The process of preparing for labor and delivery actually begins before a woman becomes pregnant. The best approach to get ready is to arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible. There is a possibility that the information you currently possess is inaccurate due to factors such as where you have been and who you have been listening to.
It is possible to continue believing in some old wives’ tales, either consciously or, more frequently, unintentionally. It is essential to search for credible and scientific evidence in order to dispel misconceptions.
It is helpful to have some knowledge on how to make the hard process of delivering a baby more easy in order to make the time spent in the delivery room less uncomfortable and more pleasant.
Click the link to get a slot in our online antenatal class when it launches https://forms.gle/bA6AWegBDazAgzzk6
You may start doing the following things right now to make your labor and delivery experience a lot more manageable.
Choose Where You will Deliver Your Baby Early
You can have your baby at home, in a birth center or midwifery unit, or in a hospital.
It is important to make up your mind where you will deliver you baby, as should be where you receive you antenatal care. This will help you and your doctor find out on time if there are issues to be sorted out and the hospital will have your medical history from the start of your pregnancy journey.
Your choices about where to have your baby will depend on your needs, risks, where you live, and sometimes, cost and affordability of care.
If you are fit and active and don’t have any problems (low risk), you could give birth in any of these places, however, it is important to bear in mind that your health status could change within a short time requiring a more sophisticated care especially during delivery.
If you have a health problem, it’s best to give birth in a hospital where doctors and nurses can help. This is in case you need help while you are giving birth.
If you have your baby at home or in a midwife-run unit, you are less likely to need help like forceps or a ventouse (sometimes called instrumental delivery).
No matter where you go, it should feel right to you. At any time during your pregnancy, you can change your mind.
Have A Delivery Plan With Your Doctor/Medical Team
A birth plan is a written list of what you want to happen during labor and after the baby is born. You don’t have to make a birth plan, but if you do, your doctor or midwife can help by writing down your wishes and making sure the rest of the people in charge know what you want.
When you talk to your doctor about your birth plan, you can ask questions and learn more about what happens during labor.
It also gives your doctor a chance to learn more about you, your feelings, and what’s important to you. It also gives you time to think about or talk about some things with your partner, friends, and family concerning the delivery.
You can always change your mind about how you want to give birth.
Speak with Your Doctor on The following Issues when making Your Delivery Plan:
- options for pain relief and the hospitals’ special options
- The best way to give birth is with forceps, a vacuum, C-section, or through the birth canal.
- Whether or not you want your partner, family, or friends in the delivery room.
- What your new baby will need. You can decide if there is anything you feel strongly about and might want to include.
Other Important Things To Do In Preparation for Delivery
Below are list of ways to get your body and mind prepared for delivery of your baby.
Eat Healthy:
Pregnant women are often told to “eat for two,” but new research shows that this is a harmful misconception. Think of it as “eating twice as healthy” rather than “eating for two.”
From the second trimester on, if you’re carrying only one child, you’ll require an additional 340 calories each day (and a bit more in the third trimester). Approximately half a cup of skim milk and a slice of bread. Women who are pregnant with twins or triplets should eat an additional 600 to 900 calories each day.
Weight Control maybe needed
Because of the developing fetus and your increased caloric intake, weight gain is almost a constant. If you are very concerned about weight, You and your Doctor should come up with a diet and fitness routine together. If your fetus is developing properly and you are gaining less than the suggested standards, it might be beneficial to gain less than the recommended guidelines. Your diet and exercise routine may need to be adjusted if your fetus isn’t developing as expected.
Discover That You Are Pregnant Early.
The fetus and the mother benefit greatly from early discovery of pregnancy. An early diagnosis is critical for a number of medical advantages, including the prevention of harmful drugs, radiation, and other teratogens. It is important to have a pregnancy test kit with you at home. Test yourself regularly once you are sexually active especially when you have been open to unprotected sexual intercourse.
Start Your Antenatal Care Early
Starting antenatal care and visits early helps find problems early, deal with them, and keep them from happening in the first place. WHO recommends that all pregnant women should begin their ANC appointment within the first 12 weeks of their pregnancy and should make at least 8 more antenatal visits before delivery.
Join Pregnant Women support group – online or close to you.
Support groups assist moms, whether they are expecting a child or have just given birth for the first time, in forging closer bonds with their family members and peers. These bonds enhance social wellbeing and enhance both the mothers’ and their children’s general health. Due to the social contact that occurs in support groups, stress and postpartum depression (PPD) symptoms have been shown to be reduced.
Click on the link below to join our upcoming online antenatal class. https://forms.gle/Z92crrYWnTc93ZxG8 Save a slot now.
Engage in Pregnancy Friendly Exercise Routines
Continue your normal fitness routine throughout pregnancy to be healthy and feel good. Regular activity during pregnancy reduces backaches, fatigue, and poor posture. Exercise reduces stress, prevents gestational diabetes, and boosts energy during labor and delivery.
If you were active before pregnancy, you may continue in moderation. Don’t try to exercise like before.
Report Every Unusual Event to your Doctor
A pregnant woman feels a lot of things, amongst these are symptoms you will get conversant with if you are part of a good antenatal class. When you feel any symptoms or observe any event you are not sure of, you should reach out to your doctor as soon as possible. Early detection of an unpleasant situation could save both mother and the baby.
Packing the Baby’s Bag
You will need to pack the things you’ll need for delivery.
At least 4 weeks before your due date, get a few things ready.
You might want to bring these things for yourself:
- something loose and comfy to wear during labor that doesn’t make you too hot or stop you from moving around
- .3 outfits that are loose and comfortable2 or 3 supportive,
- comfortable bras, including nursing bras. If you plan to breastfeed, keep in mind that your breasts will be much bigger than normal breast pads.
- 2 packs of super-absorbent sanitary or maternity pads
- 5 or 6 pairs of disposable underwear
- Toothbrush, hairbrush, flannel, soap, lip balm, deodorant, hair ties, and other toiletries in your washbag.
- Things to help you pass the time and relax, like books, magazines, music, or podcasts
- Opening or loose-fitting nightgowns or tops if you’re going to breastfeed
- Healthy food to eat and drink
You might want to pack these things for the baby:
- Bodysuits, vests, and sleepsuits;
- sets of clothes including caps, scratch mittens, and socks or booties for going home;
- Packs of diapers
- 2 pairs of shawl or blanket, muslin squares or bibs, and a car seat for the trip home.
- Warm Clothing
- Olive Oil
- Baby Wipes
- Baby Sponge
This may not be possible for unplanned labour periods. However, it is possible to get your acts together while your EDD is approaching. Have Your hair weaved in a simple and comfortable style or to your taste. Since delivery usually take about 9 months to come, an expecting mother can choose to put her looks to it.
Look good To The Delivery Room
Common events that could happen during pregnancy.
You could experience any of these in pregnancy
- vaginal bleeding.
- convulsions/fits.
- severe headaches with blurred vision.
- fever and too weak to get out of bed.
- severe abdominal pain.
- fast or difficult breathing.
What to do
Reach out to your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital for quick assessment and management. When a little stable, it is important to ensure the hospital where you booked for antenatal gets to know what has happened
References:
https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/preparing-for-the-birth/how-to-make-a-birth-plan/
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/nutrition-during-pregnancy
https://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/labor-and-delivery/8-steps-to-a-less-stressful-labor/
