Preparing oneself for the first childbirth is a very emotional and unique experience, which not only brings extreme joy to the family but also transforms a woman into a responsible mother. The very thought of expecting the first child, makes a woman feel apprehension and joy at the same time.
The feelings are mixed as the mother-to-be experiences the joy of motherhood and the fear of childbirth. They often overthink and become fearful of labour.
Will it be over in a few hours, or will it prolong and cause strain on both their physical and mental well-being?
No one can predict the future, but with better understanding and knowledge, a mother-to-be will know how to prepare for labor-
What is Labor?
Labor refers to the process of delivering the fetus, membranes, umbilical cord, and placenta from the uterus. During this process, uterine muscles contract, opening the birth canal’s mouth with each contraction.
This allows the baby and placenta to come out through the birth canal. After carrying the fetus for about 9 months in the womb with every possible precaution, she finally goes through labor to give birth to a child.
Duration of Labor
The duration of labor varies and is not the same for all expecting mothers. On average, the duration of labor may last from 12-24 hours for first-time expecting women. Labor may become easier and comparatively of shorter duration in the case of subsequent delivery. Therefore, preparing for labour becomes extremely important for first-time mothers.
Recognizing the Start of Labor
The beginning of labor is an unpredictable process, and a very small percentage of babies are born on their actual date of delivery. Expecting mothers can recognize the start of labor if they are educated properly on early symptoms of the start of labor. There is a feeling that the baby has moved down into the woman’s uterus. This is also called lightning. The effects of lighting are:
- There is a feeling of more pressure in the pelvis. The expecting mother feels lighter and breathing becomes easier as the baby is not putting pressure on the lungs.
- There is more need to urinate frequently as the baby presses upon the bladder. This also provides relief from heartburn.
- There is a more wet feeling at the opening of the birth canal due to the increased discharge of mucus through the vagina.
- As the sac of amniotic fluid that encloses the fetus breaks, there is a gush of a large amount of fluid.
- The beginning of labor pains begins in the lower back and extends to the lower abdomen. These come at regular intervals and steadily grow in strength over time. As time passes, they become stronger and come in shorter intervals.
The 3 Stages of Labor
There are mainly three stages of labor:
First Stage of Labor
The first stage of labor is also the longest stage of the process. During this stage, pregnant women preparing for birth start to feel persistent contractions, which gradually become stronger as time passes.
Due to contractions, the muscles of the cervix efface and dilate which allows the baby to move towards the birth canal.
The first stage is divided into the following:
- Early Labor: In the early stage of labor, pregnant women experience irregular contractions. Contractions soften and open up the cervix. During this stage, women might notice reddish-pink colour vaginal discharge. This stage may last from a few hours to days.
- Active Labor: During Active labor, contractions become relatively stronger. Due to vigorous contractions, the baby moves towards the birth canal as the cervix dilates from 6 centimetres to 10 centimetres. As time passes the pain and discomfort intensify, and you may feel an urge to push. This stage may last from 4 to 8 hours or more.
Second Stage of Labor
At this point, the cervix has already dilated by ten centimetres, contractions are slower (coming after a time interval of two to five minutes and lasting between 60 and 90 seconds), and she feels pressure to push. The rest of the baby’s body will be delivered shortly after the crown appears. This stage can last from a few minutes to a few hours.
Third Stage of Labor
After delivering the baby, the mother will experience contractions again, this time to allow the placenta (an organ that develops during pregnancy and provides oxygen along with nutrients to the developing baby) to be delivered.
Delivery of the placenta requires a small push and is relatively less difficult. This stage may last from a few minutes to an hour.
How to Prepare: 7 Simple Tips for First-Time Moms
Nowadays, there are so many medical facilities such as hospitals (government as well as private), and a large number of primary health centers, working all across the country, available to educate pregnant women on how to prepare for labor.
As the date of delivery advances near, here are some tips for expectant mothers:
1. Stay Active
Stay active, and do not give up on moving around or exercising. Studies show that staying active during pregnancy may help in shorter and uncomplicated labor, and this also limits the role of surgical intervention. As an expectant mother, you should always pay attention to your body’s requirements and limitations.
To figure out what type of exercise is suitable for you during pregnancy, consult with your gynaecologist.
2. Eat Healthy
Eat healthy, balanced, and nutritious food to keep your body fit and healthy. Add vitamin D and K-rich food options to your regular diet as they help the body prepare for labor. You can also include high-energy foods such as fruits, toast, and bone broth to maintain energy levels. Avoid alcohol and smoking, and limit your consumption of junk food and dairy beverages.
3. Read a Lot
Along with a healthy lifestyle, awareness is also an important part of preparing for first childbirth. In such situations, getting educated about what to expect during this process helps in calming down nerves. Reading a lot to gather information from pregnancy books, articles, and blogs helps to gain an understanding of how to go about the procedure.
4. Talk to Other Mothers
Reach out to other mothers and listen to their experiences. Learn how they deal with all the emotional and physical changes in their bodies during their pregnancy. Everyone’s pregnancy journey is unique and different in their ways.
During this time, if one thing worked for one woman that doesn’t mean it will work for another woman. However, learning and listening to the experiences of elderly women in your house, especially mothers and mothers-in-law can be of great help to alleviate the misconception and fear.
5. Pain Management Options During Labor
Labor is a very painful process. Women undergo an unbearable amount of pain during this time. Learning relaxation techniques, taking massages or using aromatherapy may help significantly to go through the process of labor with lesser pain. These are the things to prepare before giving birth.
Consult your gynaecologist as well about your pain relief options. You don’t have to decide on an option immediately, but having information beforehand helps in making well-informed decisions during the final day.
6. Communicate With Your Healthcare Providers
Don’t hesitate to ask questions; seek your doctor to discuss all your worries, no matter how silly they sound to you. The first few months of pregnancy are the most delicate, so it is crucial during that time to take care of your body and follow special instructions.
7. Make a Simple Birth Plan
Come up with a simple plan that summarizes your expectations of how your delivery and labor would go. Do not fixate on the birth plan, make it simple, and always be open to the idea that things can go differently from plan when the final day arrives.
Conclusion
Pregnancy is a wholesome journey mixed with certain degrees of trials and distribution. Your body is changing both emotionally and physically. Feeling a bunch of emotions is completely normal during pregnancy. Opting for exercise, a healthy diet, and keeping yourself happier and healthier will make the process easier. Every pregnancy experience is unique, so trust your instincts and enjoy your experience. Also, make sure to take advice from your gynaecologist in any case of discomfort or doubts.
