Preparing for Labor and Delivery

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After 40 weeks of pregnancy the big day arrives, it is time for labor and delivery, but are you ready for that part of becoming a mother? I am currently in the end of my second trimester and I know that I am excited to meet this baby girl, but so anxious about the actual birthing process -and that is ok-. This is why I’ve been reading a lot and making sure to prepare as much as I can. By preparing for labor and delivery, you can feel more confident and in control. You can also make sure that you have everything you need to have a safe and comfortable experience.

Main benefits of preparing for labor and delivery: 

• Feeling more confident and in control. When you know what to expect, you're less likely to feel anxious or scared. This can help you relax and focus on the task at hand. But know that it is ok to still feel that way, especially when it is your first time going through this experience. 

• Making informed decisions. When you're prepared, you can make informed decisions about your care. 

• Having a better experience. When you're prepared, you're more likely to have a positive and enjoyable experience. This can help you bond with your baby and start your new family on the right foot.

Keep in mind that as much as we would love to, we cannot prepare for every little thing that can arise during the process of giving birth.

In order to prepare for labor and delivery, the first step is to get familiarized with the process and your available options. The second step is to familiarize yourself with the steps you can take months in advance to prepare mentally and physically for the whole deal. 

Different stages of labor and delivery

Let’s start with the basics on what you should understand about the whole process. 

Stage 1: Dilation

This stage begins when your cervix starts to open (dilate) and ends when your cervix is fully dilated (10 centimeters). This stage consists of two other stages: Early labor, this is when your cervix is dilated from 0 to 3 cm. During this stage, you will feel irregular and mild contractions at first, and they will come more intense as the process progresses. The second stage is active labor, this is when your cervix dilates from 3 to 10 cm. At this point the contractions are much more regular and stronger. 

Stage 2: Pushing

Once you are fully dilated, you will start pushing through your abdominal muscles to help your baby move out of your body and welcome them to the world. This stage ends when your baby is born. 

Stage 3: Delivery of the placenta

After the baby is born, you will need to deliver the placenta as well. It will usually deliver within 15 minutes of your baby's birth.

All of the stages of labor can vary in time and of course they are different from one mother to another. 

Pain relief options

This topic doesn’t need to be controversial, you do you and let others do what they believe is best for them. If you want someone to help you choose the best for you, talk to your doctor or midwife to help you decide. Let’s explore some of the options available: 

Non-medical pain relief options: Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and visualization; massages to relieve muscle tension and pain; aromatherapy to promote relaxation and reduce pain; hydrotherapy to relax your muscles; and acupuncture. 

Medical pain relief options: Nitrous oxide, a mild sedative that can be inhaled through a mask; Pethidine, a pain medication that can be injected or given as a suppository; Epidural analgesia, a regional anesthetic that is injected into the epidural space in the lower back; and Spinal anesthesia, a regional anesthetic that is injected into the spinal canal in the lower back. 

Other Steps to Take in Advance of Labor and Delivery 

-Take a birthing class: They will teach you different breathing techniques, birthing poses, and other important information. 

-Eat well: Make sure you are eating nutritious foods that will nourish your body. 

-Exercise regularly: I know this can be very hard while pregnant, I’ve learned the hard way, but even 30 minutes of walking can help you. Giving birth is taxing on the body, so if you prepare yourself and train for it, the easier it will be for the day of and for recovery. I live in Florida, so it is easy for me to get in a pool, which I suggest because it makes exercising so much easier! 

-Practice meditation and relaxation techniques: The power of meditation is impressive. Making it a constant practice will help you when the contractions and intense labor pains get to you. 

-Have a birth plan: Having a birth plan is pretty much putting all of this together, and we will talk about what to include in the next blog. Know who you want to be there at the hospital with you, what type of care do you want, and other specific details. Also, be flexible, because this plan can change at any time. 

All in all, make sure you have a good understanding of your birth options and see which one is right for you, prepare yourself mentally and physically for the big day, and remember that knowledge is power, but you don’t have to know everything. It is ok to ask for help and to rely on your family and support team. I surely hope this helps and that getting prepared in advance can take some of that anxiety away. 

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