You may become a bit overwhelmed as you enter the final weeks of your pregnancy. There is still so much to do: prepare the nursery, schedule your final appointments and make those last minute phone calls to your boss and family members. But, you’re in the home stretch – let the fun begin.
Here’s a guide to help get you through the last stages of your pregnancy:
Prenatal visits and tests
Now more than ever is when you need to stay on top of those doctor’s appointments. You’ll be asked to come in for a checkup about every two weeks between weeks 28 and 36 of your pregnancy. After 36 weeks, you’ll be asked to come in once a week until you go into labor.
Consider breastfeeding
Before you make up your mind about breastfeeding, do some research on your own and discuss the topic with your doctor. It’s important to get all the facts and figures before the baby comes so you are fully prepared and know what to expect.
Choose a name
It’s time to pull out that list of baby names you’ve been updating since middle school. If you aren’t sure of the sex yet, choose a name for each gender or keep it neutral. Think about keeping the names you come up with between you and your partner. This will ensure friends and family members keep their two cents to themselves and don’t put any negative thoughts about the names in your head.
“It’s never too early to start thinking about your child’s future.”
Find a pediatrician
It’s important to do some research on local pediatricians or family practitioners before the baby is born. Ask around at work, among your friends, or even ask your own provider if he or she has any recommendations. Be sure to discuss health insurance, business hours and locations with each practice you call. Your baby’s first appointment with the doctor comes around a lot quicker than you think – it’s never too early to start thinking about the future, because with the blink of an eye, your little one will be off to college!
Babyproof the house
It’s critical you and your partner babyproof your living areas before bringing your little one into the house. Areas the can potentially pose a threat to your child – bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, fireplace and the nursery – need to be thoroughly inspected and safeguarded. Keep sharp objects out of reach, and purchase plug inserts that fit inside outlets so your child doesn’t accidentally stick his or her tiny fingers in there and get electrocuted.
Hospital bag on deck
If you go into labor early or unexpectedly, having a bag already assembled with the essentials – lotion, stress ball, change of clothes, birth plan, slippers, books – will make the rush to the hospital run more smoothly. Since you know everything is in the bag, you won’t have to scramble around the house last minute to find your camera. In addition, be sure the infant car seat and diapers are loaded up in the van.
