10 Labor Tips to Make your Pregnancy as Smooth as Possible

Pregnant woman

For some people, childbirth might seem like one of the most natural things in the world, but for others, it can feel a daunting prospect. Let’s talk about how you can prepare for childbirth and make your pregnancy as smooth as possible and where you can go in Wooster, Ohio for outstanding treatment.

  1. Childbirth Preparation Classes

Childbirth classes are one of the best ways to prepare for labor and delivery and to enhance your childbirth experience. They may cover a range of topics, including:

  • Relaxation and breathing techniques
  • Role of your support person
  • Labor-coping options such as positioning and pain relief
  • Types of delivery (vaginal/cesarean section)
  • Post-partum care
  • Basics of bringing home your new baby and what to expect
  1. Write a birth plan

A birth plan isn’t mandatory, but expressing your wishes before your labor can help your birthing team be more prepared and help ensure you experience the birth you want. It covers areas, such as pain relief, birthing positions, and IV use.

  1. Get enough sleep

Labor can be long and tiring, and having a new baby and sleepless nights can affect your energy levels. Although it is impossible to bank sleep, try to get as much rest and sleep as possible – particularly during your third trimester – by having an early night and taking a nap if and when you need to.

  1. Eat nutrient-rich foods

Many women experience cravings during pregnancy, and not always healthy ones! Although there is nothing wrong with treating yourself occasionally, try to make healthy food choices where possible. Choose nutrient-rich foods like lean meats, salmon, vegetables, whole grains, lentils, and yogurt.

  1. Get regular exercise

Pregnancy doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy regular exercise. In fact, exercise during pregnancy will help to improve your strength and stamina during labor and childbirth and keep you and your baby healthy. Walking, swimming, pregnancy yoga, and low-impact exercise are great choices.

  1. Find time to relax

Taking time out from the daily grind is important to relax and unwind. Techniques such as massage, meditation, or hypnosis can be great ways to reduce stress and teach you to relax deeply, which can be particularly useful during labor and birth.

  1. Do your Kegel exercises

Kegels, or pelvic floor exercises, can help many women avoid the need for medical intervention during labor. The uterus puts increasing stress on the pelvic floor muscles as pregnancy progresses, but strengthening these muscles by squeezing the walls of the vagina tightly and holding can prevent potential problems, such as hemorrhoids and urinary incontinence.

  1. Labor at home as long as you can

Unless it is necessary to be in hospital for medical reasons, consider staying in the comfort of your own home until your contractions are more regular (3-5 minutes apart). However, ensure to contact your hospital when labor starts and allow enough time to make it to the hospital.

  1. Hire a doula

You may want to consider a doula to help you during labor. Doulas are providers trained to offer support during labor and birth. They can provide focus and help with breathing to reduce stress and help with choosing the right positions to ease discomfort and help labor progress.

  1. Have your hospital bag packed and ready

To reduce stress, it is really useful to have your hospital bag ready at least 3-4 weeks before your due date, just in case. Keep the bag handy, either in the car or by the front door, so you have it ready at a moment’s notice. Useful items for your bag may include:

  • Hospital paperwork/medical notes
  • Insurance card
  • Birth plan (if you have one)
  • Items to help during labor (massage lotion, heat pad, tens machine, music)
  • Spare comfortable, loose clothing and underwear/disposable underwear
  • Comfortable, supportive bras, or nursing bras if you plan to breastfeed

EXPERT OBSTETRICIANS IN WOOSTER, OHIO

If you are looking for high-quality, comprehensive maternity care, visit The Women’s Pavilion unit at Wooster Community Hospital. Developed with family-centered maternity care in mind, our experienced, board-certified obstetricians provide the finest medical care to help make your birthing experience as positive and memorable as possible.

If you would like to learn more about the services we provide, or arrange a tour of the WCH Women’s Pavilion, call us at (330) 202-5548.