BeAGoodMom is now past 39 weeks pregnant. I’ve read things about giving moms backrubs and other nice sweet romantic nonsense. Here are a few things a 39 week pregnant woman really wants…at least I hope this is what they want.
Stop telling her to rest. First and foremost, quit telling her to sit down and rest or take a nap. She has stopped trying to keep the baby in. She is tired of resting and waiting. The best way to get the baby out seems to be moving. Let her move and hope gravity helps speed up the process.
Stop telling her she looks tired. She’s always tired and therefore will always look tired. Reminding her of this will only remind her that she has a few things to say to you and that scruffy hair growing on your face.
Buy her stuff. Little stuff. Magazines, videos, crossword puzzle books. Anything that can help an hour or so pass as quickly as possible.
Buy the baby stuff. Diapers are good. Cute baby pajamas are better. I recommend only getting one thing at a time. Just seeing a cute baby something is enough to get a smile. Would you rather have a smile every couple of days or just once when you buy a whole new wardrobe at one time?
Take care of low stuff. Pick up stuff off the floor before she gets around to it. Move the laundry so she doesn’t have to bend over. BeAGoodMom likes to remind us that she only can bend over a handful of times a day. Don’t make her waste those bend overs doing chores.
Take charge once in a while. Instead of saying, “I’ll help with dinner. What should I make?” just make a decision and run with it. Sure she might get sick of Mac & Cheese and frozen pizza but she’ll be happy to not have to make the ever stressful what’s-for-dinner decision every night.
Try not to look antsy. Don’t sit around waiting for the baby. Tell mom that you are taking the kids somewhere and she can come if she wants. Instead of sitting around staring at mom’s belly, start a tickle fight or coloring project with the kids. The general happiness will help keep mom’s spirits higher.
Try to make the house as normal as possible. Talk about normal things. Try to eat normal things. Try to keep the kids on normal routines. Don’t give mom a chance to think that everybody is fidgety/bummed/nervous because she can not entertain the world.
Don’t constantly look at her belly and say “Get out of her belly” in a bad Austin Powers impersonation. Sorry about that one, BeAGoodMom.
What else should dad’s be doing when mom gets to the final stages of pregnancy?
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Get as much sleep as possible!
I wish my partner had the sense to do that last one!
‘here’s one: ‘Don’t even think about suggesting to a pregnant woman that she should reconsider the Midwife’s advice and go ahead for an induction, especially when she’s 18 days overdue and stubborn as can be.’
‘Don’t keep throwing out suggestions of activities that are supposed to help induce labour. most pregnant women (especially if it’s not their first) know of these activities, and will vaguely resent the fact that you assume they didn’t know already.’
However:
‘Do have sex with her (if she’s willing and vaguely able of course) because even if the semen doesn’t cause the reaction to start labour off, it’ll hopefully make her feel good on so many levels.
Orgasm = Very good!
Sexuality being prevailant, even at whale size = fantastic!
Taking her mind off of everything else for the whole 8 minutes = grand!
What else….
‘Don’t treat her like china. Just because she doesn’t want to do things doesn’t mean she can’t do it if she was determined enough. Unfortunatly, it’s hard to guess when a pregnant woman wants to be waited on hand and foot, and when she’s sick to death of being pussy-footed around all day.’
Hmm, well, that’s what I kept trying to tell my partner anyway! Although the first one might be a little too specific to my situation rather than your own.
You’re doing great, you both are. You seem to really know what you’re doing, and how to make BAGW more content (if that’s the right word) during this annoying waiting game.
It was nice that you drove me to the doctor today.
You’re on track with the other things too. Thanks. xoxoxo
The last one made me laugh and for reasons I chose not to explain
aaaaawwwww!
you are a good dad and husband.
The things that drove me up the wall while being pregnant were people constantly asking me, “So! How are you feeeeeling?” And “When is that baby going to come out?” Like I know! Want me to have a c-section right here and now just to satisfy your curiousity?????
…..Bring cups of raspberry tea Source: http://tinyurl.com/y8cwsv
…..suggest naughty things before that’s off the agenda for weeks to come
…take pictures. Although she probably won’t want it she’ll never believe she really was that size again. I took one 2 days before I delivered and I can believe it looking at the pictures how I had such a big baby!
…take her on long walks. She’ll love the distraction and it might…….help.
You are doing a great job! Buying her little stuff and taking control over the little stuff is the best.
Here’s to a magical delivery and lots of joy!
Don’t make a “beep…beep…beep…beep” noise whenever she backs up. She won’t think it’s as funny.
I can’t help you otherwise. We had a scheduled c-section so we thought we knew when the twins were coming. Of course, they came a couple of days early and make us run around like crazy before heading to the hospital.
Good luck!
Wishing you a fast delivery. Stocking up on the little items are best, ya never know what you’ll need when the little one is here.
I bought my wife a nintendo ds.
Note to other husbands: do NOT buy your pregnant wife a nintendo ds.
Hide! lol
When I am in the last stages of pregnancy something I like to call Angry Pregnant woman comes out. Every little thing that anyone says will piss me off big time. I think mostly I wanted to hide in a cave alone somewhere until the baby was ready to come out.
Nice list! Do:
Rub her feet. They’re probably sore, and there are pressure points all over the feet and ankles that can help bring on labor.
Run her a warm bath. Then check back in in about 15 minutes just in case she needs help getting out but is afraid to ask.
Ditto the raspberry tea, good stuff.
Gently rub her belly and talk to your baby.
Tell her you love her, and how beautiful you think she is.
Don’t:
encourage induction or other unnecessary medical procedures, particularly if she’s mentioned wanting a natural birth.
pick on her size. she’s aware that she’s huge. she knows her shoes don’t fit. much like a balding man doesn’t want a hat for a gift.
treat her like a walking time bomb. pregnancy is a biological process no different than digesting food or breathing. let her do her thing.
I remember my taunts of “fattie fattie” did not go down too well during the pregnancy of our first child! But seriously I think the Dad’s job is to be the rock that supports and listens to “Mum.” Having a little fun
like Moddified Mummy said goes down a treat aswell. My wife can’t seem to stop wanting to have fun! Heh
Great blog – my first time here and I thought I should say hi
Im pregnant now and it does seem like everything is boring and blah but all i do is thinkabout the baby and how much fun I will have when I get to hold that sweet baby !!! EAt Eat EAt !