Preparation for childbirth:
As the weeks and months leading up to your due date roll by, you're probably excitedly preparing for the newest addition to your family and adjusting to what's going on in your own body.
Changes in the pregnant woman during the third trimester of pregnancy:
During the third trimester, you'll notice many changes that can affect how you feel:
- You will gain weight, usually on average about a pound a week during the last trimester.
- As your baby grows in size and puts pressure on nearby organs, you may experience episodes of shortness of breath and back pain.
- You may urinate more often because of the pressure on your bladder, and you may have episodes of incontinence.
- It may be more difficult for you to settle down and fall asleep. Maybe you prefer to sleep on your side.
- You may feel more fatigued than usual.
- You could experience heartburn, swollen feet and ankles, back pain, and hemorrhoids.
- You may feel “false labor” contractions known as Braxton-Hicks contractions. These Braxton-Hicks contractions begin to soften and thin the cervix, preparing it for the birth of the baby.
Prepare for natural childbirth:
But unlike true labor contractions, they are irregular, they don't happen more often as time goes on, and they don't get stronger or more intense.
While you're pregnant, you and your partner can participate in childbirth classes, which will give you information about labor and delivery, as well as the opportunity to meet other expectant parents in the same situation and help you prepare for birth.
In many communities they offer different types of classes.
The Lamaze method, for example, uses methods such as focused breathing, massage, and labor support that can be used during the actual birthing process.
The Bradley Method emphasizes natural childbirth and relies heavily on deep breathing techniques.
Many childbirth classes address a combination of these and other methods to teach expectant parents about the birth process and ways to make childbirth successful, comfortable, and enjoyable.
Whichever class you're considering, ask ahead of time about the topics and childbirth methods they'll focus on, and whether the classes are primarily classroom or also involve your active participation.
Ask what the instructor's philosophy is on pregnancy and childbirth, if the instructor is certified, if you will learn proper methods for breathing and relaxation, what the cost of the classes will be, and if there is a limit of people who can enroll. .
prepare for future parenting challenges:
At the same time, consider signing up for other classes that can help you prepare for future parenting challenges. Ask your doctor for referrals to breastfeeding classes, child care programs, or CPR training courses.
Some classes encourage their participants to create a "birth plan," and may provide guidance to help you carry it out.
The birth plan is usually a written document for you and your doctor, in which you can write down your personal preferences for childbirth.
For example:
- Where will you deliver your baby?
- Based on the doctor's instructions, do you plan to go directly to the hospital when you go into labor, or will you call the clinic first? What arrangements have you made for transportation to the hospital or birthing center? Do you have a birth attendant or want to participate in a birth attendant program? A birth attendant (doula) provides various forms of non-medical support in the birthing process.
- Who would you like to attend your birth (an obstetrician or a midwife)?
- Who do you want to be there to support you during your birth experience?
- What position would you prefer to be in during labor?
- What are your preferences regarding pain medications (if any)?
- What options would you consider if unforeseen circumstances arose (for example, the need for an episiotomy or cesarean section)?
- If you deliver early, do the facilities have enough resources to care for your premature baby?
You should not only discuss and share this document with your doctor, but also let family members and friends know about your decisions.
