7 Things Every Pregnant Woman Should Do Before Giving Birth

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After two pregnancies, I’ve discovered despite the usual upsets, pregnancy is really as much fun as you make it. With my first pregnancy, I was overwhelmed by the discomforts and the alarming way my body was changing. My body felt almost alien and the only thing that kept me going was the fact that I knew there was a very worthy prize at the end of my 9-month course.

My second pregnancy was relatively easier, partly because I wasn’t a newbie anymore and I made sure to spoil myself as much as I could. Trust me, this significantly relieves all that enormous stress and anxiety that comes with expecting a baby, making you feel and look a lot better.

So, here are top 7 things I did and think every pregnant woman should too before giving birth to increase those feel-good hormones and set the right mood for baby’s arrival…

1. Massage

By all means, get this as often as you can throughout your pregnancy. Apart from relieving the aches and pains typical during the third trimester, it also reduces stress and helps you relax.

I got a few prenatal massages during my second pregnancy, and trust me, a professional’s touch is incomparable. If affordable, you should try it out too. Otherwise, ask your spouse. Using some massage oil, have him turn on some cool, calming music while at it. Close your eyes and enjoy for some 15 – 20 minutes per time.

2. Shop for stylish maternity clothes

Considering the current state of the economy, I must stress that your pocket should be the judge of whether you can splurge or not. Notwithstanding, you can decide to rock your baby bump in style by opting for a few affordable maternity clothings that flatter your changing body. Don’t just squeeze yourself into anything. Styling yourself in clothes that fit will make you feel a lot better about your new body.

Shop for affordable maternity pieces in local markets and get a skilled tailor, for instance, to make you lovely maternity dresses with colourful local fabrics.

3. Have a babymoon

Before baby arrives, steal your spouse away for some really cosy mini-vacay, even if it’s just for the weekend. My husband and I planned one for each trimester and almost 3 years after my daughter’s birth, the sweet memories still make me smile. Note that this doesn’t have to cut a whole in your pocket as it’s the quality alone time with your spouse that counts.

If you have kids already, arrange for them to stay with a close friend or relative.

4. Invite the girls over

During my third trimester, hubby and my son excused me and I invited my close friends over for a fun night. Of course, alcohol was off limits, but those sweet girls of mine made yummy smoothies and small chops. Then, we gossiped as some painted my toe nails, and later danced far into the night. I forgot all my baby anxiety that night, and felt so happy.

5. Maternity photo shoot

Apart from taking several maternity photos with your phone, having a fun professional shoot during each trimester will better help you appreciate how your baby is changing to accommodate the precious life growing inside you, and enable you relive sweet memories after baby’s arrival.

6. Baby shower

My baby shower was no doubt the most fun event I had before my daughter’s birth and I still wish I had had one for my son. Mine wasn’t exactly a surprise baby shower but was very exciting all the same. It was lovely to be surrounded and supported by so many loved ones at such an important period in my life.

The photos and videos from that day still bring tears to my eyes.

7. Create a pregnancy dairy

Write all the exciting and not-so-exciting moments throughout your pregnancy in a dairy, starting from the day you found out you were pregnant. You may continue after baby’s birth by writing about your labour, baby’s milestones and so on.

It will help you relive some moments that may soon be forgotten.

Away from all the above, get your finances properly sorted, attend your prenatal classes/appointments, and as your due date draws near, shop for baby essentials (see list of top things to buy here), have your nursery decorated (see tips to do that on a budget here), install baby’s car seat, and make sure to get your hospital bag packed for labour.