Well, I was very much hoping that my post at 38 weeks would have been the last pregnancy check in, but alas, Jack has made other plans. His due date has come and gone and we are officially overdue. I can’t say I am especially surprised as that seems pretty common with first pregnancies, and I had a feeling that I would follow a similar path as my mom, who watched my due date pass as well. One of my friends calls it the due week instead of date, which I love. I mean, less than 5% of babies arrive on their scheduled day anyway! And yet, we become so fixated on a date. 
People keep asking me how I’m feeling and I appreciate the check ins. Honestly, I have had a breezy pregnancy for the most part and really can’t complain. I am like EVERY other woman who is approaching the 41 week mark – uncomfortable, slightly claustrophobic and over being pregnant. I cannot wait to have my body back (save for the breastfeeding, of course), to lose this water weight that’s made me all puffy and to be able to sleep on my stomach again. Oh…and wine, all the wine! Sounds heavenly!
But most of all, I just want him out! The biggest struggle for me going overdue is that I worry that everything is still going ok in there. I want to meet him…I want to count all ten fingers and toes…I want to know he is healthy. And after that moment, I can then start to worry about being a BRAND NEW MOM! The worrying really never ends right?! lol
For anyone else who may be reading this at the same stage as me. Here are a few things that have helped me ease the overdue blues:
- Taking a nightly bath to soothe my aches and pains (mindful of water temperature of course)
- Finding a really great read to distract my mind
- Going on walks – both indoor (mall) and outdoor (with my husband and dogs)
- Massage (the hubby has been great but I’m also trying an induction massage today!)
- A hot water bottle placed on my lower back, in between my legs, etc.
- Soothing tea (not the raspberry one since I heard that’s really an old wives tale)
- Getting out and about even if I feel lazy – I hate feeling like a hermit
- Positive affirmations and visualizations – I keep trying to stay positive even if I’m cranky or down
- Making time for date nights and quality time together before baby comes
- Self Care time – I fixed my hair up, made an appointment for massage, did my nails, etc. Small things to make you feel just a touch better
I know it’s not much but it’s the little things that have been helping me get through this last long stretch of the pregnancy.
Thanks for listening and following along in my journey. I can’t wait to introduce you to baby Jack! XO
Great post, mama! I cannot wait to see Jack in your next post! Oh & I am eagerly by my phone too. 😉
Hahaha I can’t wait until you get that text!! XO
Hang in there! I was a week over due with our daughter last spring and it was so frustrating. I kept putting more plants in the ground and by the time she was here, our garden was out of control, haha. As luck would have it, I went into labour the day I was supposed to be induced. It all works out in the end. I loved all your self care suggestions. One thing I did in those last few days was go get my eyelashes tinted. I know it sounds weird, but it was nice to not worry about mascara in those first few weeks of newborn bliss/chaos. It made me feel more put together, even when I wasn’t. Good luck mama!
Amanda!! I got my eyelashes tinted too! haha And my eyebrows! You are so very right..it’s been nice not having to worry about that extra step. And you are right about it all working out in the end. His birth story will play out how it’s meant to. Thank you so much for the comment! It’s always nice to chat with other ladies about their experiences!
Helena was 11 days overdue and we didn’t know she was breech until 40 weeks! They did finally induce me – she was very happy in there. We always tease her about ‘mooning’ everyone upon arrival! We wish you the best and will be thinking of you and sending good thoughts as you begin your new adventure. Enjoy.