12 Things to Do for Yourself Before Baby

"Tending to babies, with its unrelenting, 24-hour, on-demand schedule and no end in sight is going to be exhausting," says Ingrid Kellaghan, founder of Chicago's Cambridge Nanny Group. Right now—weeks, months or even days before your baby comes—is the time to invest in your friendships, family bonds, romantic relationship and, most importantly, you. Make a list of things you want to do or see before your little one arrives, and try your best to cross them all off.

"Take the time to show your friends that although your life will be changing in a very big way, you're committed to maintaining the bond of sisterhood," says Kellaghan. Enjoy an evening of good chats, good food and lots of laughter with your closest of girlfriends.

Book a romantic getaway for just you and your partner to enjoy your relationship pre-baby, advises Pam Guyer, a lifestyle expert who specializes in teaching and coaching women and mothers. "Ignite the flame in your relationship so it burns long enough to carry you through the transition of family living and a newborn."

If you've got a book (or even book series) you've been meaning to read, buy it now and dive in. You'll find that post-birth, you either won't have enough time or you'll be too tired to enjoy reading in the same way.

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"If you're more low-key, pregnancy is a great time for inviting friends over for dinner," says Kellaghan. Invite your favorite people over and enjoy some delicious food together. "Better yet, order in from a favorite restaurant," she says.

Spend a night doing something you love with the people you love. For example, buy tickets to your favorite sporting event, comedy show, movie theater or the symphony. Alternatively, spend the day shopping, lunching or checking out a museum.

Hanging out with friends and family is a great way to spend your remaining time before the baby's delivered, but you should also invest some time in yourself. Ask for some quiet solo time at home and watch your favorite movies, listen to your favorite music and indulge in your favorite foods.

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Sign up for a class or two in a subject that interests you. You can learn a new language, participate in an easy yoga session, dive into an art class or sign up for a food course at a chef's academy.

Spend an afternoon, week or month getting crafty. Try your hand at watercolors, recover an old chair (for nursery or otherwise), take and frame some photographs, or knit something pretty for yourself or the baby.

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From swimming to stretching to short walks and beyond, a little physical activity can pump up your endorphin count and make you feel healthier. Low-key physical activity gives you time to think—or clear your mind of any current stresses.

"Get your hair done, nails done and any necessary waxing done before baby arrives," suggests Guyer. "You want to look and feel good as soon as you can after having the baby, and having these things taken care of before the birth will set you up with the time you will need to focus on baby."

Hop in the car with your friends, partner or family and head to nowhere in particular. Your body will appreciate the fresh air, and your eyes will appreciate the pretty views. And feel free to stop as many times along the way for bathroom breaks.

When your baby comes, you'll likely find yourself sleep-deprived and perhaps a little cranky. Grab some word games, your laptop or a book, and spend an entire day lounging around doing whatever you want to do in bed.