Let me paint you a picture: I’m 39 weeks pregnant, running on broken sleep, my toddler is building a Lego tower on my stomach, and I’m halfway through last nights leftovers for breakfast. The final stretch of pregnancy is no joke—emotionally, physically, spiritually (and let's be honest, hormonally).
Now I’m four weeks postpartum and looking back, I can say with every part of me—those final weeks felt never-ending. But I got through them. So here’s my unfiltered and honest take on the last stretch of pregnancy #3, what actually helped me survive, and if you’re deep in it right now, what might help you too.
Accepting That You’re Just... Done
By the time you hit the 36-week mark, you’re likely swinging between wild excitement and complete physical burnout. I cried because I dropped my toast butter-side down. Twice. In the same morning.
But here's the shift that helped me most, especially during this recent pregnancy (pregnancy #3). At one of my final midwife appointments, she gave me a mindset reframe I’ll never forget: “It’s your bear cave time.”
She explained that pregnant bears instinctively go into their cave, block the entrance, and get fiercely protective. They don’t clean the cave, they don’t prep snacks—they rest. They protect. They just are. That clicked something deep inside me. I didn’t need to do everything. I needed to be.
So, I started letting go. Letting go of mum guilt. Letting go of the endless to-do list. Letting go of “I should.” I gave myself permission to rest, protect my space, and be in the moment—bear cave mode activated. With two kids already, this wasn’t always easy, but when I could, I gave myself that stillness. And honestly, my mindset those last few weeks of pregnancy #3 vs pregnancy #1 was a whole lot different.
Sleep Is a Myth—Here’s What Helped
Spoiler: sleeping in the third trimester is basically a form of slow yoga interrupted by bladder runs.
Towards the end, I was cocooned in six pillows. I had one between my knees, one behind my back, one under my belly, one under my head, one hugging me... and one for emergencies (aka when the others betrayed me at 2am). Honestly? It felt like heaven. If you're not using a pillow fortress yet, start tonight… And if you find a good position—don’t move. Let your partner fetch the snacks.
Magnesium spray helped soothe my restless legs, and sticking to a wind-down routine with dim lights and herbal tea gave me at least a shot at falling asleep.
Nesting (Without Losing Your Mind)
I nested in waves. Some days, I meal-prepped like I was feeding a small army. Other days, I stared at the washing pile and just... walked away. And that’s okay.
If you’ve got the energy, here’s what helped me most:
• A freezer full of healing postpartum meals (try soups, stews, lactation cookies)
• Washing and folding baby clothes (they’re tiny, it’s doable!)
• Setting up the nappy caddy/change station for middle-of-the-night nappy missions
Here’s a helpful article on top healing postpartum foods if you’re not sure where to start.
And my biggest nesting tip: Don’t over-commit. Do what you can, when you can. Rest is productive too and it's what you and your bubs need.
Finding Comfort in Small Things
Sometimes, the only thing getting me through the day was a hot bath with Epsom salts, stretchy dresses, and peppermint tea. Tiny comforts matter when your back is aching and your bladder is a punching bag.
I also relied on my New Beginnings Perineal Hot/Cold Packs and Pregnancy Support Belt for those persistent lower belly and lower back pains —they’re honestly a must-have.
And if you can, treat yourself to a little self-care. I booked in for a pedicure at 38 weeks and left feeling like a new woman (well, a waddling, swollen-footed one—but a happy one!).
Preparing for Labour (Without Overthinking It)
Yes, you should pack your hospital bag essentials (check out this hospital bag checklist if you need one). But try not to spiral into the “must-do-everything-before-birth” mindset.
Here’s what helped me stay grounded:
• Breathwork—simple, slow breathing while visualising a calm birth
• Gentle walks (I found three 10-minute strolls beat one exhausting 30-min power walk)
• Bouncing on a birth ball helped baby get into position and relieved my hips
Skip the spicy curry/stairs combo unless you truly enjoy both. Most of the labour-inducing tricks are myths—read more myth-busting ways to bring on labour.
Talking to Baby (Yes, Really)
When I felt the most impatient and restless, I started talking to my baby out loud. I'd play them music, read stories to my bump, or just lay in bed with my hand on my belly and say, “We’re ready when you are.”
It helped turn the waiting game into a connection point. Birth wasn’t something I had to conquer—it was something we’d do together.
What I Wish Someone Had Told Me During Pregnancy #1
Honestly? You don’t need to be “ready.” You just need support.
Your body is already doing the work, even when it feels broken or tired or fed up. Let go of the perfect birth plan, the pressure to tick every box, and the idea that you need to feel a certain way. You don’t.
Baby will come when they’re ready—and until then, it’s okay to block the cave entrance, cuddle your pillow fort, and just be.
You’re almost there, mama. Breathe. Rest. Nest gently. You’ve got this. 🐻💛
