Pregnancy - 3rd Trimester
Be patient!
At this stage, Mum-to-be needs you more than ever. She may be grumbling more and more with the growing discomforts of pregnancy. Give her your undivided attention and make sure she's the focus of your world. Help her relax in the evening by rubbing her back and feet. A spot of massage oil will help immeasurably.
As time goes on, she may become weepy and vulnerable or extremely moody. Tell her how beautiful she is and what a wonderful mum she'll be. Why not serve her breakfast in bed and help her feel like the special woman she is.
Well into the third trimester, you might be starting to get a little apprehensive about what's to come. The baby's not even here and yet your world is already changing. Take your sexual habits, for example. Mum's tummy lends itself to discovering new, more comfortable positions for love-making. This is a time for taking it slow and sensitive.
Then again, since it's hard for your partner to get comfortable at any time, sex may be something confined to your fantasies right now. Try and be patient, things will return to normal eventually.
Prepare to be amazed
It's best to have all the little details and preparations completed before the big day to help things run as smoothly as possible. These include:
- planning your route to the hospital
- knowing where the entrances to the hospital and the car parking are located, as well as any change you might need for the meter
- having lists of phone numbers written out so that you can call people with the good news
- knowing the phone policy – can you use a mobile inside the hospital? If not, bring change for the payphone, and make sure your mobile is fully charged anyway in case you want to step outside
- packing mum's hospital bag and whatever YOU need at the hospital (maybe a change of clothes)
- fitting your infant car seat is essential – you won't be able to take your baby home without one
- having your camera and / or video recorder, powered up and ready to roll.
It's a lot to remember so it's a good idea to start your planning early. With these out of the way, you can be there when mum-to-be really needs you.
As you get closer...
Congratulate yourself! You're almost a father and you've survived (almost) the pregnancy. You're probably going through a range of emotions - nerves, excitement, denial and hoping that everything's going to be okay are all completely normal. Very soon you may not remember what you had for breakfast (or even if you had breakfast), let alone the anxieties you're having right now. Enjoy these last moments with Mum-to-be as a couple, and try to get lots of sleep if you can. It may not be so easy in the months to come.
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