| ast month of pregnancy is definitely an emotional one. | | | | with items that will help you through the delivery such |
| While the day you can gaze into your little one's eyes | | | | as massagers and scented oils, a CD of soothing |
| can't come soon enough, there are still a few things | | | | music or white noise, and lip balm and suckers for dry |
| you've got to look forward to before you get there. | | | | lips and throat. |
| Extra weight gain in the last month of pregnancy is | | | | Plan your route to the hospital from home and |
| typical and you may find yourself putting on a little | | | | anywhere else you spend a fair amount of time. |
| more than a pound a week. During this month, your | | | | If you're worried about ending up in the hospital on a |
| baby's gaining body weight, so you will, too. These few | | | | false alarm, read up on the differences between |
| added pounds can cause back aches and mild swelling | | | | pre-labor, false labor, and true labor. Try not to get |
| in the feet and may sap your energy, but a little | | | | involved in major projects right now, but if you do, |
| moderate exercise such as walking or stretching can | | | | make sure you line up someone who can take over |
| help. | | | | for you when the big moment comes. |
| Your baby changes position | | | | Head off stress |
| The last month of pregnancy is also the time when | | | | In the last month of pregnancy, to say you've got a lot |
| your baby "drops" or descends head down into the | | | | on your mind is an understatement. Along with |
| pelvis area, also called "lightening." During your first | | | | increasing physical strains, there are all the concerns |
| pregnancy, this happens anywhere from six to two | | | | that come with caring for a newborn. It's natural to feel |
| weeks before delivery, but with later pregnancies it | | | | a little moody and irritable. A simple way to ease the |
| doesn't happen until labor actually begins. | | | | anxiety is to write down exactly what's worrying you |
| The good news is that baby's new position puts less | | | | (Labor? Breast feeding? Getting by with less sleep?) |
| pressure on your stomach, which means you'll be able | | | | and think through some solutions for each potential |
| to eat and breath more easily and have less heartburn, | | | | problem. You'll probably find you're more prepared than |
| too. On the other hand, pressure lower down can | | | | you think. |
| cause aching legs, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and a | | | | During the last month of pregnancy, prepare for a little |
| few late-night trips to the bathroom. Walking also gets | | | | more physical strain and get together everything you'll |
| a little awkward at this point. | | | | need for your little one's arrival Most of all, though, try |
| Get ready for delivery day | | | | to take it easy and look forward to the fact that your |
| Most babies arrive within a week or so of their due | | | | beautiful new baby will be in your arms in a matter of |
| date, so make sure you're ready a little ahead of time. | | | | weeks. |
| Pack your hospital bag and a separate "labor bag" | | | | |