You're “due date” has come and gone. You don't feel like answering the phone. You assure everyone you know that you are not hiding a baby somewhere and they will know precisely if and when your baby is born. So, let's talk about things to do when you're overdue.
Babies come when they are ready, and every baby and pregnancy is different. Take deep breaths, and if everything is going smoothly, commit to letting your baby decide his or her birthday.
It can seem like an eternity until a pregnancy ends. In the weeks leading up to your due date, and especially when you've passed your due date, the days seem to drag on interminably. Asking when you were due or how many babies you are carrying doesn't make it easier.
If you're waiting for your overdue baby, there are many things you can do to stay occupied, and even some ways to begin labor before it's due.
Here are some things to do while you wait:
- Read pregnancy books.
- Look through grocery sale ads.
- Take pampering baths.
- Drink herbal tea.
- Make cookies to freeze.
- Order dried herbs and muslin tea bags for after birth.
- Watch new movies.
- Brainstorm gift ideas for holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries.
- Install the baby's car seat.
- Put together an extensive list of labor music.
- Check your birth supplies or birth bag.
- Take the kids to the park.
- Plan a date night.
- Spend time with friends.
- Use visualization.
- Know the signs of postpartum depression.
- Commit to watching a really funny T.V. series from the very first episode.
- Read non-pregnancy books.
- Shave your legs (or have your husband do it.)
- Find a breastfeeding support group.
- Practice labor positions.
- Charge your camera and video camera batteries.
- Do some easy yoga poses.
- Make a list of people to send birth announcements to.
- Get the facts about circumcision.
- Make an awesome ice cream shake (or go out for ice cream.)
- Catch up on and put away laundry.
- Plan a last-minute blessingway.
- Stock up on labor snacks and drinks.
- Find out how to ease heartburn and indigestion.
- Get your hair cut and styled.
- Get a pedicure.
- Get a massage.
- Buy some new underwear for after birth.
- Learn how to ease perineal discomfort after birth.
- Buy new scented lotion and oil for labor.
- Listen to birth affirmations.
- Take a natural childbirth class online for free.
- Take daily walks.
- Pay bills.
- Go to the chiropractor.
- Have food delivered
- Read about attachment parenting.
- Pick out a baby book.
- Make a baby gift registry just for fun.
- Make a meal to freeze for after the baby is born.
- Eat plenty of protein.
- Get intimate with your partner.
- Make a belly cast.
- Watch old movies.
I promise that you won't be pregnant forever.
During a prenatal period, it's normal to feel anxious, so it's best to focus on activities that will help you remain calm and comfortable. You can keep yourself occupied and make good use of this time by taking care of yourself, participating in hobbies, and preparing for the birth.
Happy Gestating!
What things would you add to this list?
Do you have any encouraging words for overdue moms?
Alongside her therapeutic work, Vanessa is also a certified birth doula. With her doula training, she offers compassionate support to individuals and families during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, ensuring a nurturing and empowering experience.
Vanessa's commitment to supporting individuals on their healing and transformative journeys shines through her expertise in trauma therapy and her compassionate approach to birth support. With her diverse skill set and passion for holistic well-being, Vanessa strives to provide comprehensive care and education.
