I can’t wait to see her little toes in the sand next summer 🥹💕
Entering my third trimester was tough. I feel like I only got 6-8 weeks of my whole pregnancy where I wasn’t completely miserable and I was scared for all the symptoms everyone told me would “come back with a vengeance”
As much as I hate the “just wait…” people…they were right 😩 I’m so tired, feet hurt, randomly nauseas at the worst times, and having trouble moving around.
I’m also terrified of giving birth. Pregnancy and everything that comes with it is not something I’ve ever “dreamed of” or looked forward to like a lot of my friends have. I’m not ashamed of that and I hope saying it out loud helps someone else who might struggle with these feelings too.
There’s several things I’ve done in my pregnancy to help me enjoy it as much as possible and look forward to things and I think that’s helped me a lot:
🤍 pamper myself as much as I can - for me, this is getting facials, pedicures, massages, acupuncture, anything that relaxes me and makes me feel pampered!
🤍 started a junk journal - my rule to myself was to only record the positive memories in here as a way of showing myself that pregnancy didn’t entirely suck and there were some parts that I genuinely enjoyed/made me smile.
🤍 allow myself to slow down - for me, this was giving myself permission to work less. I know this isn’t something every working mom can do but owning my own business allowed me to be flexible in this way and while it’s hard because I’m driven and competitive by nature, it helped me a lot.
🤍 therapy and lots of it! This year I found a wonderful new therapist and also started neuro feedback which has helped calm my anxiety more than any medication ever has.
Pregnancy, especially the third trimester, can be an intense emotional and physical experience, as many expectant mothers discover. From my own experience and insights shared by others, it's important to acknowledge the mixed feelings that come with this stage—excitement for the baby’s arrival intertwined with anxiety and discomfort. One powerful way to cope is by creating positive affirmations or memories. For example, keeping a journal that captures joyful moments or small victories throughout the pregnancy can provide a meaningful record and boost morale during difficult days. Recording thoughts about future milestones, like imagining your child’s tiny toes in the sand next summer, helps create a hopeful outlook. Physical pampering is another valuable self-care approach. Facials, massages, pedicures, or acupuncture sessions not only provide relaxation but also help alleviate some ailments such as swollen feet and fatigue common in late pregnancy. Taking this time out to care for your body can improve your overall well-being and mood. Slowing down is critical but often underestimated. It’s normal to feel restless or pressured to maintain pre-pregnancy productivity. However, permitting yourself to reduce work hours or delegate responsibilities when possible is essential for preserving energy and mental health. Having flexibility—especially for those who can manage their own schedule—can make a huge difference. Mental health care, including therapy and neurofeedback, has been a game-changer for many, providing tools to manage anxiety beyond medication. Finding a compassionate therapist or counselor not only supports emotional needs but empowers you to face fears about labor and childbirth with greater confidence. Additionally, connecting with other moms through social hashtags like #rainbowbaby, #firsttimemom, or #3rdtrimester can create a supportive community where shared experiences normalize the ups and downs. Remembering that it’s okay not to have a perfect pregnancy or to feel anxious about what’s ahead may relieve some of the stigma and pressure associated with motherhood. Ultimately, embracing both the challenges and the moments of joy during the third trimester fosters resilience and prepares you to welcome your baby while taking care of yourself along the way.
