Expectant mothers in the final trimester of their pregnancy are afflicted by all kinds of things, not least of all nerves! You may have already discovered just how tough it can be to choose between different onesies or the right kind of nappies, but unfortunately, there’s still a lot more work to be done! Here are a few important things you need to do to get your home ready for a baby.

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Your Bedroom

You’ve probably already discovered that a baby’s nursery isn’t much work. A safe place for your new arrival to sleep like these Cuckoolands cots, along with couple of soft toys, and a place to change their diapers is all you really need. However, you need to prepare your own bedroom for your new job as a mum as well. You’re not going to be getting much sleep with a baby to take care of, so make sure your room feels like the tranquil, relaxing sanctuary it should be. Go through all your drawers, and make sure they’re well-supplied with postnatal clothes; everything from nursing bras to loose, comfortable clothing.

The Kitchen

It’s hard to pinpoint why, but as soon as you have a baby, shopping for groceries and everything else becomes extremely tricky. It’s almost definitely tied in with the aforementioned lack of sleep! To get around this issue, make a point to stock your cupboards and fridge up with all the basics, especially those household essentials like paper towels and toilet paper. It’s also a smart move to fill all the available space with non-perishable food. By filling the kitchen with supplies like you’re about to get snowed in, you’ll be able to take more time to relax, and help your bundle of joy settle into their surroundings.

Smooth Down the Edges

Babies are delicate little things, and obviously, you’re going to want to make your home as safe as possible. When it was just you and your partner living in the house, you may have pumped a lot of time and money into the interior décor, and filled it with sophisticated, minimalist glass and metal. Your home might look incredible, but unfortunately, glass and metal aren’t exactly baby-friendly! Go through the whole house, neutralising anything with sharp edges, along with anything that’s breakable. If you simply can’t bear to throw something out, put it somewhere far out of reach for a baby, or cover the corners and edges with bubble wrap.

Be There for them, Even When You’re Not!

Unless you live in a studio apartment, you’re not going to be able to be in the same room as your baby all the time. Obviously though, if anything’s making them cry, you’re going to want to know straight away. Investing in a baby monitor can be a big help, as you’ll be able to get on with the housework, and rush to the rescue if anything’s upsetting your child. You can even see them from your phone or tablet, with products like this video monitor from D-Link. However you want to do it, having some kind of baby surveillance in place is a must!

Did you know that pregnancy increases your blood flow, causing body temperatures to rise almost an additional degree above the normal 37 degrees C? While this can be handy on a frosty morning in the middle of February, when we shift into spring and summer things get can get awfully uncomfortable.

Iced cocktails are definitely off the agenda during pregnancy! That being said, there are some natural ways to keep cool when you are carrying through the warmer months.

1. Don’t overdo it

Exercise, household chores, or any physical activity for that matter, will only work to further increase circulation, causing temperatures to soar. Remember to relax. Ask yourself whether that task is really so essential. Can it wait until the real Great British Summer really begins, and the skies start to fall once more?

2. Make wise food choices

There are so many pregnancy-friendly fruits out there to keep you cool during heatwave season. Nectarines, watermelon, star fruit, mango… lower your temperature by eating some exotic sweet treats. As well as tasting super scrummy, these fruits contain significant amounts of water that works to thin the blood, releasing heat.

3. Stay hydrated

A raised temperature can quickly leave you dehydrated. By keeping fluid levels topped up, you can tackle any adverse effects of overheating. Drinking more water during pregnancy dilutes toxins in the body, and promotes healthy body functions. This is especially important during the third trimester, when dehydration can cause myriad prenatal problems, from infection to preterm contractions.

4. Ditch the duvet

Is there anything worse than tossing and turning the night through due to overheating? Dump that duvet, and opt for a light blanket, as they do in tropical climes. The same thing goes during the day too. In warmer weather, choose to wear light, breathable cotton clothes rather than manmade materials, such as polyester.

5. Maybe try mint?

Just, sadly not in a mojito! Menthol, a chemical component in mint, tricks the brain into believing that it is cold to the touch. As such, whether you consume mint or apply it to the body, you are likely to feel some relief from the heat. A luxurious menthol foot cream is perfect during pregnancy, as it can tackle the hassle of swollen ankles too! Alternatively, pop a few fresh mint leaves into your water, with ice.