If you’re entering the third trimester of your pregnancy, it can feel like there’s a lot to get done. Read on to discover some of the best ways to get ready for your third trimester. Finish your pregnancy with calm and peace of mind!
*This is a guest post and all opinions are those of the author. This post may also contain affiliate and/or paid links. Rest assured that we only work with companies and individuals that we trust. While some of those companies and individuals may work in the medical field, this post is not intended to be a substitution for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.
Prepare Your Nursery
If you haven’t already been busy getting your nursery perfect for your baby, now is the time to get everything ready. Put together your crib before it gets too hard to bend over, and your third trimester will be a breeze. Get all your baby’s furniture set up so you can just look forward to bringing them home.
Understand the Risks of Birth
Understanding the risks in the birthing process is crucial during your third trimester. If you haven’t taken a birthing class, now is the time to sign up. You can also attend breastfeeding and infant CPR classes to better prepare yourself. You should also be aware of the most common birthing injuries that can happen to your child, so you’ll be ready for whatever comes your way.
Pay Attention to Baby’s Movement
If your baby’s movement decreases, it’s best to let a doctor or midwife know as soon as possible. Chances are it’s nothing to worry about, but you’ll want to keep everyone informed to make sure everything is going smoothly.
Click here to get the Postpartum Plan Workbook.
Have a Plan
When you go into labor, you’ll want to know exactly what to do. Take your last trimester to talk with your doctor and midwife about your preferences. You should also determine when to head for the hospital or birthing center. Learn about each of the stages of labor and how to identify them so that you’ll be ready when the time comes. It’s equally important to have a postpartum plan as well, what you’ll do once you come home with baby.
Pack a Hospital Bag
Part of planning for the perfect birth is packing your bag for the hospital. Bring your insurance card, a change of clothes, an outfit for the baby, and your favorite toiletries. Don’t forget to pack an extra phone charger too!
Put in Baby’s Car Seat
As you approach the end of your third trimester, you’ll want to install your baby’s car seat in your vehicle. Get everything ready for the big day by installing your car seat ahead of time, ensuring you understand how to operate it, and can get your baby on board with ease.
Decide on a Name
Chances are you’ve already got a list of names picked out for your baby, but your third trimester is the time to narrow that list down. Taking the time to choose the perfect name for your baby is one of the best ways to get ready for your third trimester. Enjoy this important process and prepare for their special birthday!
Now that you know all the best ways to get ready for your third trimester, schedule time to get everything set up for your baby and finish your pregnancy off strong. With the right preparations and planning, you’ll be ready for anything your third trimester brings!
Author Bio
Christina Duron is a writer living in the Chicagoland area. Her passion for writing and mental health help create thought provoking and engaging pieces and hopes to use them to empower mothers and women to embrace the beauty of motherhood.
Understandably, you felt good about how things were going before you had your baby, and you carried yourself more confidently. But in the postpartum phase, you’re looking at a new person. Your body experienced a lot of changes, your state of mind is going through shifts, and you have a tiny human relying on you to show up for them.
The challenges you face as a new mom can feel defeating, but there are a few unique ways to promote confidence postpartum. It’s important to remember that your feelings are valid, but let’s look at a few ways to boost your mood!
*This is a guest post and all opinions are those of the author. This post may also contain affiliate and/or paid links. Rest assured that we only work with companies and individuals that we trust. While some of those companies and individuals may work in the medical field, this post is not intended to be a substitution for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.
Get Some Fresh Air
This is something so simple that we often forget how vital it is. Regardless of the time of year you have your baby, make it a point to take a breath in the fresh air. Sometimes 10 to 15 minutes can significantly restore our energy and promote healing within the body.
If this idea stresses you out, consider taking your baby for a stroll in their buggy. You can count on your little one sleeping a lot in those first few weeks, so dress them appropriately to the season, grab an extra blanket, and enjoy getting outdoors.
Consider Trying Shapewear
One of the more popular ways to boost your confidence is investing in shapewear. The key with shapewear is ensuring it fits well, so measure yourself three times to guarantee accuracy when shopping for your piece.
Another helpful tip for wearing shapewear postpartum is its benefits depending on the type of birth you had, and it can hold things together and give you a sense of pre-baby normalcy.
Click here to get the Postpartum Plan Workbook.
Catch Up With Old Friends
The act of socializing can create a healthy self-dynamic that people tend to lose sight of when the only person they communicate with is their new baby. But reaching out to your friends and having them visit you and the baby can significantly boost your confidence. They may even be willing to bring a goody basket or warm meal, which can help you tremendously as you continue to adjust.
Use Positive Language With Yourself
Another unique way to promote confidence postpartum is speaking positively to yourself and about yourself. The words you use with yourself shape your mindset about how things are going, and positive comments can genuinely make a difference when things get tough.
You could also try putting little sticky notes with small reminders that you’re doing you’re best. These random but small messages throughout the day can make a significant difference in how you view the situation and overcome short-term obstacles.
It’s critical to seek medical attention if you’re in a low place; there is no shame in asking for help. And remember, mama, you just entered a new chapter. Give yourself grace, practice patience, and enjoy this love-filled, tired, and adventurous ride!
Author Bio
Christina Duron is a writer living in the Chicagoland area. Her passion for writing and mental health help create thought provoking and engaging pieces and hopes to use them to empower mothers and women to embrace the beauty of motherhood.
Have you ever left a medical appointment with advice from your doctor, only to forget exactly what they said a few days later? Having a medical binder can help you avoid forgetting important information like this. When kept updated, it can also help keep you safe during an emergency and provide some organization during important life events, such as pregnancy or big moves.
*This is a guest post and all opinions are those of the author. This post may also contain affiliate and/or paid links. Rest assured that we only work with companies and individuals that we trust. While some of those companies and individuals may work in the medical field, this post is not intended to be a substitution for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.
What is a Medical Binder?
A medical binder lists all of your health information and can house important medical documents. During an emergency, it can act as the single source of truth for those trying to care for you. This is especially important if you’re unable to communicate for any reason.
However, a medical binder doesn’t need to — and shouldn’t — only be used in times of emergency. It can come in handy for organizational purposes as well. If you keep it up-to-date, you could end up helping yourself and your healthcare providers a great deal.
If you visit multiple different providers or take numerous medications, you should use a medical binder to keep the information straight. This can help your providers keep track of overlapping prescriptions, and avoid the dangerous effects that multiple prescriptions can cause. Keeping a medical binder for as long as you are able is also useful for your loved ones.
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What to Include in Your Medical Binder?
You can include any health information you feel is necessary in your medical binder, including insurance details, written advice or research from providers, and specific health trackers. You could also include:
Basic health information like allergies or your blood type
Medicine chart
Appointment history
Important contact information
Basic Health Information Sheet
A basic health information sheet should have the standard information that you would usually need to receive medical treatment. In case of emergency, a healthcare clinic, hospital, or emergency responders would benefit from information such as:
Your full name
Emergency contact information
Allergies
Date of birth
Blood type
Immunization records
This information can help healthcare professionals give you the best possible care as quickly as possible. You may also want to make a copy of this form in a smaller size and laminate it to keep in your purse at all times.
Click to Download a Free Printable!
Medication Log
According to WebMD, more than 50% of Americans take an average of four prescription pills. However, taking multiple medications can be dangerous. Some types of medication overlap may even have deadly consequences. Keeping track of exactly what medications you take is especially important when you’re pregnant, as some medications may affect the development of your baby.
Likewise, documenting your medications can also help you and your doctor figure out which ones have worked in the past, and which haven’t. If you’ve switched doctors and are in a prescription experimentation phase, supplying your own records can help you avoid repeating medications.
Click to Download a Free Printable!
Blood Pressure Log
Many are unaware that they have hypertension (or high blood pressure), but it has damaging—and even deadly—effects over time. According to the CDC, 1 in every 12 to 17 pregnancies experiences high blood pressure.
One way to avoid problems from high blood pressure is to keep track. Purchase a home blood pressure monitor to record your own blood pressure. Remember, home monitoring isn’t an adequate substitute for doctor’s visits, but it can still be helpful for healthcare professionals to gauge the effectiveness of treatments.
Click to Download a Free Printable!
Being aware of your medical conditions and treatments before a big life transition — like moving homes, having a child, or planning for retirement — can help alleviate stress and worry. These changes may influence your healthcare providers or the amount of healthcare you receive. Tracking doctors visits for current conditions and logging your present healthcare needs in your medical binder can keep you on top of your health — no matter what phase of life you’re in.
Author Bio
Abby Christensen is a digital marketer who helps RetireGuide create helpful pieces of content worth sharing. When she’s not soaking up the latest digital marketing news, you can find her reading, playing with her pooch, or organizing.
Your doctor just told you that you must be on bed rest for the remainder of your pregnancy. This might not be what you had in mind for these final days but doing what’s best for you and your baby is what’s most important. As you begin to learn the art of being adaptable, try these things to do to pass the time on pregnancy bed rest. Check out how sweet life in bed can be.
*This is a guest post and all opinions are those of the author. This post may also contain affiliate and/or paid links. Rest assured that we only work with companies and individuals that we trust. While some of those companies and individuals may work in the medical field, this post is not intended to be a substitution for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.
Start a New Hobby
You never know how many days you will be on bed rest, and the reasons vary for each woman. You don’t want to spend time ruminating on your worries when you need your health to be at its best. Hobbies can improve your mental health. Choose one that you can focus on and spend a significant amount of time completing. For instance, needlepoint is relaxing and allows you to create items you can use in your nursery. This hobby is simple with modern needlepoint kitsthat come with all the supplies you need.
Get Social
Multiple ways to connect with others exist. Especially when you are pregnant, many people will want to talk to you. Invite your friends over during the final days of your pregnancy. You might think you don’t feel good enough to see people, but the social interaction may give you the boost of energy you need to survive your bed rest. Further, you can join groups online for other pregnant women on bed rest to talk about your shared experiences.
Enjoy Your Favorite Entertainment
Whether you love to read, stream TV, or listen to podcasts, you can do it all while on bed rest. Endless hours of free time were made for binge-watching or reading your favorite books and movies. Since you’ve got your baby on your mind, you may use the time to watch, listen, or read books, magazines, and shows about pregnancy and parenting.
Treat Yourself
No one deserves to be treated more than you. Use some of your time on bed rest to order something that will boost your mood. Whether it’s something you can enjoy postpartum or a treat you can enjoy while on bed rest, give yourself something nice.
Click here to get the Postpartum Plan Workbook.
Try these things to do to pass the time on pregnancy bed rest to keep your mood in a good place for the final days of your pregnancy. You’ve reached the home stretch and will be through the hardest part soon. Use the time you must spend on bed rest to start filling your home with the love you want to share with your baby.
Author Bio
Christina Duron is a writer living in the Chicagoland area. Her passion for writing and mental health help create thought provoking and engaging pieces and hopes to use them to empower mothers and women to embrace the beauty of motherhood.
In the first few months after the baby is born, moms are very busy and do not possess time for themselves. Every so often they don’t have time to sleep or spare a little free time. What to give moms? If you are trying to come up with the ideal gift for a new mom, you are in the right place. We have designed creative and useful gifts that mom will surely like. There are classic gifts like baby diapers, clothes and blankets that have become traditional, but we went a step further and found gifts that every mom will adore! Find out below how to select the best gift for a new mom!
*This is a guest post and all opinions are those of the author. This post may also contain affiliate and/or paid links. Rest assured that we only work with companies and individuals that we trust. While some of those companies and individuals may work in the medical field, this post is not intended to be a substitution for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.
Professional photography
New moms need to record every moment with their baby. Photos of a newborn baby become precious family memories. Moms are very grateful when they give away a voucher for professional photography or organize the arrival of a photographer at their home address. These photos are kept for life.
Personalized necklaces
Personalized necklaces made of silver or gold carry a dedication in the form of a name or initials. You can give a new mom a piece of jewelry with the baby’s name written on it, and we believe she will be delighted! You should think about what she prefers to wear, whether it is bracelets, necklaces or earrings. This kind of gift is a good investment because they will wear it proudly.
Comfortable pajamas
Moms need to feel good and comfortable in the beginning. At home, they will usually wear a nightgown, bathrobe or pajamas. Choose a piece of simple clothing and made of natural materials. In addition, you can consider new leggings, warm socks or slippers that have a light and soft sole.
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Grocery shopping
Moms don’t have much time to spend shopping, so bringing groceries will be a gift for a new mom that will make them very happy. You can also surprise your daughter, friend or sister, by sending her a basket full of fruit. Fresh fruit gift hampers are a gift that moms can’t resist! After pregnancy and childbirth, they need a lot of vitamins and fresh fruit to keep their immunity strong and be able to cope with the new schedule.
Cleaning service
If you pay for a cleaner as a gift for a new mom, she will be very grateful. Moms have little time and try to be with the baby as much as possible. Cleaning and maintaining a home can be very hard and stressful in the first months. If you do not want to pay for additional cleaning services, get organized with friends and family.
Moms require more rest
For the first few months, mothers are sleep deprived and tired. Taking care of a child for a few hours a day can help moms dedicate themselves or go to the hairdresser. They can only sleep or take a warm bath that will relax them. This free time is precious, and mom will be very happy that she found an extra hour or two to go for a manicure or do something she didn’t get to do.
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Massage
Moms need a massage that will relax them, and that will relieve back pain. The masseur can also come to your home address. A gifted massage will make mom more rested and calm. Massage is the easiest way to relax and achieve good health. This method of treatment has been used for more than 5,000 years, and masseurs say that regular massage improves general health, mental and physical condition.
Free evening with a partner
Although the first months when the baby arrives are very hectic and stressful, moms claim to enjoy every moment. However, every so often they require a dinner with a partner where they will be able to get closer, talk and enjoy food. Dinner for two and baby care for a few hours is a gift that moms can hardly wait for! That is an opportunity for mom to get dressed and shine again in high heels.
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Coffee maker
All new parents need a little extra caffeine! Many moms do not have the time to prepare delicious coffee and spend time in the kitchen. A coffee machine can help them with that! If your coffee machine is currently inaccessible, consider a standard coffee maker that has a lower price.
With these gifts, new moms will be able to relax and find a little more time to spend alone or with their baby. Instead of traditional gifts, select the really useful and functional ones. That will mean something to your mom in the upcoming weeks or months.
Author Bio
Alison Pearson is an interior design student. She is a writer and designer, but her ultimate passion is fitness and health. She is also a bibliophile and her favorite book is “The Sound and the Fury” by William Faulkner. Follow her on Twitter.
When you’re nearing the beautiful end of your pregnancy, the last thing you should worry about is how the family pet will react to your bouncing bundle of joy. Though many dogs get along just fine with babies, they may need some gentle introductions to ensure that they don’t play too rough with your newborn. Before your due date arrives and you head off to the hospital, make sure to read these tips for introducing your dog to your baby to sweeten the first meeting when you return.
*This is a guest post and all opinions are those of the author. This post may also contain affiliate and/or paid links. Rest assured that we only work with companies and individuals that we trust. While some of those companies and individuals may work in the medical field, this post is not intended to be a substitution for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.
Begin Introducing Baby Supplies and Furniture Before the Baby Arrives
If you cut your dog off from everything in the nursery, they can’t get used to the sights and smells that come with a newborn. As you fill up your nursery with furniture and supplies, let your dog sniff around and acclimate to some of the items associated with the newest member of your family. Keep the supplies and toys out of reach of your dog, but don’t restrict their access to the nursery if you don’t have to—the introduction of a restricted area may only build intrigue and cause hyperactivity once they’re allowed in the room.
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Find Somewhere for Your Dog To Stay While You’re at the Hospital
A home without you may not be a home at all to your dog. For practical reasons, consider finding someone to care for your dog while you’re away—whether it’s a friend or family member. You can also board your dog at a boarding facility. You may want a day without your canine companion at home to allow for time to fully recuperate after an exhausting visit to the hospital.
When you bring your dog back home, try to wear them out before taking them inside. If you leave them at a dog boarder, pick them up after they’ve had time to play with other dogs for the day. You may want to choose a boarding service that you trust. A sleepy, worn-out dog is less likely to show excitement around new things, making it easier to introduce the baby.
Take It Slow and Give Rewards for Good Interactions
Your dog may be a natural caretaker or a bit apprehensive around the new family addition. One tip for introducing your dog to your baby is to make the introduction as slow as possible. Try to start outside of the nursery and allow the dog to sniff around before noticing the baby. Let them sniff a blanket that the baby has been wrapped in so that they can get familiar with all the new smells. You may not need to leash the dog, but you do need to stay close.
Hold the baby during the dog’s first meeting. Start by allowing the pup to sniff the newborn’s feet. After this, give them a treat to reward good behavior. Avoid scolding, as the negative interaction can ruin the association the dog has with the baby.
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No matter how much you love and trust your dog, when you introduce your dog to your baby, always be prepared for unpredictable behavior. Sometimes a baby’s crying can cause stress on your dog, which may cause them to act out. And big dogs are often unaware of just how big they are, so even good intentions can be dangerous around tiny babies. Eventually, and with the right amount of patience, they will grow to become the best of friends.
Author Bio
Christina Duron is a writer living in the Chicagoland area. Her passion for writing and mental health help create thought provoking and engaging pieces and hopes to use them to empower mothers and women to embrace the beauty of motherhood.
Pregnancy is a difficult time, even if you do not have to worry about anything else that is going on. Maintaining a healthy relationship during pregnancy also requires work and mutual effort. When trying to do both at the same time, it can be even more challenging to keep things going smoothly.
A stronger relationship not only makes you happier, but also provides a stable family environment for your child—before and after the birth. If you are wondering how to keep things happy between you and your partner while you are pregnant, these tips may well help you.
*This is a guest post and all opinions are those of the author. This post may also contain affiliate and/or paid links. Rest assured that I only work with companies and individuals that I trust. While some of those companies and individuals may work in the medical field, this post is not intended to be a substitution for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.
Make sure your partner does their share
While you are the one who is pregnant and will experience the physical strain of pregnancy and birth, this doesn’t mean pregnancy should be seen as only your burden. After all, it takes two to make a baby! Your partner must play their part in supporting you throughout the pregnancy. This means being prepared to look after you when you are suffering from morning sickness, comforting you when you are feeling mood swings or anxiety, being on hand to deal with any emergencies, and generally keeping your spirits up.
It can also mean your partner taking on extra responsibilities in terms of household chores, as your pregnancy is likely to cause you some mental and physical strain. Suppose you feel exhaustion, sickness, abdominal pains, or any other effect. In that case, your partner should be willing to step in and take care of any tasks on your behalf. Don’t let yourself feel guilty about letting your partner take on extra responsibilities; remember that carrying their baby is a huge responsibility itself.
Create a postpartum plan to help you communicate to your partner what you need after giving birth.
Click here to get the Postpartum Plan Workbook.
Be open as a couple for mental health challenges
Pregnancy can have significant effects on moods and mental health. As well as anxiety about becoming a parent, there are many hormonal changes in the body which are necessary to keep the body functioning. Unfortunately, these usually come with some emotional and mental side effects. It is uncommon to go through pregnancy without experiencing pretty significant mood swings at some point. This could manifest in many ways, from depression to mania to irritability.
While we are all still responsible for our actions regardless of our mental state, it is only realistic for you and your partner to prepare for some mental health struggles that are likely to affect both of you. Your relationship may be tested by an increase in irritability, for example. You may find yourself becoming very frustrated at seemingly minor things, and you are likely to take out this frustration on your partner at some point.
The best way to deal with this as a couple is to be prepared for this and aware of it. It is not just up to you to deal with your emotions, and it is not just up to your partner to ignore their needs in the relationship either. Overcoming the mental and emotional strain of pregnancy is a task that requires effort and mutual understanding from both partners.
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Accept changes to your sex drive
With so many hormonal changes happening during pregnancy, it is no surprise that sex drive is an area that is likely to be affected. It is highly common for a pregnant person’s libido to decrease or even disappear altogether at times. This may be due to hormonal fluctuations, stress, fears about what your partner thinks of your changing body, or any combination of these factors. You may be unable to have sex at certain times, even if you want to, due to abdominal pain from your baby kicking!
Generally speaking, your partner is unlikely to be concerned by your body changing if they genuinely love and respect you. After all—every adult knows that pregnancy causes physical changes, many of which are only temporary. You may want to approach your libido in the same way you approach your mood; acknowledging that it will fluctuate and become more unpredictable. Making your partner aware of this fact can help you to keep your relationship passionate.
Practically speaking, some couples find that scheduling in nights for sex works, while others prefer to respond to the libido as and when it changes. Whatever you do, it is vital to communicate, and both expect changes to your sex life during pregnancy. Towards the end of the pregnancy, you may have to try different, more comfortable, and less strenuous positions if you have sex.
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Discuss any money worries with each other
Although bringing a baby into the world is a beautiful thing, it is undeniable that having an extra mouth to feed is a significant financial expense. In addition to this, pregnancy and maternity can result in the need to take more time off work. When you are pregnant, it is to be expected that you will be working significantly reduced hours for the next couple of years at least. Suppose you are lucky enough to work for an employer that provides sufficient maternity pay. In that case, this factor may not weigh on your mind. However, if you are in less stable employment, pregnancy and maternity can affect your finances.
If you are in a serious, long-term relationship, you should be able to talk about money with each other. If you are worried about the financial implications of your pregnancy, there are a few measures that can be taken. Your partner may be able to work overtime. You may be able to cut back on luxuries (such as canceling subscriptions, etc.). You may even be able to sell items for some extra cash.
Of the luxuries that you may need to cut back on, one of the most likely is going on dates. This is not just for financial reasons; the physical and mental effects of pregnancy may make going out strenuous and challenging. However, it is still important to maintain the health of your relationship. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to spend quality time with your partner without breaking the bank. If the tightening of your budget has made fancy dinner dates impossible, don’t panic. There are plenty of ways that you can have a fun date night at home without spending much money at all!
Aside from having dates, it is as important to focus on your relationship during pregnancy as it is at any other time. Pregnancy is a heavy burden, and it can easily take up all of your time and mental energy. However, just because you and your partner have the pressures of pregnancy to deal with, that doesn’t mean that other potential relationship issues simply disappear. While your partner should be aware that things will be tricky and the pregnancy will be prioritized over other needs, you both still need to make an effort to keep your relationship healthy and enjoyable as you did before.
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Just because you will soon become a three, this does not mean that your relationship as a couple is no longer important—in fact, a healthy relationship is more important than ever before when you are raising a child together. If you can follow these steps and communicate effectively, openly, and honestly with each other, then pregnancy can strengthen—rather than weaken—your bond.
Author Bio
Brenda Adair is a relationships and lifestyle writer, coffee enthusiast, and a lover of new experiences. You’ll usually find her in a coffee shop with her laptop and a flat white scribbling down an article or a blog post. She is a contributing author at GoDates, and several other online publications.
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