If you’re carrying your first child, it’s only natural that you may feel anxious and nervous about childbirth. Instead of worrying about what’s to come, there are lots of things you can do to put your mind at ease. Whether it be doing exercises to help strengthen your legs and pelvis or getting support from your doctor or midwife, here is what you need to know before preparing for labor.
Regular Exercise
We all know how important it is to stay active in day to day life, but when pregnant, staying healthy for you and your baby is crucial. Before the big day arrives, there are lots of exercises that you can do, such as kegel exercises to help strengthen your pelvic floor and pelvic tilt stretches which will help position your baby in the perfect spot for labor.
Discuss Your Birth Plan
No matter what questions you have, it’s always best to visit your doctor a couple of weeks before your due date. Being able to discuss your birth plan with a medical professional can put your mind at ease, helping you feel more prepared for labor. Your birth plan should outline every aspect of what’s to come, such as whether you want to be mobile during the early stages of labor.
Use an Online Birthing Class
The internet can be a powerful tool to use during pregnancy, so why not consider enrolling in an online birthing class? Hearth and Home Midwifery provide a range of online birthing classes that inform families on various topics such as comfort measures, the stages of labor, and breastfeeding. The course will give you all the information you need to ensure you’re well informed and prepared for the birth.
Prepare for Contractions
When you get your first contraction, it can be all too easy to rush to the hospital, but going too early can make you more stressed, so it’s best to wait until your contractions are 3-5 minutes apart. You can download apps for your smartphone that will time your contractions. If you experience any sharp pains or any bleeding, it’s advised to go the hospital right away.
Have a Positive Experience
While it’s always good to do research before your due date, doing too much will only result in extra worrying and coming across negative experiences. You must remember that everyone is different, so although one person may have had a bad labor, that’s not to say you will. To help ensure that everything goes according to plan, drink plenty of water during early labor, take a hot bath to stay relaxed, and prepare an overnight bag for when you need to go into hospital. The more in control you are, the better!
If your due date is coming up, your mind can go into overdrive. To help you stay in control and be as prepared as can be for your birth, staying active, discussing your worries and concerns with your doctor or midwife, and knowing how to prepare for contractions can make the world of difference. You may also want to consider enrolling in an online birthing class, which can teach you about the different stages of labor.
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