Your body

Your baby

Taking care

- Know the signs that labour may be starting.
- Know when to go to the hospital.
- When you're sitting down, try leaning forwards, with your hips above your knees. It's a technique some say can help a baby get into position.
- Don’t stop drinking water – 8 glasses a day.
- There are many daily routine things you might be worrying about. Ask a family member to help keep track with you.
- Establish a routine if you have been advised bed rest. It makes it easier for you and have magazines, books, your phone and the TV remote at arm’s length!
- Don’t get annoyed if people keep reminding you that you won’t be sleeping well for a long time! They are just trying to be helpful!! You will be getting a lot of personal advice.
- Learn more about what happens on labour day – this will help you to deal with terrifying thoughts that you may have.
Your to do list

- Make sure of the travel arrangements to get to the hospital.
- Have all important telephone numbers in one place and at hand.
- Get baby’s items ready – clothing and bedding.
- Book appointment with doctor.
- Talk about labour and birth with your husband or partner and ask for the kind of support that you would like to get.
Questions you may have
“There are several signs that labour might be starting – contractions, ‘show’ that is when a mucus plug comes away, your waters breaking and a lot of back ache. Most women go into labour within 24 hours of their water breaking.”
“The majority of women don't have an episiotomy. In the early days it was quite common practise believing that it could make delivery easier or to prevent tearing during delivery.
In some cases surgical cuts are necessary, such as, if your baby's heart rate drops and birthing needs to be hurried."
Disclaimer
Kushal's services and website offers health, fitness and nutrition related suggestions for informational purposes only. The information provided does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have concerns about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other health-care professional.