What to do on maternity leave if you're still waiting?

[Tulip2013]

I'm a first timer who is currently at 38+1 and starting to twiddle my thumbs a bit with waiting. Any advice on how to spend my time? I finished work a week ago and have been out and about loads but now it's getting closer I must say I'm nervous about going too far from home on my own.

Anyone else wondering how to keep themselves amused?

[TessTackle]

I shopped- a lot! And when I wasn't shopping (for DD and the house) I redecorated (yes at 38 weeks)

Maybe get out for little strolls to break the day up, sort the baby's clothes, pack and re pack the hospital bag, do your nails, go and get a hair cut/blow dry in case you give birth soon, a wax? I don't know how much money you have don't want to only give expensive suggestions

[MummyLuce]

Well...I'm sure alot of people will say: sort and wash baby clothes, pack labour bag, spring clean, cook loads of meals and freeze them for when baby arrives, take up knitting, and sleep. Now sleep was out of the question for me and all those other things would have meant being way too organised, enthusiastic and domestic of which I wasn't. So what did I do? Watched DVDs, read loads of books, went on lots of walks, bounced on my ball, met my boyfriend for lunch near his work, are loads

[MummyLuce]

...ate loads of chocolate and had a lot of baths. I also got my hair cut, got waxed and spray tanned etc x

[MrsPatMustard]

Teach yourself to knit - you can make lovely baby stuff for your DC when he/she arrives...

[BikeRunSki]

Swim
Go to pictures
Sort out old photos
Read books
Fill freezer

[TheBreastmilksOnMe]

You wouldnt be having this issue if this wasnt your first! Can we swap places please? Im expecting no3 and what i would give to sit and twiddle my thumbs!

[ScottishDiblet]

Ooh congrats! I had 5 weeks of mat leave before my baby came along. No joke - it was heaven! I swam loads (it was the best feeling), got my hair cut, legs waxed etc, did all my appointments eg dentist and optician. I did all my admin and had reflexology and went to pregnancy yoga. Do enjoy this time as you will appreciate the rest once your beautiful baby arrives. If you are really desperate to have the baby try having sex! It worked for us. Good luck and enjoy yourself. X

[BonaDea]

Sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep.

When you have finished sleeping, cook. I expect you think your freezer is full enough but trust me it isn't. Get your online shopping list saved if not already.

Then sleep some more.

[TerrorMeSue]

Have a lot of lie-ins.
Walk
Swim
Watch TV
Anything you like whilst you still can!

Sorry, I remember this stage, and I was frustrated and bored. I was envious of friends who had already had their babies and they to,d me to enjoy the freedom whilst it lasted, because the baby is easier to look after on the inside than out. They were right of course, but it was not what I wanted to hear, and I doubt you do either!

[Editededition]

Organise for Christmas! - as much as you can, because you won't have a mass of time to spare once pfb arrives.

Visit any of the Christmas threads for some ideas

[Tulip2013]

Thanks ladies. I won't feel do bad for snuggling down with my Mad Men box set now, but you've also inspired me to swim a but more and book a pedicure.

[RoadToTuapeka]

Yes do settle in with Mad Men!

One of my friends (a man, no children) suggested art galleries...yup lovely, drag huge body into town, haul self about, look for loos every five mins, battle people for seats on the tube...great!

Much better to stay in, be lazy as it will be your last chance for ages, stroll out to the local shops if you have a nice high street nearby, wander unencumbered and have tea in tiny cafes that you will never fit into with a buggy. Maybe get photos developed off your camera and put in albums, wish I had done that as now am 2 years behind.

Enjoy time to yourself, all the best with the baby!

[ScottishDiblet]

Apparently the baby comes once you have done ALL of the jobs you have been putting off. Isn't that nice? Enjoy mad men and good luck with it all. Come back and tell us about it afterwards if you get a moment.