Beth Zalantai, MSc, is a clinically trained mental health professional with extensive experience delivering and supervising evidence-based psychological care. As a mom and therapist, Beth provides compassionate support for moms navigating their mental health.
The end of pregnancy can come with a whole host of emotions! As you count down the days to your due date, you may feel a mix of anticipation, excitement, worry, discomfort, or restlessness. No matter how you’re feeling, your feelings are valid.
Though it may feel like the wait will never end, soon enough, you’ll be meeting your baby for the first time. Meanwhile, this waiting period offers a special opportunity to care for yourself and do what feels good for you. In this article, we’ll explore ways to find comfort, both physically and emotionally, as you wait for your baby to arrive.
If you’d like more ideas for easing discomfort and finding joy in these final weeks, check out the Finding Comfort in Late Pregnancy Journey in the Moment for Parents app. You’ll tune into your body’s needs, find ways to add small comforts into your day, and tap into your inner strength.
Just as every pregnancy journey is deeply personal, what brings comfort to one pregnant person might look very different for another. As you wait for your baby to arrive, it’s important to honor your unique needs and listen to what feels right for you in this moment. Take a moment to check in on what nourishes you mentally, emotionally, and physically. This is your time to prioritize yourself and your well-being.
The following quotes can provide words of encouragement while counting the days to your due date:
You’re already giving so much of yourself, and you’re about to start giving so much more. So take advantage of your last few weeks—or days! Go on dates. Be with friends. Eat delicious foods. Watch movies all day. Do that creative project you’ve always wanted to. Go to the museum if you are feeling up for it. Walk in the park. Get a massage. Cook. You do you. This is your time. You deserve it! And it’ll make time pass quicker.
Doulas Natalia Hailes and Ash Spivak. From Why Did No One Tell Me This?: The Doulas' (Honest) Guide for Expectant Parents.
One of the most beautiful gifts that you can give yourself is time; to be present and connected to your heart space. This simple act of being will soon be something that you savour and treasure on rare occasions. Never again taken for granted. Yet now, there is enough time to be alone. There is a profound beauty in becoming truly comfortable in your own skin; to be conscious of the person you were, are now, and may yet become.
Yoga and meditation teacher Naomi Chunilal. From The Mindful Mother: A Practical and Spiritual Guide to Enjoying Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond with Mindfulness.
Now is the time to appreciate the magic. Because this is a surreal, intense moment that you only get to feel so many times in your life… So I want to slow down. I want to frame this moment in time. I want to remember this feeling of anticipation and excitement. Of hope and promise.
Colleen Temple. From “To the mama about to give birth—there’s magic in the waiting”.
Aside from packing your hospital bag, there are other ways you can help your body and mind prepare for birth.
If you’re a first-time mom, it might be hard to imagine specifically how things will unfold. If you haven’t already, you could look for a birth class. In particular, we recommend the birth classes offered by Evidence Based Birth because it provides evidence-based information about signs of labor, labor induction, c-section, along with many other important topics. Many moms are worried about the possible interventions during birth, and a birth class can dispel some myths and boost your confidence in the final weeks of pregnancy.
Separate from birth classes, podcasts can be another way to hear about how births may unfold. In the podcast episodes, moms often reflect on their experiences, which provides some insight into the different ways that labor starts, how to induce labor, and even positive stories about cesareans.
If you're feeling uncertain about labor and delivery, it can help visualizing how birth might go. Just like athletes, visualizing how a momentous event could unfold helps prepare you for this experience and distract you from the waiting game. If you can find a few quiet moments, spend some time imagining how your birth might unfold. Imagine what an ideal birth experience would look like for you, and also spend some time imagining how you might respond if there are changes to the ideal. It’s impossible to predict how birth with unfold, but imagining yourself in those different scenarios can help you face whatever comes your way.
At this point, you are likely visiting your obstetrician or midwife on a weekly basis. This is an opportunity to ask questions or concerns about labor. Some pregnant women want to know if their cervix is dialated week to week, and you can ask your care provider to check. Other pregnant women prefer to let things unfold and not have their cervix checked. There’s no right answer. It’s whatever makese sense to you.
Along these lines, you can prepare for the care providers you need postpartum. For example, you can research and identify pediatricians for your newborn and make sure they have availability.
Likewise, if you plan to breastfeed, you can research what lactation supports are available in your community. For example, does you insurance cover lactation consultants? If so, where can you go for lactation consultant visits? Does your community have a breastfeeding cafe or other breastfeeding support center?
Even if you don’t plan to breastfeed, lactation consultants can help troubleshoot formula feeding. For example, they can answer questions about different bottles and/or nipple sizes, along with different formula brands.
In the final weeks of pregnancy, finding moments of comfort can help you feel a little better when you’re experiencing uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms. One way to do this is by embracing hygge. Hygge is a Danish concept that’s about savoring life's simple pleasures and embracing a cozy atmosphere. Intentionally seeking out comfort allows you to recharge and soothe yourself as you wait for labor to begin.
Here are some simple ways you can bring hygge into your day:
Creating a soothing space in your home can make it easier to find moments of comfort throughout your day. Consider designating a cozy corner or a favorite chair where you can relax and unwind. Add soft pillows, warm blankets, and gentle lighting to make the space inviting. Surround yourself with items that bring you joy or calm, like a favorite book, a treasured photo, or a plant. Having a dedicated spot for rest and comfort encourages you to slow down and nurture yourself as you prepare for the arrival of your baby.
If your provider approves, you might try gentle exercises such as prenatal yoga, stretching, or walking. Physical activity can help soothe aches and pains, maintain stamina for labor, and provide an opportunity to enjoy fresh air.
Spending time on your hobbies or doing activities you love to do is a great way to reconnect with your own identity before birth and care for your mental health. Whether it's painting, doing puzzles, or watching movies, indulging in activities that bring you joy can help you savor this time. You may even notice your nesting instinct drawing you to hobbies that help prepare you for your baby’s arrival.
The end of pregnancy offers a valuable chance to look inward. You can use this time to reflect on your journey so far and envision the future ahead. Whether through journaling or simply thinking about your needs, dreams, and aspirations, this self-reflection can strengthen your sense of identity as a parent and as an individual. Mindfulness techniques such as breathwork and meditation can help you calm your mind, release tension, and tap into your inner strength as you prepare for birth.
This is your time, and it’s okay to say no to things you don’t want to do. Setting clear boundaries helps protect your energy and creates space for rest and joy. Pregnancy doesn’t necessarily lessen the demands others place on you, so now is the time to prioritize your well-being. If someone is asking too much, it’s perfectly acceptable to let them know you won’t be able to do it. Finding the strength to say no can be challenging, but it’s important to give yourself the time and space you need to show up for birth the way you want to. Setting boundaries in pregnancy is great practice for postpartum, too!
The final days before your baby arrives are an opportunity to nurture your relationship with your partner. You could plan a date night, whether it’s dressing up for dinner out or enjoying a cozy evening at home with board games. Reminisce about favorite memories, inside jokes, and milestones on your shared journey to parenthood.
Another way to connect is to spend some time envisioning your growing family’s future together. Discuss where you see yourselves in the coming years and how your relationship foundation will support your goals. Dreaming and planning as a team can bring excitement and joy during this waiting period.
If you have other children, you can spend some quality time with them before your newborn arrives. Let them take the lead in choosing activities for the day or involve them in preparing for the baby, like picking out a new toy or outfit. Going to the library, park, or on a special outing is a great way to connect and help siblings feel special. Extra hugs and snuggles are great, too!
If you’re feeling up to it, making tentative plans to see friends can provide a welcomed distraction. Your friends will understand if you need to cancel due to labor!
If friends or family are in town for the birth, you may feel like a “watched pot” as everyone eagerly awaits your little one’s arrival. Planning activities for your visitors or enlisting their help with tasks around the house can help keep everyone engaged.
The final days of pregnancy can be tough both physically and mentally, but they also offer a powerful opportunity to recognize your resilience. Give yourself permission to slow down and savor the present moment before life speeds up with a newborn.
Being present means focusing on what’s happening right now, instead of getting pulled into worries about the future or replays of the past. This not only eases stress, but also helps you tune in to your body and your baby, building a connection before you even meet face-to-face.