One of the most difficult times of pregnancy is that period of time juuuuuuuuust before labor starts. You’ve been pregnant for one hundred years and even the most pregnancy-loving person is ready to evict the baby and reclaim their lung space and bladder capacity. Just when the limit is reached, the waiting begins.

I’m sure you’ve heard that the waiting is the hardest part…but I’m inclined to say it’s the thinking that really makes this period unbearable. Sure, there’s the physical discomfort, but for lots of people, that discomfort simply starts a mental countdown clock where the numbers keep going up and down at random and you may never sleep soundly again. Plus, there’s all the fun worrying about the future and what needs to be done before the baby arrives.

So what can be done to tolerate waiting? Any number of things, but here are three.

Rest and Nest
I’m talking about literal nesting, here. Get your nicest pillows and comfy slippers and settle in to watch movies or read. It’s hard to do when you are worrying about everything, but taking the time to rest is great for your mental health. On the other hand, if laying around drives you nuts, just try to get as much sleep as you can and spend some of that energy on a walk or a (small) project.
Plan an Everyday Treat
A lot of blogs recommend this for each day after your due date, but I think there is no reason to put it off that long! As soon as you feel those first stirrings of “will this ever end?”, start planning those special treats. Common ones I have seen are: mani pedis, journaling/crafting, date nights, taking a class, making/ordering something great for dinner, or movie marathons (like each movie in the Harry Potter series, or maybe the Fast and the Furious? Whatever floats your boat.) Giving yourself something to look forward to that is in your control will at least distract from some of the waiting.
Remember: The baby’s schedule is not yours
You might have big plans for the holidays, or be worried about a big storm coming, but your baby has its own agenda. The last weeks of pregnancy are still a developmental time for little brains and bodies. Most of the time, the baby and your body work together to begin labor, so spend some time encouraging your baby to grow and get ready. It’s a great time to write a different letter every day to your baby, or to your future self, talking about hopes and dreams.

Remember that this waiting period is hard on partners and families, too. Take a breath together and know that no…pregnancy isn’t forever.

What are you doing to get through?

As always, any advice within this blog is provided within the context of a Doula’s Scope of Practice and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your provider if you have questions.
Apologies to the David after Dentist kid and Tom Petty’s ghost for cribbing from them.

Is this going to be forever?