By Lauren Hartmann
This pregnancy has seriously flown by. It seems like I was just announcing my pregnancy and now here I am in the home stretch – 33 weeks pregnant! You would think I would have this sudden burst of energy and excitement simply from knowing that I’m almost there and that there is a light at the end of the tunnel…but the third trimester is no joke you guys and I’ve fallen into a slump.
While the rest of my pregnancy has flown by, this last trimester feels like it’s dragging at a crawl. Even though I am so thankful for this pregnancy and for the little boy who is growing in my belly, each day feels like an exhausting eternity. I’m tired and achey and I feel massive and like my due date is never going to get here. I know from experiencing a pregnancy before that this is just par for the course, but it’s striking a little earlier this time around, so in an effort to break out of my slump, here are a few things I’m doing to distract myself…
- Not having a countdown
A countdown seems like a good idea in theory, but when the days already feel like they’re inching by at a snail’s pace for me, I feel like a countdown would have the opposite of its intended effect. Fixating on the amount of time I have left (especially since due dates aren’t set in stone) isn’t really constructive for me at this point.
- Getting dressed
It’s amazing how much better you feel when you’re not wearing sweatpants. I realize that toward the end of pregnancy this is easier said than done as things stop fitting quite as well, but even changing out of your yoga pants into your “fancy” leggings and a cute top or dress will make you feel better and distract you from third trimester pregnancy frump.
- Putting on fun lipstick
I’m not always particularly great about putting on makeup, but there’s something so transformative and mood-lifting about it…especially when it comes to lipstick. My face may be a little (OK, kind of a lot) on the puffy side right now, but a swipe of red lipstick never ceases to make me feel a little more confident.
- Planning a staycation
Traveling anywhere at this stage of pregnancy isn’t recommended. Flights aren’t allowed during the third trimester and long car rides can just be unpleasant, but that doesn’t mean I’m doomed to be home bound until this baby shows up! My husband and I have decided to play tourists in our own town with a little staycation. My daughter will spend the weekend with her grandparents while we eat yummy food and actually see a movie before it’s out on video…in an actual theater! It’s giving me something fun to look forward to and it will be much appreciated alone time before life gets much busier.
- Going out with friends
I’ve been planning a lot of fun hang outs with friends during this last trimester. Dinner out with the girls or a game night with couple friends. Having fun things to do on my social calendar is providing a great distraction from this third trimester slump.
- Working out
I’ll admit, working out is pretty much the last thing on the planet that I want to do right now, but I always feel better and more energized after I do (at least until the aches set in the day after…). Endorphins are always welcome when I’m in a slump and exercise it a great way to get them!
- Planning the nursery
With my daughter I spent a ton of time considering what her nursery would look like, but this time around I hadn’t put much effort into it. I’m hoping to start focusing some of my attention on it in the hopes that a bit of nesting for my little bird will be a great distraction. And if nothing else at least I’ll be more prepared for his arrival!
- Folding tiny baby clothes
More nesting to keep me focused on the end goal — a healthy baby boy who will be here to snuggle with before I know it.
- Planning fun outings with my daughter
Pretty soon I will be a mother of two and not just a mama to a little girl. I’m definitely excited for my daughter to have a sibling, but it also feels like the end of an era in a way and I’m trying to soak up all the last minute opportunities for some one-on-one time with my girl. Trips to the zoo and the park with just us will keep us both busy and help us to enjoy these last days together.
- Focusing on the positives
As much as I feel uncomfortable and grumpy at times about my current state, I really am blessed. When I’m starting to feel extra slumpy, stopping to write down some things I’m thankful for, or even just mentally pausing to acknowledge these things, is so helpful.
Image : Disney Baby