How Do You Handle the Final Weeks of Pregnancy?
My first son came at exactly 38 weeks. I had been expecting him to arrive after my due date since that seemed to be the conventional wisdom. Your first baby comes late -- don’t count on going into labor before your due date. So, his early arrival was a surprise and I hadn’t had a chance to really start obsessing about when he’d come.
This time around, everyone’s been telling me to expect another early delivery. My body already knew what it was doing already and labor would come earlier and faster. I believed the hype and so, when I started having contractions at 36 weeks, I was sure the baby was coming.
But, I’m now at the 39 week mark and guess what…still pregnant. The last three weeks have been interminable. I continue to have painful contractions almost every day, but they never build up to anything. Every night I go to bed thinking that this will be the night. And then every morning I wake up marveling at how I can possibly still be pregnant. The wait has been made even harder by a pinched nerve that’s kept me confined to the house for the last week and a half. The only way to fix my back pain is to get the baby out.
I’m trying to be upbeat and not let the wait consume me emotionally, but it’s very difficult. I finally broke down and yelled at my mom for calling me every single day to ask me if there’s “any news.” I’ve cried myself to sleep more than once because of the pain. And I’ve run out of bad reality TV shows to watch on the DVR.
How did you handle the uncertain last few weeks of pregnancy? Any advice for how I can take my mind off things while I wait?
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RanaAurora
Whine a lot.
LOL, no really, I have no idea. Every single woman gets miserable.
Go look back through your baby's room, complete any finishing touches, go attend some Le Leche League meetings, read some more on infant health, practice mental birthing pain management techniques...
Also, go to stuff unrelated to babies. Get some new movies. Go SEE a new movie. Go for walks in parks. Read a book.
newmama0818
Hi there!
I can totally sympathize with you... I am almost 40 weeks pregnant and the waiting game is totally bumming me out. Unlike you I don't have contractions.. just aches and pains which definately have increased. I am not working currently so I'm home alone most of the day while my husband works and all I do is think about my upcoming labor and delivery and wonder if it will ever happen. This is my first child so of course I'm scared to death.....there are some things that I learned in childbirth class which can drastically increase the chances of going into labor sooner which I will definately share with you.
The first is to go buy some Primrose Oil (you can purchase at any WalMart, Target, Rite Aid, etc. in the vitamins aisle) and insert one pill in the vagina 3 times a day. It does amazing things for softening the cervix. The other of course is to have sex if possible with your partner doing 5 mins of nipple stimulation on one side, then the sex part, and then after he's through do 5 mins of nipple stimulation on the other side (mouth works best). I've decided to put my energy into these techniques especially since at my last doctor's appointment he said I was nowhere close which really bummed me out.
Other than that just try to focus on non baby things... I think the more time you spend on the baby the slower the process might feel. Watch some funny movies, read a book...I just read "My Sister's Keeper" and it was excellent! Hang in there it will be over soon!
Punkylu78
lil_angel00
There is just nothing quite like the anticipation of the baby arriving!! My first child came the day before his due date but my 2nd came at exactly 38 weeks.
What helps me get through is around 36 weeks I start to look up every possible myth and legend to starting labor and i do those pretty much every day. It actually helps me keep my mind of thinking about it because I believe that I am being proactive! :) Of course I would never do anything like drink castor oil but I went on a lot of walks and had a lot of sex and ate pineapple and drank raspberry tea, ect. That kept me pretty busy until the big day arrived! I also suggest going to the movies, spa and a day of shopping if you can. Good luck :)
Leathersj
I suggest to keep yourself busy and dont think of it "day by day" but week by week. Thats what i do. Im almost 36 weeks and its been really painful for me also. I have a pinched nerve in my back. The sciatic nerve. Its impossible to do anything and take care of myself and its bothered me since day one of pregnancy. Tried the chiro, not happening. Everyday i think to myself "is it over yet". This is my 2nd pregnancy. Im already so over it!!! I hope you find yourself in labor soon, holding your newborn
LilMzMa
Im in the final countdown as well. However Im feeling okay for the most part, as well as can be that is. I have the same aches I've had for months now, and the heartburn kicks my ass, but more then anything I just miss my sleep! I was 8 days late with the first however she ended up a c-section after much painful pushing and forceps. So this time around I have a planned c-section on July first (my due date) Im relieved to know that I wont go any later since Im not even having contractions. Now I know some of the lady's left messages about diff things you can try and I just dont want you to be disapointed if they don't work. I did it all the first time around. Rasberry leaf tea, sex 6 times a day, walking for hours on end...you name it. Nothing...they just come when they are ready. Focus on your breathing and trying to feel your best. I love to be in the water right now, it seems to help a lot. I also love to light candels and listen to music at night. Make your man rub you down before bed too. Good luck and I hope you get to hold your new bundle of joy real soon...btw my sisters keeper is a great book, but will have you balling your eyes out!!
rjacob2008
I feel like a real whiner...Im only 29 weeks and I feel ready. This is my 2nd and its been physically harder this time around. Body really hurts most days and have been having lots of braxton hicks since week 25. Congrats to you mommas who have made it so close!! I try to remember that this might be my last time I am pregnant, and to enjoy the process, because I am sure I will miss parts of it :) I am into organizing so I am doing that...organizing bills, paperwork, photos, nursery, other kids room, anything I can get my hands on. Then once I am tired of doing that I will start cooking and freezing meals.
threesoclose567
I am on baby #4 and I SERIOUSLY am done!! LOL
MY first was born at 38wks and I never even got a wk to prepare. My water broke on my last day of work before my maternity leave started. My second child was 2wks late and my 3rd child was pretty much on time. This one I think the drs got my due date wrong and we are expecting her very soon. BUT according to my drs I have nealy 4wks to go.Its frusterating because Im trying to keep up with three children under 5yrs of age. I have a TON of pain and contractions every couple of nights. I want to enjoy my other children and my OWN life again :) Hang in there girl! We all know what your feeling right now.
ssm6261
I am so ready! Every little movement or pain I feel, I keep hoping that it is contractions starting. I have early contractions with four of my other children and I keep expecting them this time, but nothing happens. I am about 34 weeks an it seems like an eternity until my due date. What cheers me up the most is looking at the baby bed and the things that I have gotten for my little girl.
jacksonsmom09
im 33 weeks and I am so over being pregnant too. every once in a while i will start having a little bit of braxton hicks and I get my hopes up. My mom keeps telling me I need to slow down because he still needs to "cook" a little longer. lol.