Bringing a child into the world can be one of the greatest experiences, but it isn’t an easy process. Going into labor, and delivering your baby are hard work. Planning ahead and dealing with your concerns before it’s time to go to the hospital will help get your body and mind ready to go through labor and delivery.
1. Exercise and Train for Childbirth
Working with a physical therapist can help you learn to push during delivery and practice getting into positions conducive to labor. Exercise also strengthens the muscles that you will be using during the birth, and can alleviate muscle aches and pain that can occur after the baby is delivered.
Yoga poses help ease discomfort during pregnancy and stretching your muscles in preparation for childbirth. The deep squat relaxes the pelvic floor muscles, and the cat/cow pose helps with lower back pain. Finding a pregnancy yoga instructor or physical therapist to help you adjust poses as your body changes through pregnancy can help immensely.
If you are unable to do the above, simple walking 30 minutes a day keeps you active and healthy.
2. Attend antenatal classes to prepare yourself for childbirth and caring for the baby after delivery
You are encouraged to attend antenatal classes during your second trimester. It is recommended you attend these as a couple so that your spouse can better understand and support your needs. These classes aim to offer useful information such as:
Maternal nutrition
Relaxation training
Breathing exercises and techniques during childbirth
Breastfeeding
How to prepare yourself psychologically for the arrival of your baby
Labour management and painless labour options like epidural anaesthesia
How to care for your newborn
3. Signs of labour: Know when to go to the hospital and what to bring
When the big day finally arrives, it is important to know when to go to hospital. Check with your obstetrician if you are beginning to experience the first signs of labour. Visit the hospital when you experience any of the following:
Water breaking, or the rupture of your amniotic sac.
Mucous plug, which functions to seal the opening of the cervix. When labour approaches, the plug loosens and drops out in preparation for birth. You may notice it as a glob of mucous in your underwear or in the toilet that can look clear, pinkish or bloodstained.
Back pain, which is normal during pregnancy, may worsen, especially in the lower back. For some women, this pain will radiate to your pelvic area.
When your contractions are regular and strong, and coming every 10 – 15 minutes for 1 – 2 hours
Heavy vaginal bleeding
Decreased foetal movements
Blurred vision
Severe headaches
Dizziness
Intense stomach/abdominal pain
Seizures
Learn Some Ways to Deal with Labor Pain
The contractions that your body makes to push the baby out will feel uncomfortable. Some strategies that you can use to manage this discomfort naturally are :
•Make sure you have an environment that is soothing and comfortable. You will want space to move around. While you’re going through labor, sitting in a rocking chair or lying on a soft bed can be helpful. Choose a space with a variety of furniture.
•Have support people around. Your partner, your mother or a friend can be a resource to assist you in managing your pain. Make sure you have the right team to decrease your stress levels.
•Be informed about labor. Knowing what you will go through during labor and delivery will help you manage your pain more effectively. Keep remembering that the pain isn’t going to last forever
•Learn rhythmic breathing techniques that will help you manage your pain during contractions. Tension is released as you exhale, and can reduce pain.
•Use warm and cool compresses. Warmth on your back or shoulders can reduce pain levels, and a cool compress can relieve sweating, which can be uncomfortable.
•Try a massage using a mild oil or lotion to relax your muscles between contractions.
Hospital bag checklist
Pack a bag ready with what you will need around a month before the due date.
These include:
Documents and prescriptions
Cord blood collection kit (if any)
Clothing
2 sets of outfits (with front opening for breastfeeding)
Disposable underwear
Toiletries (hospital will provide basic toiletries)
Nursing bra
Maternity pads
Slippers
For baby:
Receiving blanket / baby blanket
Baby mittens and boots
Baby cap3-4 sets of clothing
Diapers
4. Care for yourself and your baby post-delivery
Post-delivery baby tests
When your baby is born, the medical team will conduct some tests. This is done to establish that your baby is in good health or alert your doctor to any medical problems immediately.
These tests include:
APGAR, a quick, overall assessment of a newborn's well-being. It is conducted at 1 and 5 minutes after the birth of your baby, measuring your baby's colour, heart rate, reflexes, muscle tone and respiratory effort.
G6PD deficiency (lack of an enzyme)
Hypothyroidism (low thyroid function)
Hearing loss
Bilirubin to assess for infant jaundice
After delivery: Breastfeeding
Lactation consultation
After delivery, you can expect lactation consultants to visit you in your room to guide you in the initial breastfeeding process. Breastfeeding classes are also provided at the ward. The process of breastfeeding can be stressful, especially for first-time mothers, so having a professional to guide and support you is very helpful.
Most importantly, as you prepare yourself during your pregnancy, don't forget to embrace all the small moments.
At Cloudnine Hospital, we guide you through your pregnancy with the aim to make your pregnancy and delivery a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Dr. Priyanka Bansal
M.S. Gynaecologist & Obstetrician
Cloudnine Hospital, Golf Course Road, Gurgaon