I’m now 38+5 weeks pregnant, so I thought just in case Little R-M makes an early appearance, I would share my third trimester essentials. I think the third trimester has probably been the toughest for me, but I’ve still been incredibly lucky and felt fairly well on the whole.
But there have been a few things which have made life easier and more comfortable over the last three months.
As I’ve got heavier, a warm bath at the end of a long day has been my saviour. It takes the weight off your body and relaxes all of those tired muscles, soaking away the aches and pains. And it’s always nice to have some bubbles too. My faves have been the Cusson’s Mum and Me Bump Relax and Unwind Bath Soak and good old Radox Feel Relaxed Lavender and Waterlily bath soak.
A good tip if you are suffering with a few issues ‘down below’ is to add a few drops of tea tree oil into the bath too, as this really helps to soothe and ease things.
At Aldi’s recent baby event, I picked up a V-shaped pregnancy pillow for just £6.99 and it is amazing! I use it on the sofa to support my aching back, and also in bed to rest my bump and pop between my legs. I love it. I think it will be great for breastfeeding too.
Baby brain is real. And to keep on top of my to do list and remember everything I need to, I’ve taken to carrying a notebook and pen with me everywhere I go!
If the old wives’ tales are to be believed, we are going to have a baby with a full head of hair, as I have had some serious heartburn this trimester. I’ve carried the Rennie Ice in my handbag, which are great for instant relief, and then on my desk, in my kitchen, and even in the car, I’ve kept a bottle of heartburn liquid.
I’ve had cravings for strawberry milk over the last few weeks too, which also helps with heartburn. I’ve also found if I’m feeling a bit faint or icky, this is a great pick me up, so it’s a staple in our fridge right now.
Very early on in my third trimester, I had a scary night in the hospital as baby’s movements had slowed down. Luckily all was well in the end, but afterwards, my mum bought me the Angelsounds Baby Sound Monitor, which will pick up baby’s heartbeat at home. It is such a reassuring item to have, and I have a little listen most days, even if I’m not concerned and Little R-M is moving fine.
I must note here that if you are at all worried at any time, you must call the midwife, and not rely on home diagnosis. This does not replace the expertise of a medical professional.
I have also suffered with some rather swollen and sore feet over the last few months, so Mr M has become my personal masseuse and regularly massages my feet at night while we watch TV with the Superdrug Softening Foot Lotion. He’s a keeper.
Finally, following on from the swollen feet problem, I could not have lived recently without flip flops. I don’t know how I would have managed if I had a winter baby!
