Almost every woman wants to have an easy labor experience. The stories about labor and birthing pain can scare many women but it is important to know that your body knows how to adapt to its changing needs. A few simple steps can help you prepare for an easy labor experience. Here are some of them:
- Stay Fit
Pregnant women who stay in shape tend to have shorter labors. According to experts, fitness helps improve endurance and if you’re better able to tolerate labor, you’re less likely to end up needing medical intervention. Walk, swim, or take prenatal-exercise class during pregnancy after talking to your doctor about it.
- Take Childbirth Classes
Familiarizing yourself with the various stages of childbirth and practicing comfort measures before the big day will help you feel less anxious, which can make for an easier labor. Find out about good childbirth classes around your area. Look for smaller classes, a certified instructor, and goals that are similar to yours. Our doctors at KIMS Cuddles can help you in this regard.
- Distract Yourselves
For first-time mothers, active labor lasts an average of 12 to 14 hours. So when contractions begin, you’ll feel them first in your lower back or as lower-abdominal cramps. Try to stay calm – if you start worrying and counting contractions, breathing in and out through every ache, you’ll wear yourself out. Distract yourself with other activities: Take a walk, a shower, or bake cookies. Anything that can help relax you to speed things along.
- Go Easy on Snacking
A light snack in the early stages of labor while you’re home will help maintain your energy levels. Avoid fatty or hard-to-digest foods because if your tummy is too full, it could make you feel nauseated and cause vomiting during the later active stages of labor.
- Take a Shower
Pain can cause you to tense muscles all over your body, which creates even more discomfort. A warm shower can counter that response of your body. For a massage like feeling, aim for the showerhead to hit the water at your back, or wherever contractions are most intense. A shower is fine at any stage of labor.
- Avoid lying down
Staying upright throughout much of labor can let gravity work to your advantage. The baby’s head pressing on your cervix will help it dilate. Trying a variety of positions – standing, kneeling, or squatting, can lessen discomfort and move labor along. Movement helps widen your pelvis, allowing the baby’s head to pass through.
Try some of these for an easy labor and birthing experience. If you’d like to know more steps about labor and childbirth, talk to our experts at KIMS Cuddles.
*Information shared here is for general purpose Please take doctors’ advice before taking any decision.
