Childbirth is certainly a thrilling moment for a prospective mother. Mother and baby's life is at stake at that moment. Then what should the mother do to launch labor?
Mom needs someone she trusts to accompany during labor. The presence of this companion may be simple, but very important. This is in keeping with the clinical analysis published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology which revealed that a pregnant woman who was accompanied during labor (including one trained companion) had an effect on the pain relief that the mother felt after childbirth and the time needed for delivery.
Moving in positions during labor while placing the baby gently toward the pelvis can help the mother cope with the powerful and painful contractions she will feel. The pain can even make mother as a guide to where the mother must move, by determining which position makes the mother feel comfortable.
When the mother can do it, the mother actually has released the hormone oxytocin which will help the birth process. In addition, moving during childbirth like this can help dilate the pelvis until the baby's head is finally easier to pass.
Following the maternity class will help reduce the anxiety that the mother will feel close to the day of delivery. Birth classes usually start from the beginning of pregnancy. During that time the mother will be prepared mentally and physically to face the birth later. Maternity classes will usually introduce mom about:
- Changes that your mother will feel and experience during pregnancy
- Helping the mother determine the appropriate health care provider for her childbirth later
- Make other decisions that you can not decide during pregnancy
- Things that you should do during labor so that labor goes well, fast, and healthy.
Staying active despite being pregnant will actually help your delivery later. Pregnant women who exercise 2 to 3 times a week need a faster delivery time than those who just sit on the couch. If you are not accustomed to exercise, walking for about 15 minutes will also greatly help deliver.
A study in 2012 revealed that, nervousness in waiting for labor can actually prolong labor. This is because when nervous, the hormone oxytocin that can help the birth process will be disrupted by the presence of adrenal hormones, which actually slows the contraction process.
Therefore, it is advisable to practice relaxation during pregnancy. Relaxation strategy that you have practiced will be very helpful in the birth process later. During labor you are even allowed to listen to music in order to get a calm mood.
