7 Ways to Enjoy the End of Your Pregnancy

The last few weeks of pregnancy can be a mixed bag of emotions for moms-to-be. Chances are you're exhausted and excited, anxious and apprehensive. Learn how to get a handle on your nerves, prepare for the next step in your life, and revel in these last few days of pregnancy!The last few weeks of pregnancy can be a mixed bag of emotions for moms-to-be. Chances are you're exhausted and excited, anxious and apprehensive. Learn how to get a handle on your nerves, prepare for the next step in your life, and revel in these last few days of pregnancy!

1. Pamper, Pamper, Pamper

   Head to the local salon for a haircut, get a massage, gather your friends and spend an afternoon at a spa, take off to the local beach or park, or kidnap your spouse and hit the town for dinner and a date. Feed your body, mind, and spirit and you'll be ready to takle life's next big step: Baby!

2. Ditch the Calendar

   The last thing you need right now is to be watching the calendar, wondering just how close to (or how long after) your due date Baby will arrive. If you try to plan your life around that magic date, you'll drive yourself crazy! Instead take a more relaxed approach. Pack your bag and plan to be ready two to three weeks ahead of your due date. If your baby arrives early, perfect! If not, use this extra time to nest and prepare.

3. Find Your Inner Buddha

   Take the time to celebrate yourself. Escape for a few moments to the corner coffee shop and induldge in a hot chocolate or (decaf!) iced tea. Sit on the beach with your favorite book. Grab the iPod or a book on tape and go for a long walk. Join a yoga class (or practice some of these prenatal yoga postures at home). Take deep breaths, relax, and focus on yourself. In no time you'll be practicing inner peace and be well on your way to becomming a true Zen Momma.

4. Talk with Your Doc

   Wondering if extra-spicy Thai food will hasten labor? Considering getting your hair colored before Baby (and all those visitors!) arrive? Talk with your doctor. Use these late-pregnancy, weekly appointments to communicate your feelings and ask plenty of questions to be sure you understand your doctor's advice.

   If you don't already have one, create a birth plan or seek out a doula to help as an ally and advocate during your labor and delivery. Both can go a long way in alleviating any pre-labor jitters.

5. Get Comfy

   Physically, getting comfortable during pregnancy can be a real challenge, especially when trying to get a good night's sleep. You'll need to listen to your body during these late-pregnancy days and try not to overdo it. Taking naps, snacking throughout the day, and drinking plenty of water will all help you feel more at ease.

6. Head off the Inquisition

   Those pregnancy questions and comments from friends, family, and even strangers in line at the supermarket, are going to increase as you get closer and closer to your due date: When are you due? You're so big! You must be so [fill in the blank]: exausted/excited/nervous/anxious!

   Despite what it may seem, these inquirires aren't intended to bug you or set your heart racing in anticipation. Dodge, answer, or divert comments from well-wishers in whatever way feels right to you.

7. Have Fun!

   Relax, sit back, and enjoy these last few days and hours before the arrival of your baby. Write in a journal, take walks with your partner, spend time alone ... take care of yourself and have fun!

Source: Babyzone