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Although it’s a beautiful experience, being pregnant can sometimes be challenging. You can worry about labor discomfort, getting help, and if your body is ready as your due date draws near. Contractions, or the gradual tightening of your uterus, are the main sign that you’re about to deliver. Counting contractions can help you know when to go to the hospital.
Make a Birth Plan
Many women create a birth plan to help them communicate their preferences with their pregnancy care providers. It can include where you want to give birth and your preferred pain management techniques. You should also note your plans if something goes wrong, such as needing a C-section or if your labor is induced or augmented. Discussing your birth plan with a certified nurse midwife Silver Spring during one of your appointments is essential. Your birth plan can be short or as detailed as you want. The aim is to inform your healthcare provider of what matters to you so they can fight for you throughout labor and delivery.
Take a Childbirth Class
Whether it’s your first baby or you’ve already delivered one before, learning what to expect during labor can help ease anxiety. While you can’t know exactly how things will go until you go through it, taking a childbirth class and practicing techniques for relaxation can make your labor easier. For example, you can learn to use rhythmic breathing to ease the discomfort of contractions. Or, you can take a class that teaches you how to prepare for hypnosis, which some women find helpful in managing pain and lowering their stress levels during labor. Childbirth classes are best taken closer to your due date but not too close if you deliver early. Some classes specialize in particular childbirth methods, so choose the one that suits your plans.
Get Plenty of Sleep
Sleeping is essential during pregnancy but becomes even more critical in the third trimester. A lack of rest has been linked to complications during pregnancy, including preeclampsia and premature labor. Women in their late pregnancy may experience insomnia, making falling or staying asleep difficult. Often, this is triggered by hormonal changes and anxieties about the birth process, managing a new baby, or work. If you are worried about how your labor will progress, it is a good idea to deal with those concerns early on and not wait until your due date. Knowing what to anticipate throughout each stage of labor can also help you decide when to contact your healthcare practitioner.
Take Care of Yourself
During this time, it’s essential to avoid foods high in fat or sugar and get enough sleep. Drinking water is a must, as well. It’s also good to get some exercise and stay away from smoking. You can also use rhythmic breathing to help relieve the discomfort of contractions. Massage can also be helpful, mainly when applied to your back or belly. The best way to know when to go to the hospital is if you have a gush of fluid that comes with a muscular and regular contraction lasting one minute or more for an hour.
Ask For Help
Pregnant women may find it helpful to talk about their fears early on with a trusted friend, nurse practitioner, or childbirth educator. Then, they can work through them before labor begins. The first phase of labor, called active labor, lasts about two to three hours. During this time, contractions close together and last 60 to 90 seconds each. They are accompanied by pressure in the back and rectum. To help you cope with pain, try changing positions during labor. Lying on your back puts pressure on your pelvic nerves and increases pain; sitting up and lying on your side reduce the pressure. Also, having a partner or birthing coach press on your tailbone or firmly rub your back can help ease tension and distract you during contractions.
