Pregnancy and the anticipation of labor can be as full of anxiety, as it is of excitement. It" only natural for women to require additional help and support figuring out the emotional volatility that pregnancy is filled with. On some days, it can be a task for some to prepare themselves for the baby" arrival; on others, you can’t be happier about the new phase of life.
Pro Tip - blame it all on the hormones. This is that one chance where you will be most pampered and all your faults will be ignored but still if you get stuck with something get notorious - make a puppy face - act a little - and blame it on hormones (well, hormones actually are the culprit for mood swings, forgetfulness, and most other issues during your pregnancy).
Here are 5 ways you can prepare yourself better for labor and pregnancy –
1. Learn and understand better
The best way to fight fear is to understand it. Learning more about pregnancy and the onset of labor can help you understand all your anxieties about it in a rational way, flatten the curve for mistakes, and make you more confident in decision making. Attend antenatal classes, read more books and blogs about pregnancy experiences and talk to more mothers to help yourself better.
2. Mental Preparation
Seek out positive birth narratives. Ponder on thoughts that make you happy about being a parent. Thinking positively can have great effects on your mental health and prepare for labor. The health of the fetus is also greatly benefited by a consistently positive outlook of the mother.
3. Physical Preparation
Preparing physically for labor and pregnancy is just as important as preparing mentally. Regularly taking charge of pregnancy-specific exercises can be done at antenatal classes under the guidance of experts. Common poses include "child" pose", "deep squats", "quadruped cat/cow", "perineal bulges" and "perennial massage" and they prove to be very helpful during pregnancy.
4. Relaxing
Relaxation is more vital to a healthy pregnancy and labor than anything. Practicing relaxing exercises and getting regular pregnancy-specific massages and spas can be very helpful. Meditating and visualizing can help you to relax during pregnancy and even labor. In most of the luxury rooms for delivery, there are positive quotes and baby visuals for you to focus on.
5. Preparing the family
Consistent communication with your significant other will prepare you both for the coming child and will make sure you both are on the same page. Start embellishing the home with baby essentials to create positivity. Start looking for a pediatrician or make efforts to make your home baby-proof, these things help increase the excitement around the idea of a new member.
All said and done, remember to filter, filter from all that you read and listen just enough to know what works for you, your family and your thought and stick by it. Wish you an easy ride ahead!