Baby development
Your baby may have already started to go down into your pelvis, but they won’t get completely in place until a few days or even hours before the beginning contractions of childbirth.
Your body
Does the baby feel particularly heavy? You may be feeling tension or diffusing pain in your lower abdomen. Totally normal: your pelvic joints are loosening up, pulling on your ligaments. As your baby takes up room in your uterus, you may need to urinate more often.
Nutrition
Although it may be inconvenient, do not restrict your fluid intake to try to not have to use the bathroom so often. It’s important to drink plenty of water. Water helps to carry nutrients for your body and for your baby’s. It also helps to take waste products from both of you, to keep you cool, to prevent constipation, and to control swelling. Make it easier to drink water by carrying a reusable water bottle. White milk and unsweetened, fortified plant-based beverages are healthy alternatives.
Tips
It’s normal for your labour to start anytime from 37 to 42 weeks of pregnancy. In the last few weeks before the birth you may choose to stay close to home. You never know when your little darling will suddenly lose patience!
Reference:
Public Health Agency of Canada. Your Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy. Your Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy - Canada.ca Accessed September 2021.
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