The last pregnancy can feel like the longest part of the journey. Your belly grows fast, you count kicks, and sometimes you can’t even see your own shoes! But this is the special last week. Here are five simple, feel-good ideas to enjoy the ride below, all written for busy mums.

Pregnant woman cradling her belly

1. Listen to Your Body (and Be Kind to It)

During the third quarter, even everyday tasks can feel like marathon events. Your body is working hard, so give it the respect it deserves.

  • Move in gentle ways. A slow walk, a small swim or stretches before bed can ease back pain and boost your mood. Look at yourself as a cat – long, lazy stretches keep the muscles happy.
  • Rest like it’s your job. Sneak in a 20 minute nap when you can. Putting can be comfortable between the knees or under the belly.
  • Snack smart. A little, frequent food can keep the energy up and grumpiness at bay. Think berries, cheese strings or curd slices with peanut butter.
  • Hydrate on repeat. Put a fun water bottle nearby and drink all day. If plain water sounds boring, add a splash of lemon or cucumber.

Listening to these is not selfish – it’s smart. A rested, nourished body gives you the strength to tackle the rest of this list.

2. Get Ready for Baby—Without the Panic

Preparation for delivery does not mean racing through endless to-do lists. Break big tasks into small, bite-sized wins.

  • Pack the “go” bag early. Bring comfy clothes, slippers, phone charger, a baby outfit and any snacks you crave at 3am.
  • Write down key numbers. Keep your doctor, hospital and emergency contacts in one spot—even taped to the fridge—so you’re not scrolling through your phone while in labour.
  • Tour (or re-tour) the hospital. Knowing where to park and which door is open after hours reduces last minute stress.
  • Practice breathing together. Grab your partner, a friend or even your oldest child. Take five deep breaths in and out, every time you count to four. This little habit can help during labour or when you’re calming a fussy newborn later. Check off every mini task and celebrate with a happy dance or mocktail.

3. Capture the Moments You Won’t Get Back

Every baby kick and belly laugh is a memory in the making. Find ways to freeze these moments.

  • Keep a “tiny joy” journal. Write down one sweet thing each day: the song that makes baby wiggle, a stranger’s kind words or how your partner talks to the bump.
  • Record a voice note. Describe how you feel this very minute—the excitement, the nerves or the craving for pineapple pizza. Your future self will smile hearing it.
  • Take bump photos—DIY or pro. Prop your phone on a shelf and snap weekly pictures in the same spot. Want a polished look? A quick search for a maternity photographer can turn that glow into art for your walls.
  • Create a belly cast. It’s messy, yes, but molding your bump with plaster strips turns into a keepsake you can paint with the baby later.

These little bits become a time capsule you’ll treasure long after the baby outgrows the crib.

4. Strengthen Your Village

Babies may be small but they come with big needs. Now is the perfect time to gather helpers and set gentle boundaries.

  • Plan a meal train. Ask friends to pick dates on a shared calendar. Tip: freezer-friendly dishes like chili or baked ziti are superheroes on hectic nights.
  • Practice saying “yes, thank you” and “maybe later.” Loved ones will want to visit. If you need space, it’s okay to schedule short meet-ups or ask them to bring groceries instead of just cooing at the baby.
  • Connect with parent groups. Online forums or local meet-ups let you trade advice, hand-me-down clothes and support during late-night feedings.
  • Share duties with your partner. Take turns cooking, choosing a baby name or reading about infant sleep. Tag-team work today makes teamwork tomorrow smoother.

A strong support system means you can focus on bonding with the baby, not juggling every chore alone.

5. Feather Your Nest (but Keep It Fun)

Nesting is real and it can be downright fun when done in short bursts.* Do one tiny task at a time. Organize the dresser drawers today, hang wall art tomorrow. No all-night shelf-building marathons.

  • Wash baby clothes with gentle soap. Fresh laundry is pure magic. Folding those tiny onesies is a joy and makes the closet feel ready.
  • Set up a feeding station. Whether you breastfeed or bottle-feed, place snacks, water, burp cloths and a phone charger in one cozy spot.
  • Make a “happy basket” for yourself. Fill it with lip balm, lotion, favorite tea and a lightweight robe. When recovery days feel long, this basket feels like a hug.
  • Add some you. A maternity photographer, a silly plush toy or a quiet string light from your maternity shoot can turn a frame-rich photo nursery into a peaceful retreat.

Remember, a nursery doesn’t have to be Pinterest-perfect. Baby cares more about your arms than matching wallpaper.

Final Thoughts

Your third trimester is a mix of countdown and celebration. By taking care of your body, preparing in small steps, capturing moments, gathering for your village and enjoying yourself you’ll slide into delivery with less stress and more surprise.

Most of all, be kind to yourself. Some days you’ll organize the whole closet; other days you’ll binge-watch shows with swollen feet propped on pillows. Both are okay. Every kick, hiccup and quiet moment is part of a story you’ll tell for years.

You got this, mama. Savor the stretch—baby will be in your arms before you know it.