Approaching your estimated due date, or going past it can be super stressful. It can be challenging not knowing when you will meet your baby. Concerned friends, family, and even total strangers commenting, asking questions, sharing birth stories and more can add to the stress.
The number one suggestion I have to reduce stress and let families enjoy the last days of pregnancy is do not share the estimated due date. Just don't tell anyone, if you feel you need to share, then shift it two weeks farther out, or say something like baby will be here sometime in May or June. Due dates are wrong 95% of the time so why would someone count on it!
If no one knows your actual due date, you will save yourself the headache of having to deal with questions about what's wrong, when you're going to be induced and hearing "horror" stories 2nd and 3rd hand. You won't have people come to your home to ask if baby has been born (yes that really happens!). You won't have to deal with inquiries becoming more frequent as your due date draws near, and then passes. You will keep your stress levels low which will benefit both you and your baby.
This is the perfect time to savor those last few days just as you are before baby comes. You have the opportunity to create some lasting memories with friends and family. Be present in the moment with family, friends and yourself. Babies bring change whether this is the first baby or the tenth baby.
Some suggestions are:
The number one suggestion I have to reduce stress and let families enjoy the last days of pregnancy is do not share the estimated due date. Just don't tell anyone, if you feel you need to share, then shift it two weeks farther out, or say something like baby will be here sometime in May or June. Due dates are wrong 95% of the time so why would someone count on it!
If no one knows your actual due date, you will save yourself the headache of having to deal with questions about what's wrong, when you're going to be induced and hearing "horror" stories 2nd and 3rd hand. You won't have people come to your home to ask if baby has been born (yes that really happens!). You won't have to deal with inquiries becoming more frequent as your due date draws near, and then passes. You will keep your stress levels low which will benefit both you and your baby.
This is the perfect time to savor those last few days just as you are before baby comes. You have the opportunity to create some lasting memories with friends and family. Be present in the moment with family, friends and yourself. Babies bring change whether this is the first baby or the tenth baby.
Some suggestions are:
- Planning some fun things to do in the local area as the due date approaches.
- Having a stack of good books to read as you wait.
- Having a list of movies to watch.
- Starting a new hobby or project.
- Going for walks, doing yoga or some other forms of exercise to reduce stress.
- Get a manicure and/or pedicure.
- Check into a day spa, or plan an at home spa day to pamper yoursellf.
- Try out some new recipes, and make extra to freeze for postpartum meals.
- Have a meal at a restaurant you've been wanting to try.
- Have a board game night with friends or family.
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