(Your) Body in the Last Weeks
As you near the end of pregnancy you will start generally feeling heavier and slower), and it may be harder to get some movement and activity into your day. However, moving your body is especially important at the end of pregnancy, as your baby is settling into your pelvis.
You might have read what position a baby can take in your uterus, but also how that position can help make your labour easier. By moving your own body in late pregnancy, you are moving your pelvis and muscles giving baby more chances to find a good position. This movement doesn’t have to be heart-racing or extreme - taking a walk every day (at your own pace, we know it’s hard!), going for a swim or doing some squats and hip circles a few times a day can really help your baby move around.
Your pelvis has two bony openings - one at the top and one at the bottom (similar to two rings, also called the inlet and the outlet). Every time you move your hips you move these and encourage the baby to take a certain position. People are generally spending more time sitting on soft surfaces where their hips are below their knees, which tilts the pelvis backwards and encourages the baby to be in a posterior position. This can make labour and birth challenging. Being aware of your pelvis and the way you are sitting can encourage you choose some more optimal positions throughout the day and at night.
Labour and birth are a team sport - you and your baby are moving and working together to help him stimulate your cervix to open and to navigate through your pelvis.
By moving your body in late pregnancy and during labour you are helping him find the best way to be born.
Sleeping during pregnancy
Sleeping on your stomach has long become impossible and it’s hard to find a good position to sleep in. You might also be worrying about getting things ready before baby arrives or are anxious about becoming a parent, which can also interrupt your sleep. Some things can help
• getting to bed at the same time every night
• not eating or drinking at least two hours before bed
• getting some movement into your day
• keeping screens off for the last hour or so before going to bed
Find a comfortable sleeping position by trying different positions and using pillows. You might find it comfortable to keep one knee elevated and above your other knee when sleeping.
In the last weeks of pregnancy, it’s a good idea to get to bed early every night - that way if your labour waves begin in the middle of the night you have already had a few hours’ sleep.