As you enter the final phase of your pregnancy, there are certain things you might like to consider bringing into your life at this point. Some of these will offer immediate benefits, while others are simply to get ready and put your mind at ease for the birth.
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Breast pads: At this stage, your breasts may start to leak a little as the pre-milk or colostrum is released in preparation for the baby being born. Pop a breast pad in your bra over each of your nippes to soak up any fluid so it won’t show through your clothing. You can buy either disposable or reusable pads depending on your preference.
Support tights: Varicose veins are quite common during this phase of pregnancy so to help prevent these from occurring, support tights will help to reduce swelling and also support the blood flow from your ankles and feet back up to your heart. If you are still at work and spend most of your day sitting down at a desk, it’s important to wear them while you are not mobile.
Night light: While this may seem like something to suggest for your baby’s bedroom- it’s useful to have in yours too. In the third trimester, you will need to get up several times a night to urinate as the baby will be pressing on your bladder, meaning less time between comfort breaks. A small night light will help to guide you to the bathroom without disturbing your partner but most importantly, will reduce the risk of you falling in the dark if you find putting on a stronger light means your sleep is disturbed afterwards. You can always move this into your baby’s bedroom once they arrive.
Help to nest: You may want to clean your house from top to bottom and have everything done before your baby comes. While your mind might be raring to go, your body might not want to participate. If this is the case, ask for help to get your house up to scratch. If this means asking a friend, family member or professional to give you a hand- so be it. Mums, aunties, mother in laws, friends and sisters may be only too happy to wash and dry a load of baby sleepsuits and vests in preparation or do a bit of sewing for you if you need to rest. Ask your partner to do some extra cleaning, washing or ironing for you or bring in a gardener and a window cleaner for a few weeks so you don’t have to bother.
Nursing bra: The advice is to get measured for your nursing bra at around 35 weeks so you are as close to your due date and size as possible. If you are unable to get measured, ask your partner to do it for you and order it online. There is usually a handy guide on the website you intend to buy it from so you can find the perfect fit.
Nursing nightwear: If you plan on breastfeeding, a few nighties or pjs with a nursing top are a good purchase at this point. Try them on and get used to how they work as you will need to be lightening-fast when your baby wants a feed in the middle of the night. So, get accustomed to the way it fastens and opens up so that’s one less thing you have to worry about in the early hours of the morning.
Supportive sandals: While this may not be an appropriate suggestion if you live in colder climbs, a good quality pair of sandals might be something to wear around the house so you are not barefoot. There are several things to take into consideration when buying sandals in your third trimester; they need to have a good grip on the sole, so flip flops are not appropriate- the last thing you want is to fall, so be sure to get ones with a deep tread to avoid accidents. Also be mindful if you already have swelling or know you are prone to swelling from previous pregnancies that your sandals of choice account for this. Ones with tight straps and clasps won’t give your feet as much room to grow, so slip ons might be a better option. I personally found that Birkenstocks ticked all the boxes and I wore them for most of my pregnancy both in and out of the house because it was during the summer. They offered both safety and comfort which is all you can ask for at this stage.
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The second trimester sees a lot of pregnant ladies with a renewed sense of wellbeing as their body has become more familiar with the changes taking place. You may feel less tired and nauseous and like you can do more now, so with this new boost of energy, it’s time to go shopping- here are just a few things that I found beneficial during this time…to read more click HERE
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