This is the most exciting time of your life...except what if it isn't? What if you are totally bored and done with being pregnant?
First of all, that’s totally normal! Pregnancy can feel like an incredibly long process (40 weeks = 40 White Lotus episodes 😉) and there's a reason why movies tend to cover pregnancy through a montage. A play-by-play of pregnancy (especially towards the end) would be “eating ice cream and watching Netflix”...not really an action-packed adventure!
There are many activities that expecting moms can enjoy even during pregnancy, from food to arts & crafts, exercise, connecting with loved ones, spa days, pampering yourself using our mom-to-be boxes to reading and nesting.
You are not basic and your pregnancy does not have to be basic. We're going to blow the lid off of pregnancy boredom. But first, let's talk about why the struggle is real.
Bored During Pregnancy?
Again, we cannot reiterate this enough! If you're feeling these feelings of boredom and frustration, welcome to the club 😅. There is absolutely nothing wrong with you. Pregnancy boredom is super common, especially in the third trimester.
During the first trimester, you're either super excited it's actually happening or simply trying to survive all of the not-so-fun symptoms. The second trimester usually finds you in the swing of things, so you're out there doing a bit more and having a bit more fun while doing it.
The third trimester is a waiting game. It's like waiting for Christmas when you're a kid (especially when you don't know when it actually is). You're super hormonal,have loads of trouble sleeping, yet all you want to do is nap or rest and go to sleep early too. That boredom can creep in fast and mighty and take hold, especially if you are done working and have started your maternity leave before your baby comes.
So what can we do about it? Let's talk about some ways to combat pregnancy boredom.
1. Put that nesting instinct to work
Your brain must be hyper focused on cleaning, organizing, folding baby clothes or putting together your crib and bassinet. That nesting instinct is your body's way of preparing for the big day, so why not lean into it?
Another great idea is to declutter your home and make space for when your little one arrives. Cleaning and reorganising can be a good way to destress, but it can also keep you distracted for hours and leave you feeling super productive.
Put on your fave playlist and get it done. The perk of this is that you can have a sense of accomplishment, plus your nursery will be all ready to go for whenever your baby does finally arrive.
(P.S. when it comes to cleaning and the use of cleaning products, try to find ones that are safe for you and your baby. Clean and natural ingredients are the way to go. We love the Myni multipurpose spray that comes in our Month 8 pregnancy subscription box - aesthetically beautiful, easy to refill and just an overall cleaning game changer!)
2. Get outside and stay active in pregnancy
Going for a walk outside (if the weather is good for it). It can do wonders for your mental health. The sunshine and fresh air can help you keep your mental health and spirits up. Plus, the movement is so good for you and your baby that it has been linked to easier labours and deliveries. Really, it's all pluses when it comes to getting yourself outdoors and your body moving!
Now, this doesn’t mean that you need to go on some mega-hike up a mountain. You can benefit so much from just walking around your neighbourhood - at whatever pace and distance feels comfortable to you. But if you do want to get a little more workout out of your neighbourhood walks, we highly recommend the pregnancy ankle weights that we put in our Month 5 pregnancy subscription box. We have been using them quite regularly now and absolutely love them!
3. Read (or listen) to a book
Let's be honest. You've got a list of books that you've totally been meaning to read. Even if you have been reading lately, it might have been more "What to Expect" and less of what you actually enjoy reading during your down and “me” time.
And if paper books aren’t your thing, audiobooks are also amazing for taking your mind off of pregnancy boredom. Plus, you can take those easily with you on your walks around your neighbourhood 😉 (see above).
Want a good recommendation? If you are looking for a pregnancy book in preparation for what life may feel like after baby arrives,we really like You are a F*cking Awesome Mom! There is just so much realness in this book, mixed with such a welcome dose of encouragement that truly all new moms need! (You can also find this gem in our Month 9 Pregnancy Subscription Box!).
4. Pamper yourself
Post-baby, you're barely going to shower (if we are to be perfectly honest here), so schedule yourself a pregnancy spa day - and do it now! Get the mani-pedi. Indulge in a pre-natal massage. Get a facial. Take a day off and treat yourself - however you dream that day would be!
And if you don't feel like leaving the house (or your pyjamas 🫣), then have a spa day at home! Run a bath, put on some music, and bust open your Month 7 subscription box from rumbly for an at-home spa-like experience. It'll turn your mood around in no time!
5. Connect with others
You've probably been busy doing lots of baby prep, so why not make time to set up some lunches or coffee dats and connect with your friends that you haven’t hung out with in a while? We recommend lunch or afternoon coffee dates because at the end of the day, you'll probably be feeling exhausted and just want to curl up in bed.
Or to make it even easier, you could set up a zoom, WhatsApp or FaceTIme call with your loved ones to help stay connected. This means you don’t have to leave the house but will still be able to catch up with friends and enjoy some social time.
With the new addition to your family that will likely demand most - if not all of your attention - this is definitely the perfect time to reach out and connect with friends you love to spend time with.
6. Connect with your partner
The same goes for your partner. They will be the one that you lean on when the baby arrives, so making time to connect with them now is so important. This can be anything from date nights at home to going to a movie together or just chatting about your days over dinner. Keeping the romance during pregnancy helps both you and your partner to feel supported and connected, so that you’re ready to enter the new world of parenting together.
Check-in on how you're both feeling about your upcoming birth and growing family. Or, if you've been having only baby-centred conversations recently, and are struggling with what to talk about when you’re alone together, check out our Month 5 Pregnancy Subscription Box. We included a deck of After Dinner Amusements: Which Would You Choose to help when you may be “stuck” with what to talk about.
Making time for your relationship now will definitely help ensure a smoother transition for after your baby arrives.
7. Learn something new
Take this time to learn something new. It can be anything from a language you've always wanted to learn, to finding the best way to fold a fitted sheet. Or practicing some new baby-friendly recipes to cook further down the line.
If you want to feel more relaxed, why not learn how to code, or knit a blanket for the baby. These are great new skills to have and you can spend hours on them.
Whatever it is, learning something new can help to keep your mind off of pregnancy boredom and help give you a much-needed dopamine boost.
You can find so many free classes and tutorials on the internet, so pick whichever one sparks your curiosity or passion most!
8. Arts & Crafts
Looking for a more creative activity to keep you busy during pregnancy? There are so many arts and crafts that are great for expecting moms to do. From scrapbooking, making new decorations for the baby’s nursery, sketching, coloring and lots more. Scrapbooking is particularly special as it can be used to document those precious memories from each month in your pregnancy, until the baby is born.
Get ready for the next chapter
The more you can do before your baby comes, the less you have to do after your baby comes.
What this looks like will depend on your personal situation and preferences, but it could be anything from prepping (and freezing) big batches of food to doing some financial planning.
Just make sure your plans include planning for your after-birth support and having what you need on hand, before the time actually comes.
And for that, we recommend our Rumbly Postpartum Box. It includes the most sought after range of insider and exclusive must, must, must-haves for every kind of birth and postpartum experience. Further, the collection of items in this box will not only help ease and support you right after your labor and delivery, but will continue to pamper you right through your fourth trimester - and beyond. Get yours here!
Or, if you would like further information or advice on our pregnancy boxes, please feel free to email our founder Marnie at marnie@rumbly.co . We’d love to hear from you!
