Tips for the ninth and (yes) tenth month of your pregnancy (weeks 33-40+)

You're in the final stages of your pregnancy. Your belly is at its biggest, your baby is ready to be born—and you're counting down. Or up. Because the closer you get to the delivery, the more you need to rely on your patience, strength, and trust.

This month is all about comfort, letting go and mentally preparing for that magical meeting with your baby. In this blog we explain what is happening to you, what is happening to your baby and give self-care tips to help.

What's happening to you?

• Your belly is at its peak: Moving is difficult, sleeping is getting harder, and the pressure on your bladder is serious. Hang in there!
  
  
• Patience tested: The due date is approaching—or has already passed. Try to focus on the present.
  
  
• More practice contractions: Your body is training more seriously: contractions occur more often and last longer.
  
  
• Sleep problems: Every position feels awkward and you have to pee more often than ever.
  
  
• The baby descends: This gives some breathing room, but it does put pressure on your pelvis and bladder.
  
  
• Strong nesting instinct: You want to tidy up, clean, and organize. Perfectly normal—but don't overdo it. Not everyone is gifted for this, though.
  
  

What's happening to your baby?

Your baby is ready for the big leap: fully developed, lungs mature, reflexes active. Most babies descend this month and turn head-down. 

Self-care for the final sprint: Patience, comfort & preparation

Practice trust 

• Let go of the date: Only 5% of babies are born on their due date. Your baby will choose their own time. And believe us – you'll definitely feel it coming.
  
  
• Visualize daily: See yourself giving birth calmly, powerfully, and relaxed—your brain doesn't distinguish between imagination and reality.
  
  
• Journaling or meditation: Write down your thoughts, or listen to soothing meditations specifically for the final weeks. You'll enjoy looking back on them later.
  

Maximum comfort (now for real) 

• Schedule rest time: Daytime naps are your new best friend. Let go of things that aren't essential.
  
  
• Heat helps: Showers, baths, or a heating pad for your lower back — you deserve it.
  
  
• Pamper your feet: Daily massages or a foot bath with lavender or mint oil (safe for pregnant women) work wonders.
  
  
• Comfort is king: Wear something soft, loose, and doesn't pinch. Think: pajamas, oversized dresses, comfy slippers. There are also some really cute and comfortable maternity outfits these days!
  
  
• Pregnancy pillow 2.0: Not just for bed, but also for lounging on the couch or in a chair.
  
  

Final preparations: your 'golden lists' 

✔️ Hospital bag checked: Clothes, toiletries, snacks, documents — check, check, check.

✔️ Postpartum kit ready: Maternity pads, peri-bottle, cooling spray or gel. Have it ready in the bathroom.

✔️ Freeze meals: Ask friends for help or freeze them yourself. You'll thank yourself for it.

✔️ Have emergency numbers handy: Midwife, maternity care, hospital – write them down and save them on your phone. Have your partner do this too; you'll be busy with other things that day.

Enjoy the last moments together 

• Go out for dinner one last time: No diapers, pacifiers, or high chairs in sight. Enjoy the time together. It might also be wise to discuss realistically how you'll handle the tough first few months together. Once the baby is born, they'll want something to eat every three hours. That means little sleep for the parents.
  
  
• Binge a series together: Take a break from housework. Time together is priceless. Especially when you have your first child, you'll never take these moments for granted again.
  
  
• Take a gentle walk (if comfortable): Just getting outside can do wonders. Trust your body—it knows what it's doing.

You're in the most intense, special, and perhaps even frustrating phase of your pregnancy. Everything in your body and mind is focused on waiting for the meeting .

Want to know more about the third trimester? Then read The Third Trimester – Getting Ready for the Big Meet-Up.

Trust your intuition, be kind to yourself, and know: you don't have to do this alone. Motherhood doesn't just begin after you give birth—it's already begun. Lots of love, My Sanctum.