Stay Sane During The Newborn Stage
Get Outside and Go on Walks
I’ve learned that getting some fresh air has really helped with my impatience. Also, walking is a great way to jump start labor. It may not make baby come faster but it can’t hurt. At least you will feel like you are trying to speed up the process.
Meet Up With Friends
You won’t have much time to go out with friends once baby is here. So take advantage of this time now to meet up friends and catch up. Not only is it great to spend quality time with the ones you love but it’s a great time filler for when you are ready waiting for your bundle of joy to arrive.
Document Your Pregnancy
If you haven’t had the chance or just haven’t thought about it now would be a good time to write down things about your pregnancy. This is something I wish I would HAVE done with my first pregnancy.
You are going to miss being pregnant. It’s great to pull out that pregnancy journal when you are missing it and take a walk down memory lane. Plus, you’ll actually realize just how fast your pregnancy went so waiting just a little longer for baby won’t seem too bad ;).
Here is a great pregnancy planner that includes a wonderful pregnancy journal and even a newborn guide for those first few months:
Take Some Maternity Pictures
Like I mentioned above, you are going to miss your belly. I didn’t take as many pictures of my belly with my first son and I regret it. I am definitely taking more this time around.
It’s fun to look back at pictures and see your growing belly. You won’t regret it. It doesn’t have to be professional pictures if you are on a budget. A simple phone picture will do the trick.
The waiting game is hard when you are at the end of your pregnancy. Especially since you just don’t know when your baby will make their debut. I hope this list can help ease the process and make you a little less impatient. The day will come before you know it believe me. Easier said than done but try to enjoy each day because you’ll miss it.
Any other fun ideas to add? Comment below…I’d love to hear it. <3