Anticipating a pregnancy, experienced moms know that the first trimester will be undoubtedly tough and that the second trimester will be, in comparison, a heavenly breeze set to the background of angels singing. But the third trimester, well, much like child birth, the swelling, nightly hip pain, and insomnia that it brings is mostly forgotten about…until it happens to you, again.
Yes, the third trimester is tough, but it can be made easy, or easier, by making sure that you, dear pregnant mom, do small things to pamper yourself and your body. What small things do I speak of? Here are some of my favorite ways to feel pampered during the third trimesters of my pregnancies.
Buy yourself some nice undergarments.
Bras that fit and underwear that don’t cut into your thighs, yes, you will need more of these in your third trimester. I know it’s tempting to be cheap in the end and rationalize that “it’s almost over anyway,” but trust me this is a purchase worth making! Spend the money to buy quality items that will last, that fit (get measured), and that make you feel most beautiful.
Go to the spa.
The worst part of being pregnant in the third trimester are the body aches. I don’t have a chiropractor for a husband, so I go with the next best thing: monthly spa visits where I get massages to soothe my aches and pains.
Buy something pretty.
In my first pregnancy, I couldn’t fathom how big my stomach would get, so in the end, I got stuck wearing the loads of ill-fitting regular sized tops and dresses that saw me through the other two trimesters. And the result of that was me feeling miserable and unattractive and just plan unhappy. If you can afford it, do yourself the favor and buy some new outfits just for your third trimester. Buy things that make you feel sexy and that do the most to make you love where you are in your pregnancy.
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Exercise!
I know. I know. With all the body aches and fatigue, who has time for a workout? But you do and should workout throughout your pregnancy (so long as it’s approved by your doctor) to keep your joints limber, to maximize energy, and to prepare for childbirth.
Drink tea.
Rather than downing Oreos and ice cream, do your body a favor and reach for tea. It’s soothing, light on calories, and is easy to savor.
Get a pedicure.
If I had to choose between a manicure and a pedicure during my third trimester, I would choose a pedicure. Hands down. The reason for this is that it’s your feet that will take the most beating in your third trimester. It’s your feet that will ache from too small shoes, swelling, and your growing belly’s pressure.
Get your hair done professionally.
I know when most pregnant moms hear “Get your hair done professionally” a little voice translates this as “Get a haircut, a drastic haircut. You’re a mom, after all.” Don’t listen to this voice. While shorter hair is lovely, making such decisions in a hormone-induced state of pregnancy is not such a good idea.
Hire a cleaning service to clean your house.
In preparation for your baby’s arrival, kick back and allow someone else to clean those places in your house that you dread.
Take a short trip.
Some call these excursions “baby moons,” or celebratory, last-hurrah trips taken before the arrival of a new baby. I call them “I need to take a break-moons.” With travel restrictions making travel harder later in pregnancy, plan accordingly. Even shorter weekend trips that will only require a car ride are fun and enjoyable.
Get a babysitter and go on some date nights.
If you have other children, I feel your pain! You’re tired and haven’t had as much of a chance as you may have had in your first pregnancy to just enjoy being pregnant. So now that you’re in the final stretch, enjoy this–sans kids. Take more date nights and savor this wonderful time before your life changes with a new baby.
Treat yourself to a five-star meal.
Towards your due date, plan a girls’ night out at a restaurant that serves your favorite meals and has a more, well, sophisticated atmosphere. Dress your best and indulge in this last hurrah before baby.
Give yourself an at-home foot soak.
Studies have shown that just a 10-minute soak can do wonders to relieve stress, anxiety, and improve circulation. You can get this kind of thing done at a spa, but why not do it (for free) at home? Use some Epsom salt, essential oils, and a small basin filled with warm water.
Buy a pregnancy pillow.
If you, like me in my previous two pregnancies, are holding out on buying a pregnancy pillow. Stop. Especially in your third trimester, a good pregnancy pillow, perhaps sprinkled with essential oils like lavender, can do wonders for your sleep and sanity.
