1 DEVELOP YOUR OWN BIRTH PLAN
Your birth plan should outline everything you want and need out of birth. Be sure to show this to your healthcare provider. Your birth plan should cover all aspects, from the medication you want or don’t want and the type of birth you prefer to the music you’d like to hear when Baby appears. Remember though that not all births go according to plan – so be prepared to alter your plan.
2 ANTENATAL CLASSES AND CHECK-UPS
The lessons learnt at these classes are invaluable, as you will learn everything you need to know about pregnancy, labour and childbirth. It also provides a space for you to ask questions and receive immediate feedback. Most antenatal classes are couples classes, so your partner can feel involved and learn about the process too. It is also important to go for regular check-ups with your gynae or midwife to identify any problems and to make sure baby is growing well. Having these check-ups and attending the classes will make you and your partner feel more reassured in your knowledge of each stage of your birth process.
3 EXERCISE DURING PREGNANCY
Pilates is a great example of beneficial exercise, as it can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles to help during childbirth. Exercising in water provides gravity-free resistance with less risk of injury, while increasing muscle tone, your strength and your flexibility.
4 PERFORM PERINEAL MASSAGE
This story is from the December 2020/January 2021 edition of Your Pregnancy.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 2020/January 2021 edition of Your Pregnancy.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
COVID & your child
Symptoms, treatment, vaccines and a rare condition called MIS-C is on our minds when it comes to The Virus these days.
EYES WIDE OPEN!
Breastfeeding and night wakings? Experts shine a light on a possible connection.
RAISING A BRAT? TIME FOR A RESET!
It happens, even with the best of intentions. Sometimes we go overboard trying to show our love – and then things backfire.
Prioritise REST!
The fatigue of pregnancy serves to remind you exactly what miracle your body is performing, so it’s essential to listen to it. Here’s what you can do to get through these low times.
CRYING CLUES
Discover the meaning behind your baby’s cries.
Pushing isn't all you need to do!
There are four main factors that affect the length and intensity of labour. They are known as the four P’s and work together to make each woman’s labour unique.
We're all NERVOUS about it!
Sure, it can seem scarier than labour, but with these simple tips to bathing your newborn, you’ll soon be a pro.
FOUR-FOOTED FAMILY MEMBERS
Your children and your pets – everything you’ll need to know to be a happy family.
Here's to HAPPIER beach days!
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
TALK SO YOU'RE HEARD!
Feel like your child just doesn’t listen to you? There are some techniques you can use to improve your chances of getting through.