Being Prepared for Birth
Knowing What to Expect
It is the motto Scouts have followed for years, and expectant moms would do well to follow the same philosophy: Be prepared.
Pregnancy brings excitement and joy, coupled with both physical and emotional changes. Knowing what to expect and — just as importantly — planning for the unexpected, can make the next nine months more pleasant and memorable.
“It is very important to try to be as prepared as possible,” says Evelyne Schuetz, MD, obstetrics, on staff at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital. “Read as much as you can. Explore your birthing options. Become aware of possible complications. Learning as much as you can will help lessen any anxiety you may experience and will help you feel better and more comfortable throughout your pregnancy.”
Even for first-time moms, part of that education is knowing your own body and what may feel right or wrong as a pregnancy progresses. A woman’s body will undergo multiple changes throughout pregnancy. Women should keep in mind that even with the best-made plans and preparations there are no cookie cutter answers to every pregnancy question. While all share some physical and emotional changes, each pregnancy is unique and as individual as is the expectant mom.
Weight gain, swelling, back pain, heartburn and fluid retention are all common in pregnancy as are nausea, cramping and fatigue. The key is to know when physical changes are something to be concerned about and what options are available that could comfort or correct any issues. Reading as much as possible can help moms-to-be know what questions to ask and what not to worry about.
Schuetz encourages all pregnant women to prepare themselves by taking as many classes as they can covering pregnancy including birthing options, pain medications, rest and nutrition, breastfeeding and infant CPR. “Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation and prenatal massages, as well as water aerobics are wonderful ways to stay fit, and reduce stress and minor aches, but pregnant women should always clear any exercise program during pregnancy with their physician,” she says.
“The public library offers a wealth of information with books and DVDs as another cost-effective option for learning about changes that take place.” The internet also can be a valuable tool for communicating with others, sharing experiences, and researching options and pregnancy-related products designed to relieve discomforts.
As the months go by, changes in a woman’s center of gravity occur, so extra precautions should be taken in regards to exercise or physical activities that may be too strenuous. Hormonal changes can bring about mood swings. “Pregnancy can be a stressful and overwhelming time, especially for the first-time mom, who may be wondering what’s ahead, but it doesn’t have to be,” Schuetz says. “The key is to stay in touch with your physician if you have a concern. Ask questions. Women can find answers, as well as positive support by sharing their experiences with other moms-to-be that they meet in pregnancy-related classes.”
Long before the due date approaches, new moms should have discussed their birthing plans with their spouse or significant other. “Childbirth is not like a Hollywood movie or thirty-minute television show,” Scheutz says. “It’s really important that everyone understand the mom-to-be’s feelings and wishes as to who is going to be with her in the delivery room. This is a life-changing experience and many times extended family members and close friends naturally want to be a part of it. The question comes down to what the patient wants. Will she be comfortable with family and friends in the room? What will keep the stress level down for her?”
Communicating those feelings to family members and friends long beforehand will relieve tension and alleviate embarrassment. “There have been times when physicians or nurses have had to speak to family members on the patient’s behalf,” Scheutz said. “Having those conversations prior to the delivery will spare a lot of feelings and help the new mom focus on her baby. Family and friends can always celebrate in the waiting room, while the new parents share these special moments together.”
In the end, Schuetz says, pregnancy is a wonderful, emotional experience that should not be dampened by thoughts of “things going wrong”, “should haves” or “what ifs”. “Complications are rare,” she says. “Having a baby really is a joyful, life-changing experience that, backed with a little homework on the new mom’s part, can be so exciting. Once moms have their babies in their arms, all the issues and aches that took place along the way are soon forgotten.”