Your Pregnancy: Week 32 for Mom
By: ePregnancy
Shower Power
Finally, you are over the hump (if not the bump) -- from now on, your baby would survive if she chose to make her grand debut. You can relax a little bit -- and enjoy the first of your baby showers! Not only will the shower make pregnancy feel like fun again, but it’s a great way to line up helpers for the weeks after your baby. Ask your friends to make meals that can be frozen so that you won’t have to cook. If you have other children, find out if they can carpool with a friend to school. You’ll be amazed at what your friends will do, if only you ask!
Now to more technical matters. One of the many hormones associated with pregnancy, relaxin, is starting its work right about now. Relaxin will cause your cervix to soften as well as relaxing your pelvic bones, readying them for delivery. Many women experience this in the form of that familiar pregnancy waddle, but when delivery time comes, you'll be grateful for those relaxed pelvic bones!
You are probably starting to think about packing your bag for the hospital or birth center (especially if you are a multiples mommy: you're full term in just a few more weeks!). We recommend packing two bags: one smaller bag with everything you'll need during labor and another to hold everything you will need after.
In your labor bag, we recommend packing:
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A copy of your birth plan, insurance card and any other paperwork you might need
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A hair elastic, hair band, bobby pins, etc. to hold your hair back
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Lip balm
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Nightshirt, robe, slippers, socks -- the hospital will provide a gown for you to use if you want, but most also allow you to wear your own clothes. You'll need to avoid pajama pants, because the doctor will have to check your cervix.
Your post-partum bag should contain:
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Clean pajamas
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Toiletries -- toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo & conditioner, soap, deodorant and so on.
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Snacks -- You've just burned a ton of calories in that delivery room, and trust us, you will be famished!
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Nursing bra, breast pads and maternity underwear -- The hospital will supply you with mesh underwear and sanitary pads, but some women are more comfortable in their own.
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Going-home outfit -- You'll want something comfy, stretchy and easy to put on; the same goes for your shoes.
Many of the items on these lists may actually be provided by your hospital or birthing center. Your tour is a great time to ask what they offer to their expectant mamas.