Honest moment? The last days of pregnancy don’t seem that fun to me. I don’t think I’m supposed to say that, as a doula, but just watching them… Y’all, that looks hard.
By 38 weeks, most providers consider babies to be full term. This doesn’t mean that there is a medical reason to rush them into the world, but it means that they are not unusually concerned about the health of a newborn born at this point.
You’re probably getting a lot of advice to cherish these moments.
“Go on a date! Have your favorite meal!” folks might say. And if this is the first baby, it’s sweet to celebrate the last meal as a family of two. The “last meal” can be a way to mark this time as precious for older siblings as well. If you’re trendy, you might even go on a babymoon, and make some memories to share with your partner of life as it is right now.
All of these are lovely ideas. I fully support you getting close to your Valentine. Baby will benefit from your love fest too. And also…
Feeling bloated, sweaty and a little bit annoyed with your body at this point is normal. You might wonder if an induction or a cesarean is a good idea, as you approach or pass 40 weeks. Both of those are your options to consider, and you should explore them with your provider. You should also know that passing 40 weeks is normal for first pregnancies.
Or you may be praying that baby stays in long enough to finish the nursery, complete a project at work, or until you figure out how to breastfeed.
Whatever you’re feeling, right now, is valid. The biggest recommendation I have is to be gentle with yourself. Let the feelings happen, and try not to hold them in or judge them.
2 Comments
I’m 39+1 right now and I am so incredibly over being pregnant. I don’t want to go on a trip. I don’t want to cuddle. I don’t want to dress up and go to dinner. I WANT TO HAVE THIS DAMN BABY. Lol
I know you do! The baby will absolutely come. I can tell you that you won’t be 50 weeks pregnant.