Third Trimester Realness: 38 Weeks Pregnant with Baby #2

As I write this, I’m 38 weeks pregnant with my second baby—another sweet baby girl—and I’m officially in the waiting game from the (dis)comfort of my bed. It’s a strange place to be: full of anticipation, discomfort, excitement, and yes, plenty of exhaustion!

This third trimester has been a mix of prepping, coping, and trying to keep my sanity while growing a whole human. Let’s just say—it’s not all glowing and belly rubs!

The Physical Toll: Pelvic Pain, Heartburn & Exhaustion

One of the biggest challenges this time around has been pelvic girdle pain. It’s no joke! Thankfully, I’ve been managing it with the help of a maternity belly band, which offers some relief during the day when I’m on my feet. Still, some days, like today, it feels like every step is a chore.

Heartburn has been another uninvited guest—TUMS have basically become their own food group at this point. Nighttime is when it hits hardest, which brings me to my next struggle: sleep (or lack thereof). Between the bathroom trips, discomfort, and reflux, I’m not sleeping much at night anymore. So daytime naps have become essential and non negotiable, even if they’re just 30 minutes here and there to keep me going as I still have a 4 year old to care for.

And yes—I’m short-tempered, emotional, and feeling all the things lately. It’s like every little inconvenience feels 10x more intense. I keep reminding myself: I’m not just tired, I’m building a baby!

Prepping for Labor Naturally

In the middle of the chaos, I’ve been doing what I can to prepare my body for labor. I started drinking red raspberry leaf tea at around 34 weeks, and added 3 to 4 medjool dates a day to my routine at 36 weeks(not my favorite thing to eat)—both known for their potential to help with labor readiness.

Lately, I’ve also been treating myself to massage therapy every other week, which has been a game-changer for stress and soreness. And once a week, I am taking a 10 to 15-minute Epsom salt bath with some 'forest bathing' background music playing that my masseuse introduced me to. It’s my moment of calm, like a mini retreat to nature, even from my own bathtub, but it sure does makes a big difference.

Baby Girl is Ready (Mostly)

Baby girl has been in the head-down position since 28 weeks, which is a huge relief. I'm just hoping she stays in occiput anterior position for delivery. But while I wait to go into labor, I’ve got everything cleaned, folded, and ready to go:

• Breast pump and bottles: sterilized ✅

• Baby clothes, towels, blankets, and bedding: washed and prepped ✅

• Diapers: ready ✅

  
  

I’m trying to stay relaxed, even though I know this last leg of the journey can feel like the longest. Every little ache or tightening has me wondering, “Is this the start?” But I keep reminding my impatient self she’ll come when she’s ready.

Mentally Preparing for Round Two

This being my second pregnancy, I’ve felt more grounded in some ways—but also more stretched. There’s a 4 year old to keep up with, a household to manage, and less time to sit and just be. But I’m holding onto the small moments when I can: a warm bath, a quick nap, a cuddling time with Catalina, a kick from inside that reminds me she’s almost here.

This season is wild, beautiful, and exhausting. But soon, all of this waiting will turn into holding, and I can’t wait to meet her.

To all the other mamas in their final weeks—hang in there. We’re almost at the finish line. 💕