Pregnancy can be a beautiful time in a woman's life. It can also be one of the most uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are things that a woman can do to ensure that she remains as comfortable as possible during her final trimester.
Defy Gravity
If you have access to a swimming pool, by all means take advantage of it. When you're floating, you feel weightless. During the last few weeks of pregnancy, that waterborne sensation of lightness is priceless. Wear a pair of loose shorts and a big tee-shirt into the pool. Don't worry about how you look. You'll get back to your pre-pregnancy body soon enough.
Stay Active if You Can
A woman may feel exhausted as she approaches her delivery date. If this happens to you, you may be tempted to spend all day in bed or on the couch. Don't do that. It’s not to suggest that you run a marathon, but try consistent levels of low-stress activity. Stretch well when you wake up, and stretch again before you turn in for the night. Dr. Gilbert Webbsuggests taking a walk daily. Dance a little if you feel like it. Movement will keep your circulation healthy and your joints supple.
Nap When You Need to
Though it’s good to stay active, it’s also important to get adequate rest. It's really not a contradiction. When you feel sleepy during the day, give yourself permission to take a catnap. If you tend to fall deeply asleep, you may wish to set an alarm clock to make sure you don't oversleep. If you nap too long, you may find it difficult to fall asleep at night.
Tennis, Anyone?
A couple of new tennis balls can be a pregnant woman's best friend. Lay on your back if you can, and place the balls underneath your hips or along your spine. The pressure provided by your weight against the tennis balls can relieve the tension that causes cramping and sciatica. If your partner is willing, have them roll a pair of clean tennis balls against your back as you lean forward in a chair. It's a little like a shiatsu massage, without the poking thumbs.
Dig the Beach
If you can get to the beach, go. Dig a big hole in the sand, and lay your belly in it. When you're in your final weeks of pregnancy, you probably haven't lain on your tummy in a while. The novelty of laying on your stomach again may provide plenty of relief to your aching back.
Pillows, Pillows, Pillows
Pillows can work wonders for a woman in the late stages of pregnancy. Place a fluffy or firm pillow between your knees, and sleep on your side. This will offer a good amount of relief to your lower back. If you work in an office chair that's no longer comfortable, a couple of well-placed pillows can make all the difference in the world. If you suffer with heartburn during your last few weeks, elevate the upper half of your body with pillows. Doing so will allow gravity to relieve heartburn.
Above all, try to keep in mind the amazing thing that your body is doing. Growing a baby is hard work! When you feel fat, remind yourself of the beautiful miracle in which you are a lovely participant. When you feel like you won't ever fit into your own clothes again, imagine yourself holding your new baby. Take gentle care of yourself and remember that no pregnancy lasts forever.
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