Dear mamas,
As you enter the third trimester, your focus naturally shifts toward preparing for childbirth and welcoming your little one. We often hear the question: “What can I do to prepare for labor and delivery?” Well, let me share some tips that you have to do to get ready for the arrival of baby…
- Kick Counts: Once you hit the third trimester, pay attention to your baby’s daily movements. Kick counting is a simple yet effective way to track your baby’s well-being, spot any potential issues, and prevent stillbirth. Here’s how to do it:
- Start a timer and record how long it takes to feel 10 movements.
- Choose a time when your baby is active (preferably the same time each day).
- After each counting session, compare it with previous sessions using a notebook or a kick-counting app.
- If you notice significant changes in movement patterns, contact your healthcare provider.
- Birth Plan: Create a birth plan with your doctor. Consider your preferences for labor, pain management, and any special requests you may have.
- Maternity Leave: Prepare for maternity leave and plan for your eventual return to work. It’s essential to have everything in order before your little one arrives.
- Breastfeeding: Educate yourself about breastfeeding while pregnant. Attend classes or read up on the topic to feel more confident when the time comes.
- Learn About Labor Signs: Familiarize yourself with the signs of labor and due dates. Knowing what to expect will help you stay calm and informed.
- Hospital Bag: Pack your hospital bag with essentials for both you and your baby. Include comfortable clothing, toiletries, and any special items you’d like to have during labor.
“When you’re pregnant, your baby instinctively moves and positions themselves along the path of least resistance, following the pull of gravity. However, when you’re in a reclining position, this can lead to the baby curving their back in alignment with the curve of your spine. As a result, the back of their head may end up resting on your tailbone. Unfortunately, this back-to-back position is not ideal for labor initiation or progression.
To encourage the baby to align their spine with the roundness of your belly rather than your back, leaning forward becomes essential. Practicing forward-leaning positions can help achieve this. When sitting, maintain good posture with a straight spine, knees at approximately a 90-degree angle, and feet flat on the ground. Overall, prioritizing forward-leaning positions whenever possible is beneficial.
To promote a better position for your baby, consider leaning forward as much as possible. Here are some ways you can follow during pregnancy:
- Leaning Over the Bed: While kneeling on the ground, lean over your bed to work on computer.
- Pillows for Movie Time: Stack pillows to lean over while watching movies.
- Birth Ball Leaning: Use birth ball to lean forward.
- Sitting Posture: When you need to sit, ensure good posture with a straight spine, knees at approximately a 90-degree angle, and feet flat on the ground.
The uterus is not merely a floating balloon above the pelvis; it is anchored in place by ligaments and muscles attached to the pelvis. These structures significantly impact the shape and position of the uterus within your body. Understanding this is crucial because the shape of your uterus affects your baby’s positioning in the womb. Additionally, the tightness of the muscles and ligaments around the pelvis can influence how the baby moves during birth, potentially making it either easier or more challenging.
The forward-leaning inversion, developed by Gael Tolley of Spin Babies, serves to lengthen and untwist the ligaments of the lower uterus and cervix. These ligaments may become tight or twisted due to past accidents, even years ago, or simply as a result of our lifestyle habits (such as sitting, crossing legs, or driving a car) practicing this movement can significantly aid the baby in maneuvering into a more favorable position, especially if they are in a back-to-back or breech position. Moreover, it promotes openness and length in both the uterus and the pelvis.
Additionally, practicing the forward-leaning inversion, which takes forward leaning to the next level.
Remember, every little adjustment counts as you prepare for labor and the arrival of your precious baby.
Wishing you a smooth and empowering birth experience! 🌸