As you approach your due date, you may have a number of pregnancy discomforts. Are you familiar with labor terminology? Here is more to help you prepare for birth.
Class One
1. Step One in Preparation for Motherhood - Taking a Look at You
Part of your preparation for labor should include taking a good look at where you are, what experiences you may have had and how those experiences may be shaping what your vision of childbirth might be. All mothers bring their own unique history into their births, whether those experiences have been positive or negative. If you have not made the time to reflect on some of your history and how it has influenced you and your decision-making, there is no better time to do that before motherhood begins. You will be a much better mother if you begin this process now rather than years from now.
Various ways of reflecting on your past can include journaling, talking to a close friend or relative, sharing your thoughts and feelings with a counselor and prayer. If you have had losses of any kind, this is a very important time in each new mother's life to get in touch with and start to heal from those losses especially if you have not had the time to grieve. For more help in this area, see our article on Grief During Pregnancy.
Don't forget that eating healthy and avoiding exposure to certain substances is still important even in your last trimester. Find out the top things to avoid in pregnancy.
2. Step Two - Labor Terminology
Understanding your body and how your body works during pregnancy and labor is just as important as getting in touch with where you are emotionally. There are a number of recommended reading materials that will have descriptions and diagrams of various labor terminology to guide you if you are not well-versed in anatomy and physiology. Here are a few terms you should know:
- Uterus - the organ that houses your baby and placenta
- Cervix - the opening of your uterus
- Placenta - the organ formed during pregnancy to provide nourishment to the baby
- Amniotic Fluid - the fluid that provides a cushion for baby; baby also drinks this fluid
- Umbilical Cord - the cord with three vessels that attaches to the baby's abdomen and the placenta which acts as a transport for nutrients to the baby and waste from the baby.
- Pelvis - the mother's bone that acts as a "cradle" to hold the growing baby
- Perineum - the tissue between the vagina and rectum that stretches during birth; massage to this area is known as perineal massage.
- Vagina - the birth canal that the baby must pass through in order to be born
3. Step Three - Discomforts of the Last Trimester
Chances that you may be experiencing any number of discomforts in the third trimester of pregnancy. Here is a list of common discomforts as well as information to help you find relief:
- Headaches
- Insomnia, Sleep Disturbances
- Heartburn, Digestive Upsets, Constipation
- Frequent Urination
- Back Pain
4. Step Four - Pregnancy and Toning Exercises
One of the ways to help relieve discomfort such as back pain can be getting onto a regular pattern of exercise not to simply to help you feel better during pregnancy, but to prepare your body for the long hours of labor. Here are two articles that describe helpful information to get you started:
- Pregnancy Toning Exercises
- Guidelines for Exercise during Pregnancy
5. Step Five - Signs of Preterm Labor
As mothers begin to prepare for labor, it is very important to be familiar with the signs of preterm labor so that you can get immediate help. Here is more information on preterm labor and how to identify it.
6. Step Six - Questions to Ask Your Provider
As you wind down to the last few months of your pregnancy, you will undoubtedly have tons of questions for your midwife or obstetrician about what to expect from him or her. How do they feel about pain medication? Do they routinely cut episiotomies? When would they recommend an induction? If you are looking for questions to ask to help you interview a prospective provider or get to know your chosen provider even better, be sure to look as our complete list of Questions to Ask.
Be sure to read ahead if you are interested in the Online Class for Childbirth - Class Two or the complete series of Childbirth Classes.
