15 Things to Do while Waiting for Labor to Start
You are, let’s say, 37-ish weeks pregnant, and at that point of pregnancy where every moment feels like a lifetime. Every ounce of you is uncomfortable, and not much is fitting anymore. You need assistance just to put your shoes on. Your car seat has to be pushed back to drive, which then makes the peddles too far away from your feet. You can’t help but wish for your labor to start. I cried roughly every day in the last few weeks of pregnancy. Don’t lose hope! Here are some things that you can do that will help keep you busy while you wait for labor to start.
15 Ways to Keep Busy While You Wait for Labor to Start
1. Meal Prep
Put some food away for after baby arrives. If your swollen little footsies can handle it, take a day and put some freezer meals together and put them away for the perfect evening meal when cooking just cannot happen.
2. Sexy Time
It may or may not be an old wives’ tale that says having sex induces labor, but I do know it has been said having an orgasm helps soften the cervix. Don’t overthink this though, it all sort of resembles National Geographic at this point.
3. Get a Massage
Sweet lord, I could have laid on that table all day. Enjoy an hour of someone rubbing your back and just take time to do nothing literally.
4. Mani/Pedi
There is something about having my hands and feet pretty that makes me feel like a new woman, especially when the ol’ feet are hard to get to nowadays. Having fresh nails is one less thing to worry about when people will soon be all up in your lady bits.
5. Travel
Go on a trip, alone, with your spouse, with a friend, whatever. Enjoy the last adult trip before your newest traveling companion joins you!
6. Nest
Clean, Clean, Clean. Bathrooms, random closets, places people will probably not see. These spots will be neglected for a while, most likely, so go crazy nesting. Scrubbing on your hands and knees would be great for getting the little babe into the best position.
7. Organize
Do a final sweep of baby’s room and make sure everything is where you want it, and easily accessible for any help you will be having come. Making sure diapers and wipes are in a convenient location, and the swing, bouncy seat, and boppy pillow are within eyeshot and assembled.
8. Sleep
Sleep, and then take a nap. Take the time you can sleeping and relaxing. Take the other kids to the sitter and don’t feel guilty for taking some time just to relax while waiting for labor to start.
9. Prepare for Breastfeeding
Research and attend a breastfeeding support group. The world of breastfeeding can be super overwhelming, and finding a local support group for you will be helpful when the need arises!
10. Memorialize your Pregnancy
Take maternity photos! Pregnancy is such a beautiful thing, even if you aren’t feeling that way at the time. You will want to remember these moments before the baby comes.
11. Start your Baby Book
Crack open that baby book and fill out the first few pages. Enjoy reminiscing on the cravings, the sleepless nights, the day you found out you were pregnant, and put those memories onto the pages before you forget in the commotion of diapers and feedings and sleep deprivation.
12. Prep your Postpartum Wardrobe
Check your wardrobe out. After delivery, you might not be in your pre-pregnancy clothes just yet, but you might be too small for the maternity clothes you were wearing at the end. I liked to buy “normal” clothes just a size bigger so that I had some options while my body was trying to figure out what it was doing—Also-leggings and yoga pants, my bestest best friends ever.
13. Buy a belly band!
Seriously, stop what you are doing and buy one right now! I had two c-sections, and I only had the band after my second one. I could tell the difference in how my stomach went back down and the support I felt I had during recovery. It was amazing.
14. Read
Read a book, magazine, whatever while waiting for labor to start.
15. Enjoy Your Alone Time
Sit in the baby’s room. Look around, take it all in. Shortly there will be a little bundle in the bassinet, and life will be so different. So beautifully different. But for now, take a moment and breathe in where you are right now.
