How can I optimise my chances of having an easier labour/birth? I have heard there are certain things to do during your pregnancy that prepares your body?
2007-03-12 23:05:25 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
Best thing you can do is relax .... easier said than done but as a mum of 5 it does work. Whilst you are pregnant exercise, not sit ups ect just walk & keep active. It's a good idea as well to use a vitimin e based cream on your perenium as this will help to keep it soft & stop tears when the babys head comes out!
All this aside .... you never know how things are going to go on the day so just try to relax, go with it & have an idea of what you want in labour but be open to change!
All my births were different, have had an epidural 1, gas & air ones & the last one was natural.
So keep fit, eat well, relax & just go with the flow ..... goodluck!
2007-03-12 23:13:26 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want an easier labour and birth, my advice is be prepared for anything!! Keep active throughout pregnancy and planning your birth helps too, but if something doesn't go the way you expected, like having to be constantly monitored, it can completely throw you! No amount of excercise or anything else can prepare you mentally. Do your homework and think about all your options during birth, not just what you can do before. First time around nothing can prepare you, but it really helps to know a lot about birthing positions, drugs and there effects, and complications etc
2007-03-12 23:19:59 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
During the last three months of pregnancy apply wheatgerm oil to your perineum, In your last month of pregnancy drink raspberry leaf tea and when you are a couple of days away from your due date rub diluted clary sage onto your stomach. I know they say you shouldn't use clary sage in pregnancy(because it can bring on contractions) but so close to your due date is fine (make sure you get it from reputable aromatherapist).... you will be pleased to hear this resulted in a 2 hour labour and no tearing! and my baby was 8llb 1oz not bad for a woman 5ft and very slim build. Good Luck!
2007-03-12 23:23:20 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
try to keep exercising throughout your pregnancy. nothing drastic, just things like swimming and walking. eat as healthily as u can, and also, i read in a pregnancy book that it's a good idea to moisturise and massage your perineum with something like Vaseline. i know that sounds a bit grim, but it's supposed to help the skin stretch during labour, and can help prevent the skin tearing as u give birth. good luck ! it's all worth it in the end.
2007-03-12 23:15:49 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say the best thing to do is nice easy exercise during pregnancy ( i.e. swimming) which as you will be fit will help you during childbirth and to use your breathing during labour too. I didnt believe breathing could help until I went into labour and it really really works.
Good luck x
2007-03-12 23:10:53 · answer #5 · answered by forion68 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Find yourself an active birth yoga teacher in your area. They run yoga classes that are designed to help with the labour. I have found doing them very useful.
Also - perineal massage from 35 weeks until the end of your pregnancy.
2007-03-12 23:08:51 · answer #6 · answered by Ricecakes 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Exercise helps you limber up, but nothing to strenuous, pick up a dvd for pregnancy specific exercise so you don't over exert yourself. And for a pain free labour, try a water birth, had one and can't recommend it enough. Good luck!
2007-03-12 23:10:01 · answer #7 · answered by hayleynichols88 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
excercise throughout the pregnancy, eat healthily and learn relaxation techniques, the easier you find it to relax the easier birth you will have, i know that sounds daft, but after 3 kids, i was more relaxed with my third and that was the easiest labour of them all. good luck and dont stress about it
2007-03-12 23:09:00 · answer #8 · answered by alaniss2 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry I don't have any experience with this. But I hear certain exercises may make your delivery easier, like kegals. The contracting and tightening of the muscles of the vaginal wall. I heard it can make delivery much easier.
2007-03-12 23:09:46 · answer #9 · answered by Konjo Nashi Pirate™ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi Tink,
The most important thing is to listen to your midwife and stay focused breathe through the pain.I have delivered two boys naturally and its really not that bad you are more worried about the well being of your baby to worry about yourself just relax and for the time being rest as much as you can. good luck.x
2007-03-12 23:56:54 · answer #10 · answered by skens girl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋