The baby countdown
8 ways to ease discomfort at the end of pregnancy
For most women, the last months of pregnancy aren’t exactly comfortable. Your baby is large and heavy, which puts pressure on your organs, joints, and muscles, causing pain and discomfort. Eating can be difficult because your stomach is constricted, and you may have very low energy levels. Even worse, it can be tricky to get enough sleep – your changing body can make it hard to get comfortable in bed.
Even if it seems endless at the time, pregnancy doesn’t last forever. And while you are coping with the various aches and pains of late pregnancy, there are a few ways to make yourself more comfortable (or less uncomfortable, at least).
Here’s our guide to getting through the last few weeks:
1: Better sleep
There are a few options when it comes to getting comfy at night. Many women swear by pregnancy-specific body pillows that help support the belly, while others use a couple of standard pillows – one under the stomach, one between the legs – to help them find a comfortable sleeping position. You can also try sleeping in a different place – a couch or recliner could be more comfortable than a flat mattress.
2: Nap time
Whether you’re sleeping at night or not, a daytime nap can make a huge difference to your energy levels. Of course, if you’re working full time or have older children, this may not be so easy. If you can’t nap, lie down as much as you can – this takes pressure off your hips and lower back.
3: Ask for help
There’s no shame in asking for help. Get your partner to tie your shoes or rub your back, ask friends or family to babysit older children so you can nap, and consider using a meal delivery or cleaning service to take some of the pressure off.
4: Food choices
Try to eat a good breakfast with a mix of proteins, fats, and carbs, to help give you the energy you need to make it through the day. The rest of the time, you may want to eat smaller, more frequent meals – if the baby is constricting your stomach, it can be uncomfortable to eat full-size meals.
5: Make time for movement
Now is not the time to hit the gym, but some form of gentle exercise can help relieve bloating, ease aching muscles, and boost your energy. Slow walks are a good option, and swimming is even better – it won’t impact your joints, and because you’re supported by water, the heaviness and pressure on your body is temporarily alleviated.
6: Pain points
Many women suffer from back and hip pain in late pregnancy. Warm baths or showers, foam rollers and back rubs, and even gentle pregnancy-yoga can help lessen this discomfort. Or try sitting backwards in a chair, with your arms on the backrest and your belly on the seat. This gives your belly support, and relieves the pressure on your lower back for a few precious minutes.
7: Stress less
Physical comfort isn’t the only thing that suffers in late pregnancy. The last weeks before birth can be a time of stress and anxiety, particularly the first time around. It’s a good idea to read about the birth process and talk to experts, but try not to listen to birth stories shared by friends and family. People love to share their horror stories, but they’re more likely to scare you than help you prepare for your own birth.
8: Take it easy
Give yourself permission to take it easy for the last month or two. The house doesn’t need to be perfectly tidy, older kids will survive with a bit more screen time, and you don’t need to entertain friends or go to every social event on the calendar if you don’t feel up to it. Don’t forget to treat yourself too – you might want to do some online shopping or send your partner out for your favourite snacks. There’s nothing wrong with staying in and focusing on your comfort for a few weeks.
When the waiting is over and your baby finally arrives, everything changes.
Be prepared for bringing your newborn home with our Essentials Checklist here .
