HealthPartners - Your guide to pregnancy

You can expect even more changes during the last weeks of your pregnancy. You’re probably more than ready to give birth. You may feel like you’ve been pregnant forever. You’re tired, and you need more rest.

THE FINAL WEEKS

Then one day, you may notice a difference in how you are carrying the baby. This is when the baby “drops” or settles down into the bony part of your pelvis. This can happen a couple of weeks before birth or not until the last minute. Signs that your baby may have dropped include: • You can breathe more easily • You may feel pressure or pain in your pelvis • Vaginal discharge increases • You need to urinate more often • Your lower back hurts Physically, your breasts will get even larger near the end of pregnancy. You may leak colostrum. By now, you’ve already talked with your health care provider about when to go to the hospital and if you should call their office before you go. Ask about what to eat or drink when you go into labor. BABY TO-DO LIST You may think that 9 months is a long time to get ready for your baby. But you’ll be surprised at how fast the time passes. Where to start? With the basics you’ll need for feeding, clothing, bathing, and transporting your baby. Talk to other parents about which baby items they couldn’t live without. Think about buying (or borrowing) baby furniture. Look for baby shopping lists and recommendations online. Decide if you want the baby’s crib in your room (rooming-in). The more you can do now to get ready, the less you’ll have to worry about when you bring your newborn home.

Pack Your Travel Bag • Hospital paperwork, ID, insurance card • Copies of your birth plan (if you have one) • Sleepwear, robe, slippers • Underwear and socks • Book, magazine, digital player • Baby clothes and blanket • Comfortable nursing bra • Personal items (toothbrush, toothpaste, lip balm, etc.) • List of medications you are taking

Your Guide to A Healthy Pregnancy 47