Surviving the last 10 weeks of pregnancy
Those last weeks of pregnancy can feel like they last forever. Here’s how to survive the last 10 weeks of pregnancy with this great checklist.
Congratulations on hitting 30 weeks! With only about 10 weeks left to go in your pregnancy, you’re finally in the home stretch.
The countdown is on, but those last few weeks can truly feel like they last forever. As a mom of two, I know how it feels.
The last 10 weeks of pregnancy can be filled with so much anticipation, nerves and honestly, discomfort. I remember feeling so close yet so far away. The “hurry up and wait” game was KILLING me when I was so ready to meet that sweet little bundle of joy.
While you might have landed on this article hoping I would have some kind of magical tip to help you jet through the last 10 weeks of pregnancy, I’m sorry to say that doesn’t exist. However, as someone who has been in your shoes twice I *am* here to help guide you through the waiting game.
Try to remember during this time that as long as you are healthy, the longer your baby “bakes” in your oven, the healthier they will be.
As frustrating as it may sound (especially when you’re SO ready to be done being pregnant), plan for that baby to not arrive until his or her due date (or after). Only 5% of women deliver on their due date, and it’s very common for first-time mothers to go beyond that date!
I was one of them. My first baby was born at 40 weeks and 6 days, and my second at 41 weeks and 6 days!
Mental strength in the last 10 weeks of pregnancy can be incredibly important, and I found that finding specific things to focus on truly helped me (especially as both of my pregnancies went over 40 weeks).
I am not a medical provider, and I am not providing medical advice. I’m just a mom sharing general information that I personally found helpful and wish I had known. Be sure you talk to your healthcare provider.
Read on for how to get through the last 10 weeks of pregnancy with 10 things to focus on to help you be more intentional and grounded, and make it into a last 10 weeks of pregnancy checklist!
Note: Some links may be affiliate links. That means I may make a commission if you use my links to purchase, at no extra added cost to you! I only recommend products that I personally love and believe in. Full disclaimer here.
What happens in the last 10 weeks of pregnancy?
You are now firmly in your third trimester! While you might feel like your pregnant belly got as big as it could get during your second trimester, your baby still has plenty of growing to do during these last 10 weeks of pregnancy.
Your baby will grow a ton during the third trimester, from about 2 and a half pounds and 16 inches long on average, to between 6 and 9 pounds and 19 to 22 inches long when most moms hit 40 weeks pregnant.
If you haven’t switched into maternity clothes yet, trust me when I say those elastic waistbands are about to be your BFF.
You’re going to most likely be experiencing some not so fun physical challenges during this time, like morning sickness /nausea, diarrhea, extra vaginal discharge, wild pregnancy hormones and wacky mood swings, joint paint, round ligament pain (which for many women feel like abdominal pain), and possibly even Braxton Hicks or prodromal labor. Many pregnant women report they feel similar to early pregnancy symptoms.
Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider for recommendations on what is safe for you to take to help alleviate your discomfort and pain, as each pregnancy is different.
I personally found that upping my water intake and using this magnesium supplement helped my stomach a lot. I also sought out a chiropractor who was certified specially in prenatal, Webster chiropractic techniques. A large heating pad like this one can also work wonders on that lower back pain! Be sure you keep taking your prenatal vitamins too!
She was amazing in helping to make my joints and muscles feel better, while also helping my babies be gently guided into the optimal position for birth, too.
The last 10 weeks of pregnancy is also when your doctor might choose to do additional screening tests or add in an extra blood test, as well as start monitoring other things like your amniotic fluid levels. They will continue to monitor your blood pressure, blood sugar and weight gain, as well as baby’s vital organs and even the size of baby’s head!
If there was a previous concern about down syndrome or any other chromosomal abnormalities or potential complications, your health care provider may also order an additional prenatal screening.
While there’s absolutely a chance that your labor might start early, there are also good odds that your baby might linger past the 40-week mark. Be sure you talk to your healthcare provider as you reach that 40 week mark to decide on a plan that’s right for you and your baby.
After 41 weeks pregnant you are officially considered overdue, and your doctor or midwife might decide to induce labor if it doesn’t begin on its own. If so, here are a few natural ways to induce labor that you can check out, but again, be sure you talk to your doctor first!
What should I do in the last weeks of pregnancy?
While it doesn’t feel like it now, the next few weeks will one day feel like they flew by.
You’re probably already getting a ton of unsolicited advice about “treasuring the last few weeks” or “don’t be in such a rush,” which is all fine and dandy but you are READY (and also feel huge. And uncomfortable. And sweaty and a whole multitude of crazy emotions on top of that).
Something that I found helped me during the last 10 weeks of pregnancy was to find a few important things to focus on.
While every person is different, I hope this last 10 weeks of pregnancy checklist helps you as you navigate this final stretch.
10 Things to Focus on in the Last 10 Weeks of Pregnancy
1. Finish the Nursery
Trust me, that baby will be here before you know it! If you haven’t already finished putting together the crib, now is the time to recruit your partner or friends to jump in to help.
Now is a good time to buy any of the important baby gear you didn’t receive during your shower, too!
2. Pack your Hospital Bag
The last 10 weeks of pregnancy is the perfect time to get that hospital bag ready to go. Depending on where you’re delivering, there might be some differences in what you need.
For the most part you’ll want to make sure you have toiletries for you, as well as nursing bras, a robe and anything else you wanted to bring with you for birth, as well as a coming home outfit for baby.
I also recommend packing your diaper bag during this time too. Stock it with 5 newborn diapers, a big package of baby wipes and a few extra changes of clothes until you get a feel for what your own baby needs.
Just toss it into the car and it’s ready for when you leave the hospital.
3. Schedule Some “Me Time”
If this is your first child, your world is about to be turned upside down in the most incredible way. Part of that will involve a lot of that “me time” that is relatively easy to find these days going out the window.
Schedule some time to pause and prioritize yourself. Schedule a prenatal massage, do a little retail therapy (I love online shopping! Check out this Lulus review for some cute wardrobe updates), spend a whole day lounging on the couch watching Bridgerton! Try to get plenty of rest and drink lots of water.
Whatever self-care looks like for YOU, find a little extra time to make sure you’re getting it over the last 10 weeks of pregnancy.
4. Spend Time with Your Partner
Just like it will become more challenging to find opportunities for just yourself after your baby is here, it also can sometimes be difficult to find dedicated time for your relationship.
Use the next 10 weeks for some extra connection with your partner. This is also a great time to map out a plan for the first few weeks with a newborn.
Schedule a babymoon or a few extra dates. Have some open and honest conversations about what life is going to be like after that sweet baby gets here, including any fears or anxieties either of you might have.
By prioritizing your relationship, you’ll feel even stronger postpartum.
5. Take a childbirth preparation course
If you haven’t already taken a childbirth preparation course, now is the time. These days there are tons of options for online childbirth classes that actually do just as good of a job at preparing you for childbirth.
Plus, you get the added bonus of being able to take them while sitting in your jammies at home.
For my first pregnancy I took an in-person course, but for my second I chose the Mama Natural Birth Course. It’s 100% online and on-demand, so you can take it at your own pace. You can repeat modules if needed, and if time is an issue, you could do the whole course in a weekend.
My husband was able to watch the videos along with me and we eventually made it our thing to do before bedtime.
We’d watch 1 hour of “birthing class” before bed and it was a fun extra way for us to connect with one another too.
Not only do they take you through everything you need to know about labor and delivery, including fantastic pain management techniques, this incredible course also has practice videos for you and your partner (which is one of the best ways to practice what you’re reading before it’s go time), natural childbirth videos (so you can see what your birth might look like), special trainings for VBAC birth, a private Facebook group where you can connect with other moms to be (moderated by a certified doula) AND access to a breastfeeding master class!
I loved the course so much that I actually wrote a full review that you can check out here if you’d like more information on it.
6. Map out Your Maternity Leave Plan
If you haven’t already come up with a game plan for work, it’s a good idea to make sure everything is buttoned up. Connect with your supervisor and HR to be sure you are all on the same page of what this look like.
If you are going back to work after maternity leave, this article can help you with that plan, too.
7. Establish Postpartum Support
Having a baby is a huge deal. You’re going to feel exhausted and possibility be in a lot of pain after as well.
Start researching how you will prioritize your recovery and health after birth as much as you’ll be prioritizing your new baby.
No matter how smooth your delivery goes, having a little extra help in the first few weeks after childbirth is a huge help. Decide who you want to set up your meal train, what you’re comfortable with when it comes to having guests come to meet the baby, etc.
If you want to be your best version of partner and parent, bringing in extra help is key.
The last 10 weeks of pregnancy is also a great time to start preparing for breastfeeding, if you are choosing to. The best time to learn about breastfeeding is before baby arrives. Here are some tips that might help you!
8. Take a Hospital Tour and Choose a Pediatrician
If you haven’t already, now is a great time to take a tour of the birthing center or hospital where you plan to give birth.
This is also an ideal time to interview a few pediatrician candidates with a list of questions and pick your favorite.
9. Stay Active
Research has shown that mamas that remain active during their pregnancy have better outcomes during childbirth and the postpartum recovery period.
Continuing to engage in even a few minutes of exercise like walking, yoga, pilates and barre as you approach your delivery date is a great way to also clear your mind.
Be sure you also maintain a healthy diet and continue to drink enough water to help your body feel good (and be prepared for the annoying frequent urination that comes with it).
10. Take Maternity Photos
There’s something so incredibly special about the last 10 weeks of pregnancy. Your body is growing and glowing. You are literally growing a human being inside your body!
Mark that incredible milestone by taking maternity photos. Whether you choose to do something glamorous, or something a little more lowkey, you’ll treasure these images after that baby arrives.
Don’t forget to also pick a photographer who will be available for a newborn session, too!
More Articles About Pregnancy and Postpartum
FREE Positive Printable Birth Affirmation Cards To Get You Through Labor
How to Reduce Labor Pain During Natural Childbirth
The 5 Must Have Postpartum Recovery Essentials
11 Simple Home Remedies for a Cold While Pregnant
Surviving the Last 10 Weeks of Pregnancy
I hope this list helped you as you approach the end of your pregnancy. Before you know it, you’ll have those tiny fingers wrapped around your own, soaking in the early weeks of the newborn stage and first few months of life as a new mom.
Wishing you a smooth and beautiful delivery!
