1. Parenting

Ways to Celebrate Your Due Date

By , About.com Guide

How to Get Excited About the End of Pregnancy
Pregnant Belly YAY
Photo © Jamie Grill/Getty Images
There is a lot of talk of due dates and babies being born early. I choose to think about the due date as a goal. Once I’ve made that goal baby can come out. (Though spontaneous labor in the few weeks leading up to the due date may be normal for some mothers.) So rather than think of it as an expiration date, think of how to celebrate reaching this date.

You’ve just been through 40 weeks of the most amazing and trying times of your life. You’ve probably alternatingly loved being pregnant (feeling the baby move) and hated being pregnant (all day sickness for months). So here are some ideas on how to celebrate your big day:

  • Massage
    Soothe your aching body and get ready for the birth of your little one with a great full body massage. You can also opt for a partial massage, but if you’ve got the ability, try the full body. This can help you stand a little taller and rest a little more. Be sure if you plan to have a pregnancy massage that you have someone who is trained to work with pregnant women. They may also ask if you’d like them to stimulate some labor encouraging pressure points. That’s up to you and your practitioner. I would also recommend that you plan on having some down time when you’re done. Go home and try to nap or lay down and read. Enjoy the relaxation to the fullest.

  • Dinner Out
    Give everyone the night off and go for a dinner out. Your choice! If you have other children, you might decide it’s fun to bring them along, or get a baby sitter. Try to choose a place to eat that is something that you really love but that won’t bother you at the end of your pregnancy. One example would be the really spicy food that you love, but gives you horrible heart burn in pregnancy. Remember, you may eat smaller portion sizes because someone is cramping your stomach space. No big deal, think of it as an extra meal for tomorrow’s lunch!

  • Overnight
    This might be the shortest staycation you’ve ever had, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be a great one. Look for a local bed and breakfast, preferably one with a large, deep tub. Spend some time soaking and relaxing. Watch some television or read. Just hang ot with your honey and talk about whatever you want to talk about, free from a bit of stress and strain of being at home (Like the laundry calling your name.). The bed and breakfast part is really nice because of the added amenities and the breakfast. That’s usually my favorite part!

  • Manicure and Pedicure
    The traditional mani-pedi celebration! This time honored tradition among pregnant women is still a great way to celebrate the 40th week of gestation. If you normally get manicures or pedicures, splurge for something different. Try a new style, a wild color or even a hot stone massage.

While each of these appear to cost money, most can be done in a variety of manners to save money. One example would be to get a massage from your partner or to have your partner make dinner for you one night. It can also be a fun idea to have a manicure or pedicure from a friend. There is also a way to save money on spa services by finding a salon school near you. The services are monitored but often cost a lot less than a real salon.

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