Most mothers may start preparing for labour a few weeks beforehand. But if you still haven't started your preparation, it's time. It's the perfect time to prepare your essentials and home, and to build a nursery for the baby.
What to Expect at Week 39
During this week, nothing new happens. Your body continues to show signs of labour, and the baby is preparing for arrival. You might notice more frequent labour signs. The baby drops and settles deep into your pelvis. This adds pressure on your bladder and may cause discomfort and frequent urination.Cervical effacement and dilation begin to prepare for the birth. Due to cervical effacement (thinning), you might notice increased vaginal discharge. Braxton Hicks contractions are more frequent and intense now. These early labour signs may affect your sleep and make you feel fatigued.
Last Minute Preparations Before Delivery
Preparing for labour should start early, as you can expect labour pain at any time during weeks 39 and 40. Preparing ensures you don't have to search for necessities while in bed and when you are back home. Here are all the important last-minute preparations you need to make before labour.Monitor Baby's Health
The last few weeks of pregnancy need more care and coordination. Book an appointment, and assess the baby’s health, including weight, foetal position, growth, blood pressure, and signs of infections. You must also be in excellent health and avoid any activities that could cause infections or allergies.Review Medical Preferences
What pain relief option do you want to consider? Do you aim for a natural birth or a cesarean? Do you want an unmedicated birth or IV pain relief? Discuss the pros and cons of everything with your doctor.Take a Childbirth Class
The process of dealing with the pain, delivering the baby, and those initial days of postpartum can be daunting. When you learn about all these prior experiences, it will give you clarity on what to expect and how to cope with them. Opt for an online class, or check if any doctors or midwives are offering it in your area. Understand the stages of labour, pain management, and newborn care.Include Your Partner
Pregnancy is not just about you and the baby; your partner plays a significant role as well. Discuss how childbirth is going to affect your lives. Delegate responsibilities and plan together for postpartum healing and supporting the child. Discuss your financial situation and plan for insurance or a loan. Include your partner in your prenatal classes, and encourage them to learn massage techniques and warm compression.Prepare Hospital Bag
Your hospital bag should include everything you and your baby need. From the dresses you wear to the documents required, it should have it all. You can review your hospital bag using the checklist below.- Insurance, and scan report
- Comfortable nightwear, nursing bra, underwear and slippers
- Toothbrush, mouthwash, face wipes
- Blanket, towels, and sheets
- Washed cloth for your baby
- Cotton blanket
- Diapers and wipes
- Phone charger or power bank
- Healthy snacks like granola bars or dy fruits and nuts
Setting up your home
Before going to the hospital, ask someone to clean the entire house. A messy home is not the best place to return to after delivery. Baby-proof your home by sanitising the floor and furniture, and covering sharp edges.Prepare Nursery
Newborn babies mostly stay close to their mother. However, building a nursery for the baby to rest allows you some free time. Ensure the crib is clean and sanitised. Wash the sheets, pillow covers and blankets before using them on babies.Expect the Unexpected
Even if you follow every rule, there are times you must deal with unexpected things. Discuss with your doctor about labour duration, cesarean, assisted delivery, and postpartum recovery.Prepare for Postpartum
Discuss who will take on household responsibilities, or hire help if needed. Prepare a few ready-to-eat foods and refrigerate them. Postpartum recovery needs nutrition and stamina.Prepare older siblings
If you have an older child, this can be a tender time for them, too. A new addition to the family will change their life. Discuss it with them and encourage them to support you in your parenthood. Involving them early increases the bond between the kids.Prioritise mental health
Mothers' mental health should be firm and unfazed during this time. The bodily changes and sleeplessness may lead to emotional exhaustion and postpartum depression. Practising mindfulness, controlled breathing, grounding techniques, and indulging in creative work are a few ways to deal with it.While nurturing a baby, mothers undergo intense physical changes, emotional roller coasters, and societal expectations. During these times, you become very sensitive, and even a little thing can have a big impact. Prepare yourself mentally and emotionally to meet your baby.
Expect the contraction to arrive anytime. Trust your instinct and keep your doctor in the loop for any red flags you notice. Make a checklist of everything mentioned in this article to keep yourself organised and in control. You have crossed 8 months; only a few days left. So hang in there and wait for your bundle of joy to arrive!
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FAQs on Are You Ready To Meet Your Baby? Last Minute Prep Tips
- How to pamper yourself before labour?
Pampering yourself before going into labour helps you ease the anxiety and prepare for the days ahead. Warm compression, prenatal massage, pedicure, bubble bath, eating at your favourite restaurant, watching a good movie, and going on a date are some of the easy ways to pamper yourself before labour. - Are babies very active before labour?
During the last stretch of the third trimester, the baby has no space in the uterus to move freely. So the baby doesn't actively kick or move, but you may notice the baby wiggling, squirming, and stretching before labour.