Motherhood

How To Deal With Third Trimester Baby Blues

As I enter my last trimester, and if I'm being transparent and real, gone are the days of glowing skin and holding my cute little belly. This last trimester was no joke. I'm not rushing my daughter, I want her to come when she's ready but I'd be lying if I didn't say that I want her here sooner rather than later. On top of insomnia, chronic back pain, and shortness of breath, I've been really down. I wouldn't call it depressed but just down. My moods change often and I am irritable and sensitive. Don't feel bad if this is you! If you're like me and due any day, you might have a lot of anxiety, feelings of anxiousness, and you're probably just downright tired and over it. Acknowledge this, because you are not alone.

Sometimes you may know why you feel down during your pregnancy, other times you may not. Sometimes little things accumulate. Taking the time to take in my feelings and not pretend I was okay was the best thing I could have done. After taking the time I needed, I knew I had to make the effort to get out of my funk - not only for my baby, but for myself as well.

Here are some things I did to help me get over the my funk:

Journal writing

Sometimes when you aren't ready to physically talk to anyone about your feelings, journal writing can be a lifesaver. Not only is it a safe outlet, it also helps you to make sense of your feelings and get everything out. I often like looking back on the things I've written just to see my growth and how far I've come from a particular time.

Get some fresh air & get moving

At the end of the third trimester, you play the waiting game. Rather than watching the time tick, force yourself to get out. When you're on maternity leave, or have a lot of time on your hands, you would be surprised how you can let a good day pass by being on the couch and eating snacks. Getting fresh air has really helped me. Even if I'm just taking my dog out for a walk, hiking with a friend, or just sitting outside to read, it helps. It lifts my energy and puts me in a good mood. Light workouts also help as well, to keep both you and the baby moving.

Spending time with your partner or girlfriends

So as much as you may not feel like you have the energy, try to enjoy your time with those around you that matter. Things are about to change and you won't have much time to yourself once your baby arrives. If you already have other kids, see if you can get a babysitter and have a night out of fun. It helps the time go by and keeps your mind off of things. It can also make you feel special if you've been down.

Finding a good book to get into or a good TV series

Getting lost in a book is always a good idea. Whenever I find myself over-analyzing things too much, I find a good book. Watching a really good show could also help. It gives you something to do and can keep your mind off of what you have going on for a little bit.

Doing last minute stuff to prepare baby

I recently packed my hospital bag and it lifted my spirits. Packing my bag got me excited again for what is to come. I also packed the baby's bag as well and picked out little outfits for her to take pictures in at the hospital and to go home in. Additionally, getting last minute things for her nursery and organizing her clothes makes me feel happy and also passes the time as well!

Featured image by Ella Jardim on Unsplash

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