Preparing For Childbirth
It is common for the expectant mother to begin to feel more excitement, anxiety, and even fear as the calculated time approaches. This does not depend on how closely she has followed the instructions of the nurses and doctors or how prepared she is for the arrival of the child. All of these feelings are perfectly normal, and the best way to curb them is to prepare for childbirth, which helps the woman prepare for the future with peace and joy instead of excitement.
How does childbirth normally progress?
It is important for a pregnant woman to know what will happen during childbirth. Knowing how childbirth is progressing and that everything is progressing normally increases your sense of security and helps you stay calm.
In the last stage of pregnancy, the mother’s body prepares for childbirth. Predictive symptoms usually begin a few weeks before delivery. Back pain can get worse, the feeling of weight in your hips may increase, and walking may become difficult. White discharge is usually more abundant and the need to urinate increases. Other signs of approaching childbirth include mucus detachment, loss of amniotic fluid, and onset of contractions.
Childbirth is divided into the opening phase, the effort phase, and the exit of the offspring. The opening phase begins with the onset of regular cervical contractions and ends when the cervix opens fully. During this stage, the cervix softens and disappears and the baby’s tender part settles to the bottom of the mother’s pelvis.
The effort phase begins when the uterus opens to its full extent. As the fetus presses on the rectum and perineum, the mother needs to work harder. The baby is born as the mother struggles during the contraction, while the assistant supports the perineum to prevent rupture. The effort phase usually lasts from a few minutes to a couple of hours, in first-time mothers even longer.
After the birth of a child, the umbilical cord is severed and the child is lifted alongside the mother in skin contact. At the same time, the uterus shrinks rapidly, leading to detachment of the placenta. The placenta is removed from the abdomen by pressing and at the same time gently pulling on the umbilical cord. If the placenta does not come loose by these means, it will have to be removed manually under anesthesia.
Preparing for childbirth
Preparing for childbirth includes both physical and mental things, as both body and mind will be under special and unique pressure.
Withdrawal and calm from the outside world
With about four weeks left in the calculated time, you should focus on relaxing. Many expectant mothers at this point want to move away from crowded and noise-filled places and even jobs, if the situation allows.
If possible, you should enjoy a few days of peace and quiet before giving birth. The expectant mother can wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothes, eat well, and spend as much time as possible relaxing and sleeping. This is what the body needs to get rid of any states of tension. Meditation and various meditation techniques can also help distract from worries and balance both body and mind.
Ignition of the nesting site
As the calculated day approaches, pregnant women often have an innate need to start preparing things for the arrival of the baby. This instinct can be called, for example, a nest building site. The need to put things in order increases during the first stage of labor, which is also related to the biological patterns found in other species.
Physical exercises
As part of preparing for childbirth, you should add a few physical exercises. Exercising the pelvic floor muscles is beneficial as it increases the elasticity of the muscles. For training, it is enough to contract and relax the pelvic floor muscles in the same way as you would retain and release urine.
Pregnancy yoga, for example, also helps prepare the body for childbirth while creating a good starting point for recovery from childbirth.
Packing a hospital bag
In good time before the calculated time, it is advisable to pack a bag that contains all the essential supplies to take to the maternity hospital. It is a good idea to get newborn diapers, wet wipes and baby oil for your baby. You can also pack a pair of cotton wrap bodysuits, a hat and socks. There is no harm in packing a blanket or loaf either.
Leaving childbirth worries behind
To achieve this, we recommend talking to your obstetrician, midwife or nurse. It is important that in the days before giving birth, a woman can ask all her bothering questions and thus dispel her doubts about future childbirth.
