Having a child is a fantastic experience but can also be challenging. Labour and delivery take a lot of effort. To prepare yourself both physically and mentally, planning and addressing any concerns before heading to the hospital is essential.
Working with a physical therapist to learn the techniques for pushing during delivery and finding positions that make labour easier is crucial. Additionally, exercises are essential for strengthening the necessary muscles and reducing muscle soreness and discomfort after giving birth.
Engaging in yoga poses during pregnancy can alleviate discomfort and prepare your muscles for childbirth. The deep squat effectively relaxes the pelvic floor muscles, while the cat/cow pose can relieve lower back pain. It's always advisable to seek the guidance of a pregnancy yoga instructor or physical therapist who can adjust your poses according to your body's changes during pregnancy.
If you cannot do the above, simple walking for 30 minutes a day keeps you active and healthy.
Attending antenatal classes during your second trimester is crucial. Both you and your partner must attend together to understand better and support your needs. These classes offer valuable information like:
Relaxation training
Breathing exercises and techniques during childbirth
Breastfeeding
Psychological preparing techniques for the arrival of your baby
How to manage labour and painless labour options like epidural anesthesia
How to care for your newborn
Knowing the right time to head to the hospital on the big day is important. If you start experiencing the initial labour signs, consult your obstetrician. You should go to the hospital when you experience any of the following:
When you're close to giving birth, there are a few signs that your body may show. Your amniotic sac could rupture, also known as your water breaking. Another sign is the mucous plug, which seals the cervix. As labour approaches, the plug will loosen and fall out. You may see it as a mucus glob in your underwear or the toilet; it can be clear, pinkish, or have a bit of blood in it.
During pregnancy, it is common to experience back pain that can worsen, particularly in the lower back area. Some women may also feel this pain radiating to their pelvic area. It is important to note that if you are experiencing regular and intense contractions that occur every 10-15 minutes for 1-2 hours, it may be a sign of labour.
Heavy vaginal bleeding
Decreased foetal movements
Blurred vision
Severe headaches
Dizziness
Intense stomach/abdominal pain
Seizures
Natural strategies, such as coping with contractions, can help manage discomfort during the birthing process. Here’s how:
Pack a bag ready with what you need around a month before the due date.
Documents and prescriptions
Cord blood collection kit (if any)
Clothing
Two sets of outfits (with front opening for breastfeeding)
Disposable underwear
Toiletries (hospital will provide basic toiletries)
Nursing bra
Maternity pads
Slippers
Receiving blanket/baby blanket
Baby mittens and boots
Baby cap
3-4 sets of clothing
Diapers
After your baby is born, the medical team will perform tests to ensure good health or notify your doctor of any potential medical issues.
The APGAR test is a rapid evaluation of a newborn's health status. It is performed one and five minutes after birth, assessing the baby's skin colour, heart rate, reflexes, muscle tone, and breathing.
G6PD deficiency (lack of an enzyme)
Hypothyroidism (low thyroid function)
Hearing loss
Bilirubin to assess for infant jaundice
Following delivery, lactation consultants can visit your room and guide the initial breastfeeding process. Additionally, the ward offers breastfeeding classes. Breastfeeding can be overwhelming, particularly for new mothers, so having a professional to provide guidance and support is highly beneficial.
During your pregnancy, it's important to cherish the little moments. At Cloudnine Hospital, we're here to help you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for both you and your baby.
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Exercise and train by working with a physical therapist to learn pushing techniques and positions that make labour easier. Engage in pregnancy yoga poses, such as deep squats and cat/cow pose, under the guidance of a pregnancy yoga instructor. If unable, walk for 30 minutes daily to stay active and healthy. Attend antenatal classes during the second trimester to learn breathing exercises, relaxation training and childbirth techniques. Practice rhythmic breathing techniques to manage contractions and strengthen necessary muscles to reduce muscle soreness after delivery.
Attend antenatal classes during the second trimester with your partner to learn maternal nutrition, relaxation training, breathing exercises and techniques during childbirth, breastfeeding, psychological preparation, and pain management options like epidural anaesthesia. Exercise regularly through yoga or 30-minute daily walks. Work with a physical therapist to learn pushing techniques and labour positions. Create a calming birthing environment with space to move around, rocking chairs, or soft beds. Build a support system with your partner, mother, or friends to manage discomfort and reduce stress.
Attend antenatal classes during your second trimester. Pack your hospital bag around a month before the due date with documents, prescriptions, cord blood collection kit, clothing with front opening for breastfeeding, disposable underwear, toiletries, nursing bra, maternity pads, slippers, and baby items like receiving blanket, mittens, boots, cap, clothing sets, and diapers. Start exercising and training early in pregnancy with yoga poses and daily walking.
Labour and delivery take a lot of effort and can involve discomfort/pain, but pain is temporary and will eventually subside. You can use natural pain management strategies like rhythmic breathing techniques to manage contractions, alternating warm and cool compresses, massage with lotion or a mild oil between contractions, creating a calming environment, having a support system, and being aware of what to expect to help manage pain effectively. Painless labour options like epidural anaesthesia are also available.
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