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Enter Into The Last Month Of Pregnancy

My last month of pregnancy is now beginning. In my previous pregnancy I was one week overdue. Because of this I believe that I am not in as much of a hurry to get everything prepared as I was at that time. I know that is not the way to think as all pregnancies are different. I should be expecting this little one to make his entrance any day now. Still I am finding it hard to get started. I thought because of this I would write this post on what to expect in the final month of pregnancy, what to do to prepare for the big day and also offer some helpful tips to make the transition a little smoother.



The final month: What to expect

Baby will make his grand entrance.
Don't rely totally on a given due date. Babies can either arrive early or late. Either way baby will soon arrive.

- During this last month baby will be growing at a fast rate. Continuing to have good balance in quality food and selection is as important during this last month as it was in the previous months.
Tip: Eat dates. Consuming dates during the ninth month of pregnancy can help to avoid the need for induction and can help keep labor progressing once it begins.
I love dates and was not aware of this before!



- You may feel more tired during the the last month.
It is important to get at least 7 hours of sleep per night. 

Try having an extra nap during the day. If that is not possible then at least ensure that you make time to sit with your feet up and relax for several short periods throughout the day.
Tip: Try having a warm bath or shower in the evening. This will help relax your muscles and ease tension. 


- There may be an increase in aches and pains especially in the back area. 
Tip: Use a hot water bottle to help provide relief. 

- Urination will most likely become more frequent. This is due to the baby pressing down on the bladder.
Tip: Try to consume more water during the daytime hours and less water before going to sleep at night. 


- Braxton Hicks contractions may be coming on more stronger and frequently. When this happens, especially in the final month you may start to confuse these pains with real labor.
Tip: Drink some water and lay down. Changing positions is often enough to stop Braxton Hicks. If the pain does not go away than you could be in real labor.  



- Milk may or may not start to come in. If it does it may occur when you least expect it.
Tip: Keep a pair of nursing pads handy in your purse



What to do in the final month

- Protect your mattress. A large baby waterproof change pad or waterproof crib sheet will do.

- Do any cleaning around the home that needs to be done. Just do not overdo it!

- Pack your bag.
Tip: contact hospital ahead of time to find out exactly what you may need. Some hospitals provide maternity pads, diapers, and toiletries whereas some don't.

- Keep the laundry down to a minimum by trying to wash a load each day.

- Prepare a few meals ahead of time and freeze them if you have room. 

-Stock refrigerator with milk, yogurt, cheese, eggs, as well as plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Tip: Choose vegetables that can be eaten raw including tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, and carrots. 


-Stock pantry with healthy snacks including peanut butter, oats, almonds, and raisins. 

- Check baby supplies. Sometimes overlooked are items such as thermometer, baby nail clippers, hat and scratch mittens. 
Tip: Purchase one single baby bottle with teat just in case there are issues with breastfeeding. Baby formula companies often give away baby formula sometimes with a free bottle and teat. Even if you intend to breastfeed, sign up anyway to have it on hand just in case. 

- Wash all new and/or used baby clothes to be worn in the first few months. 

- Finalize child and/or pet care arrangements. 





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10 Comments

  1. Good luck with your last month love. The end of pregnancies were always the craziest... trying get things done and wanting so badly to finally meet your sweet baby! Awesome list of what to expect and what to do.

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    1. Hi Savanna!
      Thank you so much. I am sure I will not get everything done in time.
      What's most important is to be ready for delivery and welcoming baby!

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  2. I laughed because I had a scheduled c-section and my doctor kept telling me that he might come early and I should go a week early so that I wouldn't have any complications and I told him that I didn't have time :) My milk came in the second that I got home from the hospital and finally fell asleep. I woke up with the strangest feeling and I wasn't sure what was wrong at first. Good luck in your last month!!!

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    1. Hi Alison!
      Thank you. Yes I have to agree. We just don't know when these precious babies may enter the world. Thank you for sharing :)

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  3. Visiting from Mom's Monday Mingle! I just had my first 6 months ago-who knew dates might have helped, I'll remember that next time, if there is a next time!

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    1. Hi Jessica!
      Congratulations! Hope you are enjoying being a mommy :)
      I will have to post an update about the dates after delivery on whether or not they helped any!

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  4. Congrats on your baby! Thanks for linking up @ MMM. I invite you to link up @ our blog hop and link party http://www.thefamilyfunspot.com/2013/11/bloggers-unidas-2.html have a great day!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Vivian!
      Thank you for stopping by and thank you for the invite to the link up!
      I know I am late getting back on this however I linked up anyway.
      Have a great day :)

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  5. Hi Bismah,
    I didn't know that about dates!! I had a relatively easy labor with my son, but if I had known in advance about dates, I sure would have been eating them the last month of my pregnancy.
    I agree on the getting more sleep bit. The first month after my son was born I thought I had been run over by a truck. The sleep deprivation was torture!!!! So, I hope you're napping right now!!
    Best of luck to you.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jennifer!
      Thank you! I am quite a stubborn mom when it comes to napping. Though these last few weeks I felt I had no choice. Whenever my 17 month old has been napping so have I. He will usually sleep anywhere from one to three hours depending on his morning activity. So that works as a huge plus for me.
      I had a fairly difficult labor with him. He did not want to leave. I was able to give birth naturally with very little pain medicine which really had no effect. I am really hoping for a quick and easy one this time around. Though I love my babies and would take the pain all over again for them!

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