Hello Momma’s to be!
I finally made it! I am now 38 weeks pregnant, and in the 9th month of pregnancy. The third trimester is almost over. Nothing is going to get easier from here until the birth, so I thought I would make another list of all the things that have helped and are helping me get through the final months/weeks.
If you’ve been following this pregnancy, then you know I did the same for the other two trimesters: First Trimester Must Haves, and Second Trimester Must Haves. I would say that everything on those lists is still useable and useful in the third trimester as well, but the third trimester comes with its own special set of obstacles and hurdles. In my opinion it is the hardest trimester, but hopefully these things can ease the pain slightly.
1. A Yoga Ball
I’ve heard these be called all different things: an exercise ball, yoga ball, fitness ball, birth ball. Whatever you call it – get one. At this point it it the only comfortable thing for me to sit on, but it has many benefits that go beyond my comfort. When you sit on the yoga ball you are in the perfect position to carry your baby in, which helps move the baby into the optimal position inside your uterus for birth. Ideally you want the baby in the optimal fetal position, which means they are head down in the anterior position. If your baby is out of the best position it can make pushing harder or lengthen your labor. And if your baby is breech, there is a chance you may be having a c-section. So sit on your ball ladies! I have
this one.
2. Red Raspberry Leaf Tea
Not my favorite tea in the world, but I make it sweet and drink a few glasses a day. RRL tea is supposed to help tone your uterus. I can’t say that is what made me an efficient pusher with baby #1, but I am not going to risk it with baby #2. I take my RRL tea drinking very seriously. Make sure you’re drinking actual red raspberry leaf tea, and not just raspberry flavored tea. The difference is crucial. I use
this kind that you can get on Amazon, or at Target, or Walmart.
3. Evening Primrose Oil
Much like the tea, I can’t say this was the reason why I had good, fast, and quickly progressing labor, but again I am not going to risk it. My midwife said at 36 weeks to begin taking evening primrose oil, or EPO. You can take it orally or insert it vaginally. EPO works to soften the cervix. I took it faithfully every night, and wasn’t dilated at all, even at 40 weeks, but once I did go into labor a 41+1, I dilated from 2cm. to 10 cm. in 4 hours. Maybe it was a combination of my tea, EPO, having a doula, moving around during labor, and using my ball. I will never know for sure, but it all worked in my favor the first time, so I will stick to that again.
4. Shoes for swelling
One of my worst symptoms I had during my first pregnancy was swelling in my feet and ankles. It was so bad that I couldn’t fit into any of my usual shoes. Even flip flops were a tight squeeze. I tried out a pair of
Sanuk sandals, and they were ideal for my situation. They fit the shoe requirements for my work dress code, but also allowed my feet to swell without restricting them uncomfortably. Sankus are sandals with a cloth band, and yoga mat soles. I do not exactly love the way they look, but they were nice to have.
I tried wearing compression socks, but my ankles would just swell around the sock and I’d end up taking them off during the night because it would be so uncomfortable. I hear compression socks recommended regularly, but I think sometimes swelling is just due to water retention, the heat, and water intake. So, ladies, drink your water, put your feet up, and this too shall pass. Of course, always tell your doctor or midwife about swelling because it can be a sign on preeclampsia.
5. Stretch Mark Treatment
In my second trimester must haves post, I mentioned all the creams and oils I was using for preventing stretch marks, well… something changed around week 35. I started noticing subtle stretch marks, that are now full blown stretch marks up the bottom of my belly, and across the top of my belly button. They’re not terrible, but I must admit that I am very upset about them. It will take me a while to come to terms with them, and I am anxious to see how my postpartum belly heals, and what they look like after pregnancy.
I am still treating them because I now deal with itchiness, and some intense pain caused by the stretching. It honestly feels like my skin could break open at any second sometimes. I have described it as the feeling of your clothes ripping when you sit down. Call me vein, superficial, whatever; it is my least favorite pregnancy symptom. I would take swelling, nausea, loss of bladder control, and even the incessant heartburn over the stretch marks.
I have used up all the products I used throughout my first pregnancy and the first two trimesters of my second. I have been testing out a new batch of products, and notice that the marks appear lighter the more often I rub them on my belly. It does ease the discomfort to some extent, and I will continue to use them as my body recovers during postpartum.
Here is the newest round of products:
6. A Rebozo
Rebozos are long Mexican scarfs, that are often used to help pregnant women rock their baby into the correct position. I am working on getting this baby to move on over to the left side of my uterus, so I have my husband help me. I get on all fours, with the rebozo tightly around my belly. Nathan stands over me with each end of the rebozo in his hand and shifts it in a peddling motion (like a bicycle). I skimmed youtube looking for tutorials, but came up with mostly labor videos. I would talk to your midwife or doula about how to use the rebozo and get a how to lesson.
7. A Belly Support Band
Along with the stretching of my abdomen, the pulling on my back and weight of holding up my belly have made the last few weeks of pregnancy super uncomfortable. I broke down and bought a Belly Bandit from Destination Maternity. It was recommended by the woman working at the store. She actually fitted me too, and said it would be useful during postpartum to help everything go back into place. I had asked my midwife and doula beforehand about the safety of these and they both gave the green light. I wear it when I am going on walks, standing at work, when I am having lots of pain, or just need some support.
I’d also suggest some alone time to do what you want to do, some long hot baths, maybe even a nap or two. A massage, a pedicure. Something to pamper yourself with because pregnancy is hard, and you deserve it. But, life doesn’t instantly get easier once pregnancy ends. The fourth trimester is a whole other monster, too. Take time for yourself now and try to focus on that instead of the misery that the final weeks can throw your way because it won’t last forever and will be over before you know it!
If you like this post you may like:
How I Prepared for An Unmedicated Birth and Succeeded
20 Things to Do Before the Birth of Your Baby
