*So…..this post was written a week ago (and was meant to be posted then). Ironically enough, I went into labor before I could post it!

Pregnancy is a wonderful gift, no doubt about it. Having life growing inside you is such an amazing thing to experience. But I think every woman hits a point during pregnancy where she just wants her baby out. So, what do you do when you are SO ready but your body (or your baby) isn’t?

Well, I’m about to tell you…..

• Reflect – I totally get it. You’re in the last few weeks of your pregnancy. You’re tired, sore, and just done being an incubator. But, take some time to remind yourself about the parts of pregnancy that you loved. Remember when you found out the good news? When you felt those first tiny flutters? Reflect on the wonderful things you’ve experienced on your journey and it just might help you get through until baby arrives!

• Research – You’ve probably heard all of the Old Wives tales about how to start labor. Walking, sex, spicy foods. So, if you’re past that 37 week mark, why not research SAFE ways to induce labor? Nothing is guaranteed to work, but if your body is ready, maybe something will! Plus, it could be a fun way to pass the time.

• Treat Yo Self – Seriously, if you can do this…..DO IT. Go to the spa, get your nails done, enjoy a nice pregnancy massage. It’s quite possible that you are thinking SO much about going into labor that you are actually preventing your body from doing so. So chill out and take some time for you before your life revolves around your little one!

• Stay Active – If you’re over 38 weeks pregnant, odds are that exercise is the last thing on your mind. But being active isn’t only good for your mind and body. It can also prepare your body for labor and in some instances, start labor! Walking and bouncing on a yoga ball are often two of the most recommended “labor inducing” techniques. So, try to work in a nice walk after dinner each night. Your mind, body, and baby will thank you for it.

• Countdown – Most women will have some sort of “countdown to baby” during their pregnancy, but in those last few weeks, it can almost become an awful reminder that you are still pregnant. If your countdown is giving you the blues, try to make it more fun! Give yourself a little gift for every week you make it through; go get Starbucks or a new shirt to wear after baby arrives!

• Relax – This can be hard to do when you’re in those last weeks of pregnancy. Your body is sore, you can’t sleep, and your mind is only focused on one thing: wanting your baby out. But one of the most beneficial things you can do at this stage is try to relax. Try to take time for yourself and do things to keep your mind off the fact that you aren’t in labor yet. It’s going to be difficult, but worrying will only delay labor even further. Stay calm, mama!

• Get Mad – Yep, you read that right. If you’ve tried everything to get labor to start and nothing is working, it can be frustrating. Friends and family are constantly asking “no baby yet?!” Or maybe the thought of being induced or having a c-section terrifies you. I know how hard it can be to take advice when you’re just done being pregnant and you want it to be over with already. So, if you don’t take any of the advice above, at least take this piece: it’s completely okay to get mad. Get mad at your body for not going into labor yet. Get mad at all the people telling you that “baby will come when it’s ready” because you know that already. Feel free to look back on pregnancy and NOT have wonderful memories, because the reality is, pregnancy isn’t so amazing for everyone.

Like I said above, it can be hard to take advice whenever you hit the “I’m done” stage of pregnancy. All you want to do is hold your baby in your arms, and when your body just won’t go into labor, it can seem like you’ll be pregnant forever. YOU WON’T. Your baby will be here eventually, whether it be by spontaneous labor, induction, or c-section. So in the meantime, don’t let yourself get caught up in the “when”, and please keep my advice in mind.
From one “so done” mama to another:

WE CAN DO THIS!