Navigating the third trimester
The physical, emotional and spiritual journey you are on at the end of pregnancy is often filled with trepidation, excitement, uncertainty, expectation and vulnerability. You are about to embark on the biggest life transition, becoming a parent and all that brings.
Many physical and emotional changes are occurring during this time as you are preparing for the arrival of your baby and this can prove pretty challenging for some.
Not every journey is smooth sailing and feelings of fear and anxiety are very common and very normal. The end of pregnancy can be tiring, uncomfortable and stressful for many with the complexities of family life and navigating the system thrown in the mix.
Worries about the birth, previous trauma may resurface, unsupportive HCPs, uncertainties about when, where and how you’re going to give birth, worrying about changes to relationship dynamics and postpartum life whilst dealing with the physical demands on your body can be overwhelming!
Good antenatal preparation goes a long way in helping you prepare and navigate these challenges. Allowing yourself to experience these thoughts and feelings and giving yourself space to process them can help. Talking to your HCP, friends and family or whoever your support network may be about any worries you are having is really important.
Validating your feelings is really important. Don’t dismiss them as being trivial or being afraid to voice your concerns in fear of being judged, you will be surprised at how many people have experienced the same and understand!
The physical and emotional demands and changes at the end of pregnancy can be a wild rollercoaster ride! Be kind to yourself and if you’re in a position to earlier in your pregnancy, find your team of people to support you through the final stages and onto motherhood and prepare as much as you can.
Hypnobirthing, antenatal courses, postpartum preparation, hiring a doula or an independent midwife, pregnancy yoga, swimming, complementary therapies, relaxation, talking to other expectant parents and birth workers can all be beneficial. Try to ensure you are well rested, this may be naps during the day if pregnancy insomnia or restless legs are keeping you awake at night. Good nutrition, looking after your mental health and taking time out to connect to your unborn baby can also be advantageous.
This is not an exhaustive list and none of these suggestions are compulsory by any means or a guarantee that your journey will be without anxiety or discomfort but it can make a positive difference.
Know you’re not alone, you’ve got this Mama!
