Stay Physically Fit During Pregnancy
As your pregnancy moves along and you become larger and less mobile, it can become very difficult to move around and stay fit. Many women put on a good deal of weight while they are pregnant and while that’s OK, it can cause you to feel very slow and sluggish; especially in that third trimester. It is important to stay as physically fit during pregnancy as this will help your body become ready for labor so it moves faster and the birth will be easier. You may not be able to tie on your running shoes and go for a jog while you are pregnant, but a walk is perfectly safe if you are experiencing a normal and healthy pregnancy. Yoga is also a great addition to your daily routine as it can help your body get rid of some of those pregnancy aches and pains your experiencing. Yoga can also help open up your hips and keep your muscles toned so your labor is easier and faster.
Utilize The Right Help
Of course every labor and delivery is different along with a number of factors that you cannot control. However, in a typical labor and delivery, there are a number of positions and techniques you can utilize to keep yourself more comfortable and help the baby drop down lower into the birth canal. You can educate yourself prior to labor and even take classes with your spouse so they can be your support system during the labor process. You may not be thinking clearly as you progress to ten centimeter, so it is important to have good support and help in place to help guide you and educate you on what to do. If you think you would like additional help, you can always consider hiring a doula to assist you during the birth process.
Always remember that it is easier said than done, but very important to remain relaxed and calm. This is especially difficult when you are uncomfortable or in pain but it is imperative that you try to relax and stay calm while you are in labor. Tensing your body up and becoming stressed will only slow the process down. Many women utilize epidurals and other medication during labor as a way to relax their bodies, which in turn will speed up the labor process.