When a pregnancy reaches its last few weeks, expectant mothers can go through a wide range of emotions due to hormones, physical discomfort, and impending lifestyle changes. While we are often at the mercy of our hormones at the end of a pregnancy, it helps to know that these feelings are normal and appropriate. No two women will have the same experience, of course, but be on the look-out for these emotional signs of pre-labour:
The nesting instinct. That sudden need to have clean toilets is not an old wives' tale. Shortly before giving birth (a few weeks to a few days), even the least domestically inclined mum can feel the urge to scour the sinks, organise the closets, and alphabetise the pantry to prepare for the little one's arrival. There is a good reason for this. That sudden burst of energy accomplishes more than just a housekeeping checklist; it prepares a woman's body for labour by giving her exercise. All that squatting and stretching helps move the baby into a lower, head-down position in the pelvis, which is the optimal position for delivery.
Irritability. Related to the nesting instinct is a pressing need to make the rest of the world go away. Have you ever tried to pet a mother cat in her last few days of pregnancy? If so, you likely received a warning hiss, at the very least. Like a mother cat staking out her towel-lined box, many women become irritable and want to be left alone. This feeling means you may instinctively push people away. Paradoxically, you may wish a trusted few to remain close-by in case they are needed.
Fear. While it isn't the most comfortable feeling to have, fear is a perfectly understandable reaction to impending labour. Whether this is your first baby or your 5th, fear of the unknown is bound to assert itself: Will I get to the birth centre in time? Will it hurt? Will I need emergency care? No matter how prepared you are, every new mother has these questions. Put your fears to rest by talking with your caregiver about when you should call or come in to the place of delivery, and what kind of pain relief will be available to you (should you choose to use pain relief). If you still have a few weeks until your due date, last-minute childbirth classes might be a good idea.
Excitement and boredom. These two emotions take turns, keeping a mother-to-be on an emotional see-saw. The thought process goes something like this: "There's a baby coming. Hooray! But she's not here yet. Can I get the birth over with? But I'm not ready. Yes, I am! I'm tired of being pregnant." These fluctuating emotions are perfectly normal.
The good news about all these strange feelings is that it means your body and mind are getting prepared for the big day. Take these last few days of pregnancy to enjoy your favourite hobby, watch a film, or go for some leisurely walks to take your mind off things.
