As an expectant mother, it is common to anticipate the day of labor to welcome your little bundle(s) of joy. Data indicates that about 10,267 babies are born in the United States every year. The prospects and reality of childbirth are certainly overwhelming for many, so it is essential to prepare for this day as adequately as possible. If you wish to learn more about preparing for labor sufficiently, please consider the following points.
Eat Right
Proper nutrition is undoubtedly crucial during pregnancy for your health and the baby’s growth and development. Also, you can make excellent nutrition choices that fuel your body with the needed energy for childbirth. Consequently, fill your plate with nutrient-rich pregnancy superfoods like yogurt, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and nuts as you near the end of your pregnancy. Also, eating enough protein, leafy green vegetables, and reducing your sugar intake can minimize the risk of pregnancy-related conditions.
A study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology reveals that women who ate six dates daily during the last month of conception were more dilated when they got to the hospital for labor. In addition, these women were less likely to require oxytocin and had shorter labors in general. Therefore, keeping a few dates around can’t hurt since these fruits are rich in minerals and vitamins and facilitate a smoother birth experience. Besides, dates can improve your bowel movements, so they can come in handy if you experience constipation during pregnancy.
Take A Childbirth Class
Uncertainty about the birthing process is typically a significant stressor for new moms-to-be, so it might be helpful to sign up for a childbirth class way before the day of labor. These classes enable you to familiarize yourself with the various stages of childbirth so you will know what to expect precisely when you go in there. In addition, these classes teach various comfort measures that will come in handy on an all-important day, so you can feel less anxious while giving birth. Childbirth classes also discuss numerous options for handling pain, including visualization, breathing techniques, and relaxation. Consequently, look around for suitable alternatives to get started. Also, pick a small class with preferably less than ten couples so you can have quality training.
Furthermore, ensure that your instructor is certified and has goals that align with yours directly. You will undoubtedly be given extensive lessons on breastfeeding, diaper changing, and other newborn care topics during these classes. As such, you will be well equipped to notice unusual symptoms in your baby, like crying and arching of the back and a lowered heart rate. These symptoms may indicate a birth injury’s occurrence, so it might be necessary to get legal help to assist you in obtaining justice and enough financial compensation for your newborn if necessary.
Prepare Your Mind With Positive Narratives
It is essential to be in an excellent mental state as labor day approaches to enjoy a great delivery. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid horror stories about labor since they can be incredibly upsetting and unhelpful. Instead, remember that for every bad experience, there are many mums out there with excellent labor day experiences, and encourage yourself with their stories. This positive outlook can be challenging if you’ve had a bad experience yourself, but you should try to maintain it as much as possible. Consequently, you can deliberately seek out positive birth narratives to believe the possibility of a labor session with minimal intervention and complications. Luckily, these stories abound in multiple places: the internet, books, and friends who have given birth, so you can take crucial inspiration from these sources to prepare for your labor.
Make Time For Yourself
Many mothers are so caught up with preparing for the child’s arrival that they forget to make time for themselves. However, before you have your newborn, the time available can be used for more than ticking logistical things off a checklist. Therefore, take time out for yourself, both alone and with your spouse. Some couples go on vacations before their children are born. As such, you can go for a vacation if you have the time, energy, and means to afford it. However, always plan this getaway during a time in your conception when it is safe to travel. Alternatively, you can explore weekend staycations in your city or plan downtime to stay at home. This way, you can have the opportunity to enjoy all the things you love doing before the baby arrives.
Try Yoga
Yoga has one of the largest followings of all the prenatal exercise classes available for good reasons. Numerous studies of Yoga during pregnancy have shown that it effectively lowers depression, especially if you start doing it early on in pregnancy. In addition, Yoga can decrease pain and discomfort and significantly improve your overall quality of life while pregnant. Also, Yoga can help you focus on your breathing, which comes in handy during labor. However, you should only sign up for prenatal yoga classes that focus more on strength and stability than flexibility and endurance. Pregnancy hormones loosen your ligaments and muscles, increasing your injury risk if you push yourself too hard in terms of flexibility.
Similarly, the body produces a hormone called relaxin in high levels during your first trimester to relax muscles, ligaments, and tendons. This laxity can cause you to overstretch your muscles and joints mistakenly. Furthermore, consider using a wall, modifications, or some props to support each pose correctly. Finally, many medical experts generally recommend checking in with your doctor before trying Yoga during pregnancy, so keep this in mind.
Have Regular Sex
It is common to feel less inclined towards sex while pregnant for various reasons. Many mothers are uneasy about sex during pregnancy due to the numerous questions about safety, comfort, and practicality. However, sex during pregnancy has a wide range of benefits, so it isn’t surprising to see several doctors recommend it for expectant couples. For starters, sex can make your labor and recovery more straightforward than expected. This is because having an orgasm increases your pelvic floor contractions and strengthens the muscles needed for labor and after delivery.
In addition, sex can prevent some common complications during pregnancy. A Danish study posits that frequent sex may be instrumental in avoiding pre-eclampsia. Researchers believe this is possible due to a protein found in sperm that can regulate the immune system. However, since pre-eclampsia’s exact cause remains unknown, attending your prenatal sessions and discussing your risk with your doctor is essential. Furthermore, sex can lower blood pressure, which is a massive plus because high blood pressure is bad news for you and your baby. Improved self-esteem, reduced stress, and fewer bathroom breaks are other key benefits you can enjoy from having sex during pregnancy.
Consider A Birth Plan
Birth plans can help you feel more prepared for the big day, so consider developing one if necessary. In this plan, you can outline the nitty-gritties of your big day, like wanting your spouse to cut the cord or preferring to sail through without an epidural. A birth plan lets your health care provider know your specific preferences, and this clarity can make any decisions that must be made during labor less overwhelming. This way, you and your spouse can feel less anxious after deciding on previously undiscussed issues. However, it is crucial to be flexible with your birth plan since things seldom happen according to plan. Moreover, you shouldn’t worry if things don’t go as you imagined.