In the third trimester of pregnancy, you may be looking forward to your impending trip to the hospital for delivery. However, there are still plenty of items on your to-do list as you prepare yourself and stay healthy for the big day. Here’s a closer look at what you should do—and what you should avoid. 

Do: 

Eat well and exercise. 

Drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated, but continue avoiding alcohol and excessive caffeine. Consume plenty of protein and dairy to aid your baby’s development. Do light exercise, like walking and yoga, to maintain your health and make delivery easier. 

Stay moisturized.  

Applying lotions, oils, and creams to your stomach may prevent or reduce stretch marks. However, another benefit is that your lower abdomen will itch less as your skin strains to accommodate its expansion.  

Monitor your health and that of the baby. 

You should feel your baby kick 10 times in every two-hour period. Head to a hospital or medical center immediately if you count fewer and especially if you feel nothing at all. Additionally, keep visiting your doctor regularly. Although a dentist should check your teeth, don’t agree to any surgeries since the medications may hurt your baby. 

Don’t: 

Get overheated. 

Extreme heat can harm your baby, so avoid saunas, hot tubs, and anything else with a high temperature. Even in the fall and winter, you may be prone to overheating, which is another reason to stay hydrated. Consider carrying a small portable fan with you, too. 

Travel extensively. 

Most doctors recommend travel only if you’re 36 weeks or fewer along. Regardless, avoid going anywhere by plane if possible. Otherwise, you may experience complications or even deliver prematurely. Stay close to the hospital so that you can head over immediately if necessary. 

Expose yourself to illness. 

You’re more prone to sickness while pregnant, even at this late stage. To avoid infections and parasites, avoid eating undercooked meat, like sushi, and have someone else clean your cat's litter box. Get a flu shot if you didn’t do so in the early fall. 

To ensure that you deliver your baby in a comfortable and compassionate environment, contact Colquitt Regional Medical Center in Moultrie, GA. Having earned their status as one of the safest hospitals in the U.S. according to The Leapfrog Group®, they guarantee an experienced and dedicated staff to keep you and your baby healthy. If you’re concerned that either of you need urgent attention, their emergency room is always open, too. To learn more about their birthing center and other services, call them today at (229) 985-3420 or visit their website.