Exercises for Easy Pregnancy and Labor

As a mother who chose to give birth naturally, you should be prepared for the pain and the difficulties that may come with it. No labor comes pain-free, but there are ways to make it easier and smoother. Prenatal exercises open the pelvis and position the baby properly. They can help your body prepare for childbirth. They also help deliver the child quicker and safer. Before you perform these exercises, you must consult with certified professional midwives to make sure that it is within your limits depending on your state of pregnancy. 

 

Walking, Leaning

These are movements that we may not deem as exercises in our non-pregnant state, but they are very helpful in pregnancy. Walking improves your balance. It is also very helpful even minutes before the actual childbirth because of the pull of gravity. Leaning also helps in positioning the baby and preparing your lower body for the rough work during labor.

 

Proper Sitting

Proper sitting stabilizes your pelvis and strengthens your core as the pelvis tilts forwards when you sit upright. You can also sit on an exercise ball to properly align the pelvis and position the baby optimally. Cross-legged sitting, on the other hand, pushes the uterus forward.

Pelvic Rocks

Pelvic rocks relieve backaches, strengthen abdominal muscles, and make your back flexible. Get down on your knees and hands, keep your head in line with your back. Pull your stomach in with your back arched upward. Hold this position for a few seconds then relax your stomach and back allowing your stomach to sag. Repeat this up to ten times.

There are so many other exercises that you can do to achieve an easy labor and delivery. Visit your midwife at the Spartanburg Birth Center to learn more of these exercises. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and to try these exercises as long as you are allowed to do them. Pregnancy is tough, but there are ways to make it easier and also more beautiful.

What’s in Your Birthing Bag?

You’re never really sure when your bag of water will break and when you’ll become fully dilated. Even before you hit the 37th week, you should be ready to rush to the birthing center. Your birthing bag should contain everything that you need during and after your childbirth so that when true labor comes, you’ll be all set and organized.

For the Mother

There’s a lot on the list and sometimes it depends on how meticulous you are with your hygiene and other personal preferences. But here’s a quick run-through of the essentials: for proper breast support, pack nursing bras, nursing pillows, and breast pads. These items will cater to your tender breasts and will help you to breastfeed with ease. Bring a robe, socks, hair clips, slippers, and a going home outfit. These clothing items will keep you comfortable. Toiletries are a given and you must not forget to bring sanitary pads as you might still have blood flow. Lastly, bring all the documents, health cards, baby books, and other files that you will need.

For the Baby

There’s no doubt that you already have a closet full of new clothes for your newborn, but not everything should be in your birthing bag. Remember to bring only the essentials: hat, socks, mittens, receiving blankets, diapers, and a going home outfit. Also, you have to be ready with lots of wipes and an infant car seat and head support because you won’t be discharged from the hospital if you don’t have one.

You partner and your older children might also want to stay with you in the birthing center. You can also pack a separate bag for them. It’s very important to be ready so that your birthing experience will be smooth and convenient. If you need more help with your preparations, you can visit our Spartanburg Birth Center.