Your body will begin to show signs at the end of your third trimester that it is time for your baby to be born.Even though every birth is different and hard to predict, adequate preparation can help you feel more confident when you go into labor and help your birthing experience go as smoothly as possible.Prepare as much as possible for the new addition to your family by consulting a healthcare professional as you prepare for labor and delivery.
Step 1: Understand the three stages of labor.
The first stage of labor includes early labor and active labor.During stage one, the muscles of your uterus start to tighten, and then relax, which will help to thin and open the cervix so your baby can pass through the birth canal.The labor will start with irregular contractions that last less than a minute.The early phase can last from a few hours to days.The active contractions that you will experience are regular and last about a minute.You will need to head to a birthing center once you experience active labor.When you are ready to give birth, you will transition to the second stage of labor.The actual birth lasts through the second stage.Your baby travels down and out of the birth canal during the second stage when your cervix is dilated.The baby will be born.After your baby is born, the third stage of labor begins.The baby will be delivered out of the birth canal.
Step 2: Kegel exercises are done in addition to daily exercise.
During your entire pregnancy, you should maintain a daily exercise routine of light to mild exercise and focus on Kegel exercises to strengthen your muscles.The exercises will help your body prepare for labor and delivery.If you want to do Kegel exercises, you have to squeeze the same muscles that you use to stop urine.Do not move your thighs or belly.Hold the squeeze for three seconds.Hold and release for three seconds.When you are able to squeeze for 10 seconds, add one second to the hold and release time every week.The Kegel exercise can be repeated 10 to 15 times.You can do three or more sessions a day.
Step 3: You should take birthing and parenting classes with your partner.
If you have a partner who is going to be part of the baby's life, you should both attend birthing and parenting classes before you give birth.Many medical clinics offer birthing classes if you are having a hospital birth.You will learn about breastfeeding, caring for your baby, and having a healthy baby during these classes.
Step 4: Ask your doctor if you should eat during labor.
Most doctors advise you to have clear liquids during labor and small snacks, like a piece of toast, to keep your strength up as you go into delivery.You should avoid large, heavy meals and only eat foods that will not upset your stomach as you will likely be feeling stomach pains already due to labor.You should have sports drinks, fruit juice, and clear chicken soup during labor.As you do your breathing exercises during labor, you can suck on ice chips to refresh.If you have a high likelihood of needing a cesarean delivery, some doctors may only recommend clear liquids.
Step 5: Your partner and doctor can help you write down your birth plan.
Having a written or typed birth plan can help you plan out what you want to happen during labor and delivery.You should give a copy of your birth plan to your partner, doctor, and hospital staff.Many hospitals will provide a standard birth plan that you can fill out and submit so they are aware of your wishes.
Step 6: Discuss your options with your doctor.
You can have your baby at home or in the hospital.It is possible to have your baby at a birthing center in your area.Discuss your options with your doctor and partner before you make a decision about where your baby will be born.You should do what's best for you and your baby.A hospital birth is a standard plan for expecting women.You should look for a hospital that is close to your home and a doctor that you can trust.The floor where you will likely give birth is where many hospitals offer tours to expecting women.A home birth is an alternative to a hospital birth and can provide you with comfortable atmosphere for your child's birth.There are risks associated with a home birth.Being aware that home birth in the US are not required to be certified and may not have any training is important.The mortality rate of newborns delivered at home is triple that of hospital births.
Step 7: Decide when you are going to the hospital.
Before you go to the hospital for your hospital birth, you should talk to your doctor about what stage of labor you are in.At the end of the first stage of labor, you should go to the hospital.It's a good idea to make your midwife aware of when you're going to call her for help at home.Depending on the policies of your midwife, you may both decide on a rough estimate of when she should expect a call from you to come over to your home and assist with the birth.It is possible that you will need to give birth in a hospital.
Step 8: Discuss your pain management options.
The process of labor is very tiring.Your doctor should outline your pain management options and you should agree on what level of pain you are going to sustain without or with medicationEpidural: This anesthetic is injected directly into your spine.It's safer for your baby and you get quick pain relief.It is an option for women in labor.Even if you are not dilated to a certain amount, epidurals can be given as soon as you request them.The anesthesia will numb your entire body, including the nerves of your uterus.This is usually reserved for when you are at the vaginal delivery stage and is used to relieve early second-stage labor pain.If your doctor needs to use a surgical tool, you may be able to take this medication.It will make you feel less pain in your vaginal area.Vaginal births are rarely used for pain relief.If you did not have an Epidemiologist during labor, you will be given a single dose right before delivery.They are fast acting and will numb you during delivery.You will need to stay on your back for eight hours after delivery.The drug can be administered via a shot in the buttocks or an IV.Before you give birth, you can be given Demerol for two to three hours.The drug will not affect your contractions, and some women are given the drug to give them a more normal rhythm.Nubain is a pain-relief drug that is administered via IV.It is a synthetic opiate that can be used to reduce pain and anxiety.In dental offices, some doctors use nitrous oxide.General anesthesia is only used for emergency surgical births.If you receive it via injection, it will put your entire body to sleep as the doctor performs an emergency Cesarean.It may be necessary if you have a difficult vaginal breech birth.General anesthesia can make you feel sick after the birth and it will knock you out for the entire birth.If you are concerned about using pain medication during labor, you may want to go for a drug free natural birth.Talk to your doctor if you want to use a combination of medication and natural birthing techniques.
Step 9: Do you want to personalize the birthing environment?
If you are giving birth in a hospital, you should discuss any specific requests for the birthing environment with your doctor.dimming the lights, playing music, or wearing your own clothes as you give birth are possibilities.Before you give birth, your doctor should be aware of any requests for the birthing area.Discuss the birthing environment with your partner and your midwife if you are going to give birth at home.You can give birth in the bathtub or in a pool made for home births.Music, lighting, and other calming elements may be played in the environment during the birth.
Step 10: Ask your doctor if you should have a Cesarean delivery.
You should prepare for the possibility of a C-section in your birth plan.It is necessary to perform a Cesarean delivery in the event.Depending on your doctor's recommendation, you may be required to have a C-section in an emergency situation.If you have certain chronic medical conditions, your doctor may recommend a C-section.You have an STD like HIV.The health of your baby is at risk due to an illness or congenital condition.If your baby is too large to travel through the birth canal, your doctor may recommend a C-section.Being overweight can cause other risk factors and may require a C-section.The baby can't be turned because she is in the breech position.You had a C-section in the past.
Step 11: If you will be breastfeeding soon after delivery, you need to make a decision.
Skin-to-skin contact is important for your baby's health and helps you bond with him.It is recommended that you have skin-to-skin contact with your baby as soon as possible after birth.The hospital should be aware of your wishes if you decide to breastfeeding after your baby is born.The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that mothers breastfeeding their newborns for the first six months of life and continue to do so for at least 12 months.Breastfeeding reduces your baby's risk of diseases like diabetes and asthma.