The In-Between: The Last Days of Pregnancy
The final days of pregnancy can feel intense and unpredictable. Your body is working hard, your sleep is disrupted, and emotions sit close to the surface.
Many women describe this time as a mix of anticipation, discomfort, and uncertainty, a phase where the hours feel long and the mind is busy.
It’s common to feel frustrated or anxious when labour hasn’t started yet. Questions from family and friends can add pressure, and the focus on due dates often creates an expectation that birth should happen “on time.” In reality, these final days are a physiological process of their own, not a delay, but a transition.
Midwives often refer to this period as a kind of “in-between” space: one part of you is still anchored in life as it has been, while another part is preparing for the shift into motherhood. Your hormones, your nervous system, and your baby are all coordinating in ways that aren’t always visible but are deeply significant.
If conversations about induction or timelines come up, know that it’s appropriate to ask questions and explore your options. Feeling informed and supported helps keep stress levels down , and lower stress supports the hormonal balance that encourages labour to begin naturally.
A few practical ways to support yourself during this time:
Keep your schedule spacious. Avoid over-committing, and choose activities that help you feel grounded and calm.
Remember that due dates are estimates. Many pregnancies continue past 40 weeks.
Use movement to ease discomfort and settle the mind. Gentle walking, stretching, or a slow yoga flow can be helpful.
Create a simple ritual or mantra. Something like “My body knows how to do this” can offer steadiness when emotions rise.
Prepare for the early postpartum period. Cooking a few nourishing meals or organising small supports now can make a meaningful difference later.
Stay connected with your care provider. Reach out if you have concerns — your safety and your baby’s wellbeing always come first.
Protect your emotional space. Limit external pressure where you can: fewer updates, less commentary, more focus on what you need.
Feel The Feelings: It is ok to feel the feelings, the sadness, the anger, the frustration, sometimes it is the release holding us back from moving forward
The last days of pregnancy can feel slow and overwhelming, but they also serve an important purpose. Your body is shifting, your baby is finishing essential development, and the conditions for labour are quietly forming. You are not “behind.” You are preparing.
Trust that this phase has a rhythm of its own. You are moving toward your baby, and your body knows the way.
