Hey mamas! Most of you know that I’m in the thick of my third trimester, and while I can see a light at the end of the tunnel, I am going to miss being on this journey with you! While it’s fresh on my mind, I wanted to share some survival hacks that have helped me to get through these last months of pregnancy. (Disclosure: Some of the links below are Amazon affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase!)

Nutrition. I can’t say I’ve been as strict as I wanted to be with my nutrition (can we say Icee addiction?), but I knew I needed to make sure I provided the right nutrients to my little man. After searching for the right supplements, and some trial and error, I’ve absolutely fallen in love with the nutritional supplements from Needed. Beyond just a prenatal vitamin, I needed to add protein and collagen to my diet. Why is that? Well, if you follow my IG, you might have seen that collagen is a great way to help keep your skin supple and prevent stretch marks, but way more than that, collagen is especially important as our babies’ bones, ligaments, and muscles are growing at a rapid rate.

I found that Needed’s collagen was the perfect supplement for me because it also provides 15 grams of protein, which I struggle to get enough of each day. I usually just add it to my morning shake. It’s flavorless, so it’s easy to add to any recipe you want!

I often share samples so you can see for yourself, but if you’re ready to jump right in, use EMPOWEREDMAMA at checkout for 20% off a one month subscription option.

Hydration. Staying hydrated is also extremely important for growing a tiny human, but in postpartum with my daughter, I chugged water like it was my job (because it kind of was)! As you near the end of your pregnancy, drinking enough fluids can be a powerful way to avoid false labor and minimize uncomfortable Braxton Hicks contractions.

I love a good glass water bottle and have quite a few around my house, but my favorite one to make sure I drink enough throughout the day is this water bottle jug!

Electrolyte powder is also a great option to keep your fluid levels up. This goes for pregnancy as well as breastfeeding once your baby is here! I know Needed has one, but there are also great ways to naturally boost electrolytes throughout the day with what you eat and drink.

Sleep. Those of you veteran mamas know that once your baby is here, quality sleep will be elusive. And as your due date approaches, you want to make sure that you’re as well rested as possible, because you don’t know how long your labor will be (and if you’ll have to stay up all night - ugh!).

You also probably know that as your belly grows it not only squishes your bladder forcing you to get up to use the bathroom at night, but it’s also just hard to get comfy enough to sleep well.

I personally love this body pillow to help me rest well at night. I love it because I can adjust it to fit so many positions, and my husband likes it because I don’t need a million separate pillows making a cocoon on the bed.

The only thing I would recommend, no matter your nighttime pillow set-up, is that you make sure your hips, knees, and feet are all in alignment with each other as you lie on your side. This may mean that you place an extra pillow between your feet. If you sleep in this arrangement, it helps to ensure that your pelvis stays in alignment, giving your baby their best chance to get into an optimal position for a smooth birth. (If your knees are wider than your feet as you sleep, it could negatively affect pelvic alignment.)

Movement. I’m sure it comes as no surprise that I place a high value on movement during pregnancy.

Walking is a powerful exercise that you can safely do throughout your entire pregnancy - even during labor, walking is beneficial! It’s also pretty easy to fit it in every day. You don’t have to change into your gym clothes or get yourself to the studio. You can literally walk out the door and start walking. If you have littles at home like me, it’s also a nice break from chasing them around to strap them into the stroller and go.

Practically, walking while pregnant helps to keep your lower body strong and your hips mobile. With every step you take, your back leg goes into a hip extension, which keeps those hip flexors and your psoas muscles nice and loose. This is critical for preparing for a straightforward labor, because if the muscles around your hips are tight and restricted, it’ll be much harder for baby to make their way down.

As your pregnancy progresses and your belly gets bigger, it can put quite a strain on your low back. It definitely puts a lot of strain on your round ligaments as well, which is why I love to use a belly band if I’m out on a walk or chasing my toddler around. The support of a belly band provides a huge relief to my lower back and helps me to feel less like I’m a jumble of loosely connected bones as I move around in the world. My preferred belly band is BabyBellyBand, which I love because it has shoulder straps!

Also, compression socks!! These have been a lifesaver for me as I battle with swelling towards the end of my pregnancy. They can also help manage varicose veins if that is something you’re dealing with. Compression socks can potentially prevent varicose veins, can keep them from getting worse if you have them, and can help you manage the symptoms. These socks are especially beneficial if you have a job where you’re sitting still for longer periods of time. These are the socks I’ve been living in this pregnancy!

Minimize stress. Finally - and I know this is easier said than done - is the recommendation to minimize stress as much as possible in your third trimester. Obviously, one of my favorite stress relievers is a solid hour spent doing yoga. But when that’s not possible (because life), there are a lot of little ways I like to squeeze some self care into my busy day.

Mindful breathing is something that I practice while driving or sitting at my desk at work. It’s easy, effective, and no one will even know you’re doing it! If you prefer some guidance on this, I love Expectful.

I like to keep a list of positive affirmations* available to keep my mindset positive. You can keep a list on your phone, or write your favorites down on notecards and place them in places you’ll look often. If you created a birth vision board with me, looking at that can also help to bring calmness and confidence if you’re feeling stressed out!

Especially in these emotionally sensitive days leading up to my birth, I’m trying to be extra mindful about whose energy I allow into my life. If there’s someone in particular who really stresses me out, I’m careful to minimize my exposure to that person so I can focus on staying calm and relaxed not only for my own well-being, but for my baby’s as well.

Conclusion

I hope you feel a bit more equipped to navigate your third trimester! I’m so happy to be able to share my life hacks with you, and I’d love it if you could share anything extra that has been helpful for you!

(Mamas, do you have pregnancy favorites? Please help other mamas out by recommending them in the comments or send them over to me!)

And as promised, here’s a suggested packing list for your hospital stay!

For Mama

• Labor comb (but really any comb will do the trick)
• Your water bottle jug
• Lip balm
• Bobby pins/Hair ties/Hair Brush
• Slippers/comfortable socks
• Labor gown and robe - I personally love anything Kindred Bravely
• Nursing Bra(s) and nipple cream

For Mama and Partner

• The Birth Partner book or I also like The Birth Deck
• A pillow and blanket for both of you
• A few changes of clothes
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Other toiletries
• Shower sandals
• Comfortable shoes for your partner who will be standing for hours

Snacks

• Honey sticks (for a quick burst of energy if you’re feeling depleted)
• Your favorite electrolyte beverage or powder (I personally love coconut water)
• Applesauce/Chia pouches (yes, like the kind you give your toddler)

Other

• Essential oils - peppermint is great to alleviate nausea and lavender helps to relax you. You can either use this in a diffuser, or I love to dilute a few drops in a gallon of water, soak wash cloths and then freeze.
• Bluetooth speaker or ear buds/headphones
• Extra long phone charging cords (iPhone option here)
  

**You don’t need to worry about bringing a birthing ball - your hospital will have round and peanut balls you can use while you’re there!**

I also only bring a few outfits for the baby, as diapers and other baby essentials are provided by the hospital. They also have a hospital-grade pump so you can leave your own pump at home!

*List of affirmations:

• My pregnant body is beautiful.
• I relax and my baby relaxes with me.
• I am a strong woman, capable of hard things.
• I can center myself with my breath.
• I will make the right decisions for my baby.
• My baby feels my love.
• Each contraction brings me one step closer to meeting my baby.
• My body knows how to birth my baby just as it knows how to grow my baby.
• My baby and I are a team.
• My baby senses the peace and safety I feel.
• My baby is safe and loved.
• I trust my body to know what to do.
• I see myself handling everything beautifully.
• I have courage, faith and patience.
• I know I can do this.
• The power and intensity of my contractions cannot be stronger than me, because it is me.
• My job is to simply relax and allow the birth to happen.
• 300,000 women will be giving birth with me today.
• This is what my body was designed to do.
• Relax, breathe, open.
• My body knows what to do. I will surrender fully and completely.
• I do not fight the birth in any way. My body is relaxed.
• I follow my instincts and give birth in the way I desire.
• I feel the strong waves of labor and know that everything is normal and progressing.
• I relax my mind and muscles.
• Keep breathing slow and even. Inhale peace, exhale tension.
• Keep my mind on acceptance and surrender.
• I surrender my birthing over to my baby and my body.
• My body has a wide-open space for my baby to descend.
• My body will give birth in its own time.
• Each contraction produces a healthy, positive pain that I can handle.
• I know how to take care of my baby.
• It’s ok to ask for and accept help.
• My postpartum body is beautiful.