Before diving into what labor preparation entails, you will need to know what labor means. Whenever you experience a continuous contraction of the uterus which comes with pains that progressively gets intense, labor is ongoing. Labor can come at any time. As an expectant mother, you should be ready for it at any time. You must start the preparation to withstand your day of delivery when you are a few weeks away.
Most women feel the signs of labor weeks before their expected day of delivery. As you draw closer to the time, you will need to prepare to make the labor an easy experience. Whenever you feel the warning signs of labor, make use of those moments. On your own, do some labor preparation exercise. It can help to prepare your body for the actual pain especially on the last few days.
Labor Preparation
Labor preparation classes are the lessons you receive from your midwife during the last few weeks of pregnancy. There is no singular or must be pattern towards delivery. Every delivery process is unique in itself. However, there are certain advices from your midwife that will help you when followed accordingly.
Labor Preparation Classes
If you are pregnant and approaching your Expected day of delivery, you will need to attend the birth class. Some common labor preparation instruction that you may be give are as follows.
- Packing of your hospital bag and items to bring to the hospital for delivery
- Following a healthy diet
- Wearing of comfortable clothing such as night gowns and loose dresses fit forb labor and
- Preparing a birth plan or preference
- Engaging in simple and regular exercise such bas walking for a few minutes everyday. This will help you with a steady heartbeat, some sunlight as well as some fresh air.
- Choosing a birthing partner, which must be someone you trust.
Preparing For Labor
When it gets toward the last four weeks of your 3rd trimester, it is clever that you should be prepared for labor at anytime. Here is a list of what you need to keep in place to prepare for labor
- Visiting the hospital where the delivery will take place is necessary because it will prepare your mind on what to expect and how to plan your birth.
- Another vital part in preparing for labor is setting up your home for the arrival of the new born. There are special designs that befits the room you and your baby will be spending your early moments.
- You will also need to have a financial plan on the delivery cost and check-ups for you and your baby. If you have your baby added to your health insurance policy, is an easy get away to a good financial plan.
- Be sure that all the items you need for yourself and the baby during and after delivery are all packed in your hospital bag.
- Make sure that the means of transportation to the hospital when labor sets in is readily available. Also endeavor to have an alternative plan to be on the safer side.
Dos and Don’ts in Labor
You are not supposed indulge in some seemingly harmless that you should not be found doing during labor. They listed below.
- Do not seat for too long even though you are not restricted from seating.
- Do not run, do not run on the stairs cos you can slip and fall. even though you are asked to move about for easy delivery, it is safer to walk on a flat surface.
- Do not lie down on the ground, no matter the urge you get to do so. The delivery hospital or delivery space may not be safe place because of infection or bacteria. Your body gets opened during dilation and bacteria can easily ascend to the womb.
- Rub your back, waist or stomach depending on where you feel pain while in labor. Most times, your midwife, partner or whoever went with you to the hospital can assist with it.
- Master the act of breathing and relaxation. Ideally, it is advised that breathing with your mouth to get enough energy helps during labor. you may start practicing as you safely get towards your Expected Day of Delivery (EDD.)
Pregnancy Exercise Workouts
Your midwife will give recommend the kind of exercise that is suitable for you, depending on your health and the stage of your pregnancy. However, there are certain exercise you must avoid especially if you are not the workout type of person, during pregnancy.
Additionally, there are certain activities you can indulge in that can help you fasten your labor time. A necessary factor needed during delivery is your strength. As a woman awaiting her EDD, there are certain exercises that will prepare both you and your baby for labor. Some of which includes;
- Squatting
- Kegel exercise
- Butterfly pose
- Lunges
- Hip circles
- Walking
- Pelvic tilts
- Birthing ball
- Dancing gently with some good music can help lift your mood.
Conclusion
Labor preparation is the peak stage of every pregnancy. When it gets to the days before delivery, the anxiousness of most women doubles. You need to know that the delivery situation surrounding one soon-to-be-new-mum always differs from the other. On this note, it is necessary to take the advice of the midwife or your health care provider on the choice to make for a safe delivery. Good luck.
