Preparing for labour and delivery
PREPARING for labour and delivery is not just about procuring the items necessary for your hospital stay or even your baby. In fact, consultant obstetrician-gynaecologist Dr Anna-Kay Taylor Christmas says that this involves the mental, emotional and physical preparation of a woman even prior to pregnancy.
“Labour and delivery mark the transition period from being a pregnant woman to being a mother. However, preparation for labour and delivery actually begins before you get pregnant, during the time you are thinking about conception. Get good control of any underlying illnesses that you may have, as poorly controlled illnesses make pregnancy and delivery more difficult for mother and baby,” Dr Taylor Christmas advised.
She said that the process, which can be filled with as much anxiety as it is with fear and uncertainty, can be much smoother if proper care and precautions are taken. Below she shares how this can be achieved.
Focus on your health
“Optimising your health is very important, so start or improve your exercise programme. Aim to work out at least three to four days of at least 30 minutes of exercise per week. Exercise can then be maintained at whatever level is comfortable for you during the entire pregnancy,” Dr Taylor Christmas recommended.
She said that exercise, for optimal advantage, should be complemented by a well-balanced diet with the correct food groups and calories per day. Also, ensure that you enter pregnancy at an optimal weight and encourage its maintenance for the duration. Failing to do this, Dr Taylor Christmas reasoned, could open the door to the possibility of several complications.
“Being obese increases the risk for complications during labour, delivery, and in the post-partum period, so it is important to be the correct weight for your height during this time. Also, having a good level of fitness going into labour means that you are more likely to tolerate the labour process well and it helps with the recovery period after,” Dr Taylor Christmas explained.
She said that as a bonus, it should appease you to know that it will be easier for you to return to your pre-pregnancy weight — one less thing to worry about while you are caring of your newborn.
Educate yourself about pain control
Pain associated with labour and delivery occupies the mind of many women even before conception. But Dr Taylor Christmas said getting adequate information to prepare for the process will help you to better manage it. She recommends first getting enrolled in a birthing class.
“Birthing classes are usually run by midwives and can be done either privately or through the hospital where you are due to give birth. These classes walk you through the normal labour process and give information on how long it usually takes, what the pain is like, how to manage the pain, the options for pain control, and how to manage surprises during the process,” Dr Taylor Christmas explained. In case you are unable to attend a formal class, she suggests that you find related videos online because they often provide valuable information.
“In terms of medical pain relief, if you want added pain relief like an epidural, make sure to speak to your doctor about that beforehand so it can be planned with the anaesthetist. In Jamaica, that may come with an added cost especially if delivery is done privately. Lack of information going into delivery can worsen the anxiety and make the process more negative,” Dr Taylor Christmas reasoned.
Maintain a positive attitude and strong support system
“Make sure you maintain a positive mindset about the entire process and focus on the result you desire, which is a healthy baby,” Dr Taylor Christmas advised. She said one way to ensure this is by keeping positive people around you and by encouraging your partner to participate in the process. She cautions women, however, to be mindful that there may be some restrictions on who can be with you during the process, depending on where you give birth.
Keep moving while in labour
Many mothers vouch that remaining active — even simple movements during labour — can be very helpful and Dr Taylor Christmas agreed, noting that standing, walking, kneeling, squatting, dancing or using an exercise ball and other similar activities help to move your focus away from the pain and onto the baby. In addition, she said it also helps the progression of labour as the baby moves into position down into the pelvis in preparation for delivery.
Explore non-medical options
“Non-medical methods that help with pain management and to promote calm during labour include heat packs, massages, deep breathing techniques, dim lights, low noise, aromatherapy (especially calming scents like lavender), and the presence of your favourite pillow or socks,” Dr Taylor Christmas advised. She said at this juncture the birthing partner can be of great help during the labour process.
Importantly, Dr Taylor Christmas cautions expecting mothers and their partners not to be too set on any one birth plan because in labour and delivery there can be any number of surprises.
“Labour and delivery is as individual as the women that experience it and sudden changes may happen. Remember that the aim of your delivery staff is for a healthy baby and mommy at the end, so be open to whatever changes may become necessary during the process,” Dr Taylor Christmas advised.
