WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE LAST 3 MONTHS OF YOUR PREGNANCY

After our post https://www.sliceoflifephotography.co.uk/last-weeks-of-pregnancy/ about the last few weeks of pregnancy, we continue our journey through motherhood talking about the last 3 months before baby arrives.

Ready?

THE LAST 3 MONTHS OF PREGNANCY

The first thing to expect is that the last three months of pregnancy is… well, a complete paradox. 

Why? 

Because it will both drag and fly by! 

You’ll find yourself wishing away those last 3 months, so you can meet your new baby, while at the same time panicking about how much you still need to do to prepare for your new arrival. 

Now, every pregnancy is different but in general, whatever the size of your bump you can expect certain things to happen: 

TIREDNESS

If you escape without that extreme tiredness where you feel like you could lay your head down anywhere and sleep for a week, then you are very lucky! 

Many mums-to-be have found themselves sleeping and drooling on the none-too impressed shoulder of a travelling companion. 

Make the most of this calm before the storm and rest up as much as you can. 

THE LAST 3 MONTHS OF PREGNANCY: ALL ABOUT NESTING

Until you find yourself with a huge random urge to sort out your kitchen cupboards and organise your drawers, you’d be forgiven for thinking that nesting was a pregnancy myth. 

For many women it’s all too true – some have even gone into labour halfway through alphabetising their tinned food! 

So, if you do get the urge in the last 3 months of your pregnancy, try to do all the organising sooner rather than later. 

 BRAXTON HICKS 

These mild contractions of the uterus can occur at any point in your last trimester. 

They can be uncomfortable but aren’t generally painful and aren’t an indication of labour. 

They are perfectly normal! (It’s also perfectly ok to milk it a bit – get your partner to give you some TLC) 

Learn more at: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/signs-of-labour/signs-that-labour-has-begun/

MATERNITY PHOTOS

Yes, I know.

Chances are that the last thing you want right now is to be in front of a camera and have some pictures taken.

Most of us hate having pictures taken at the best of times, nevermind during pregnancy!

That’s all the more reason to get a specialist involved: a maternity photographer not only knows how to make the photoshoot a pleasant, relaxing experience… they will also know all the tricks, angles and lighting techniques to capture the dramatics of your body in a wonderful and creative way.

This will ensure you capture your beautiful bump with photographs you can be proud of… not just quick, unflattering phone snaps!

If you’re considering maternity photos, the last 3 months of pregnancy is the ideal time. Ideally between weeks 28 and 30, so your bump is a good size, but you aren’t too tired to do some gentle posing. 

EMOTIONS RUNNING HIGH

Pregnancy is a MASSIVE thing, not least because you can no longer see your toes! 

Hormones are raging, you’re tired and uncomfortable.

You might feel apprehensive about bringing a brand-new human into the world. 

All this is ok! If you feel a bit tearful, it’s totally fine to let it all out and have a bit of a weep. You won’t be the first (or the last) mum to feel a bit overwhelmed. 

Talk it through with your partner, mum, friends to help reassure yourself.

MATERNITY LEAVE

At some point in the last 3 months of your pregnancy, you will have made the decision to start your maternity leave. 

Depending on how the pregnancy has gone, some women start this towards the latter end. 

It’s a much needed few weeks to get your final preparations for baby ready.

URINATION!

The marvellously unglamorous side of pregnancy will see you needing to pee more frequently (which could be nature’s way of preparing you for getting up in the night).

You might (probably will) also suffer with heartburn, backache and other aches and pains in places you didn’t even know could hurt. 

Now is the time you may also develop stretch marks and varicose veins – the joy! 

So be kind to yourself. 

Try to take things easy as much as possible and remember, everything will be worth it as soon as that tiny baby is put in your arms for the very first time. 

Slice of Life Photography – based in Spalding – specialises in newborn, baby, and maternity photography.

Want to know more about my Newborn Session? Head over to www.sliceoflifephotography/newborn-photography/

Or

how about a Maternity photoshoot to capture your beautiful bump?   www.sliceoflifephotography/pregnancy-photoshoot/

Alternatively drop me a message below.