Self-Care During Your Third Trimester

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It's no secret that the third trimester can be pretty tough, emotionally and physically. It's important to take care of yourself as you approach birth. Especially if this is your first, this may be the last time in awhile that you have completely to yourself.

It's going to be beautiful, chaotic, and amazing, but you might find yourself missing some of the aspects of childless life. Guess what? That's perfectly normal and totally okay. Here are my three best tips for slowing down and preparing for that new-parent life.

1. Take Obnoxiously Long Showers/Baths

This one is a no-brainer. Once baby is here, showering becomes a task that feels impossible some days. While I highly recommend making sure you take that time for yourself every single day postpartum, it's just not always plausible.

Get yourself some special shower/bath treats and have at it. Camp out in there. Set your iPad up on the sink and watch Netflix or listen to music! I love shower steamers to add a little something special to a long shower. These are some of my favorites and have a huge variety of scents: https://amzn.to/3TxdAJW

Epsom salt baths are a HUGE relief during that third trimester when everything hurts. An evening soak (but not too hot!) is a great self-care tool. Relaxing both your mind and body is essential during this time. Bonus - warm baths can help relax your cervix and prepare you for labor! I love this soaking solution from Dr. Teal's: https://amzn.to/3UVqgLE

2. Sleep (Or Rest) As Much As Possible

Okay, this one is admittedly a little tricky. Sleep can be kind of elusive during your third trimester and finding a comfortable position is nearly impossible. If you do, you find yourself getting up to pee almost immediately. However, good quality rest, with or without sleeping, can make a huge difference in how you feel.

Even if you're just cat napping on the couch all day, allow yourself to do that. Taking care of yourself is your job right now. I know it's tempting to organize the closets yet again or get down and scrub the floor, but remember that the more well-rested you are, the easier your body succumbs to labor. If you can't seem to fall asleep, close your eyes and put on a sound machine or your favorite podcast, just maybe not the murdery ones right now.

3. Treat Yo'Self!

It's true what everyone says: once baby comes, it's all about them. You will be so hyper-focused on their care that your own care sometimes falls to the wayside. That's okay, it's all a learning process and you just have to survive. That being said, this might be the last time in a few months that you get to focus on you. Go wander around target, get your favorite ice cream, or treat yourself to a mani/pedi. You will be so glad you did.

All of these sound easy, but it can be difficult to put yourself first once your brain becomes exclusively focused on baby's arrival. Remember: you are worth it. You are worthy of this care, you are worthy of good things. You can do this, mama!