Written by Editorial Team
The feeling of becoming a mother is precious and there are no words to describe it. This is a big life change and overwhelming as well. Having a baby can be an exciting and anxious time as well since there are many changes that take place physically and mentally. Preparing well ahead makes delivery and parenthood a smoother process indeed. This is especially in the case of women nearing their delivery time. Preparing for labor ahead of time is one way to reduce this anxiety and give confidence to the pregnant woman.
All women are different, the pain during labor for each will be different as well. Different pregnancies of the same women can be different too. During labor, pain happens due to the contracting of muscles in the uterus due to the cervix pressure etc. The whole process of delivery can be painful and stressful for the mother and hence preparing physically and mentally is very important.
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Labour is a time when women need a lot of stamina and strength and so it is vital for the body to stay fit. Stress can be harmful during pregnancy so exercising always helps. This is also the time when both the mind and the body are getting ready for labor. Just like the body prepares for birth by Braxton Hicks contractions, the mind prepares with the help of nesting urges. Nesting urge is a way of the mind to prepare for the coming times. The mother starts washing and folding clothes, , stacking them, arranging other products and being organized, etc.
Labor pain can be felt strongly in the abdominal area, back and groin. Few women experience pain on the thighs or sides as well. This pain is also due to stretching of the vaginal passage, birth canal, and the pressure by the baby’s head on the bladder and bowels.
Yet, the feeling of going into labor is a great one. More so, when it is the first baby. The couple who are undergoing their second or third pregnancy can have a mix of emotions. This is because the experience of fatigue, pain, having help and other experiences cannot always be exciting. They even start comparing their earlier experiences with the present ones.
Labor is a natural process where the body starts preparing for it by itself. Many changes are indicators that time is nearing. Common indications include Braxton Hicks contractions, getting false pain alarms, like labor pains, baby descending, etc. This can also be stressful, so the doctor can suggest adopting ways and means for reducing stress before or during pregnancy.
Moderate exercising on a regular basis helps in strengthening the muscles and even preparing the body for labor stress. Exercising increases the body’s endurance as well.
Here are a few ways to prepare for the impending labor.
Various hospitals and childbirth centers conduct maternity and childbirth classes for would-be mothers. Some centers conduct prenatal yoga classes too. Once you have identified and registered for your delivery, you can enroll in their special programs and training classes for expecting mothers.
Whether attending labor and childbirth classes or not, here are a few vital aspects you need to learn to prepare for delivery.
The classes happen at a birthing center or a hospital is even online in the present times.
While identifying signs of childbirth and reaching the hospital on time is important, the childbirth process itself is going to be cumbersome. Complete knowledge of what to aspect and how to manage will help you get through the process with better ease. Here is how having a complete understanding of the childbirth process helps you welcome the newborn baby.
The last leg of the pregnancy is crucial for pregnant women as the clock starts ticking. No one knows the right time when your baby is going to enter this world. It requires you to be vigilant and watch for signs. Keeping the bag ready in order to leave for the hospital is important.
Your labor bag, so to speak, must have the following items.
During the later stages of pregnancy, it is a good idea to always have someone around you. It is not advisable to stay all by yourself, especially while relaxing or when sleeping. You can even hire a nurse or a full-time help who can help with labor and delivery. This is especially important if you are giving birth to twins. Emotional support is very important so it is ideal to have someone who can offer support when required.
Breathing effectively works well while in the delivery room. Some pointers to keep in mind during your labor and delivery are
For easing the labor process, it is important to breathe slowly and provide strength to the pelvic muscles of the body. The ways in which it can be done are
Delivering the baby is the most difficult part of pregnancy as the woman undergoes acute pain. It is important to stay calm, and have a supporting person next to you who can offer strength and be there for you. . Preparing for labor is very important to ease the process for you and mentally prepare you for what is to come. Once the baby is out, all the pain goes away, and you will feel it was worth having the pain for a baby who is a precious gift from God
In order to have easy labor and delivery, the following tips will help
It is not a good idea to have oily or fatty foods when preparing the body for childbirth. This leads to heartburn but even obstructs the child-birthing process. Having fruits like apples or bananas or smoothies and yoghurt offer more energy at the time of labor. These foods also help both in case of vaginal or C-section deliveries.
At the time of early labor, it is normal to feel hungry. Nibbling on small amounts of high-carb foods like cereals, pasta, toast and sandwiches help as they boost energy levels.
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