Due date is an estimate

What you think of as your due date is actually in medcial terms referred to as EDD--estimated due date. It is better to think of a due month than a due date. Try not to focus too much on your "due" date coming and going. Only 5% of babies are born on their due dates.

Prelabor signs

Some signs that labor may begin in the next few days or weeks include:

*baby drops lower into the pelvis.
*low backache, different from the normal late-pregnancy tiredness.
*increased urination and bowel movements, perhaps accompanied by abdominal cramps and diarrhea.
*sudden burst of energy (nesting instinct).
*increased vaginal discharge of egg-white consistency.

Changing Positions During Labor

Changing positions during labor is very important. Even if you are confined to the bed - moving around - changing sides you lay on - or sitting up will help to dilate and efface the cervix. Gravity will also aid in bringing the birth about quicker. If you can walk around or sit in a chair this will greatly help. If not, moving around in the bed - even if you have to use a bed-pan can help to bring about the birth quicker.

How do I know I´m in labor?

Signs that indicate that this is likely "real" labor:

*contractions become progressively more regular, intense and last longer.
*intensified by walking.
*don´t stop when lying down or changing activity.
*contractions are accompanied by a "show" of blood-tinged mucus.
*accompanied by effacement and/or dilation.

Remember that labor may start and stop before finally continuing all the way to birth...don´t be discouraged. Any work done at this time is work that doesn´t have to be done later!

Sleep on your side

During the last half of pregnancy, side-lying is the most comfortable for mom and healthiest for baby. Use pillows behind your back and under your stomach to help balance comfortably.

Labor Inductions

There are several methods of labor inductions both medically and naturally. Medically speaking there are the application of prostaglandin gel to the cervix, Pitocin IV drip, stripping of the membranes and breaking of the bag of waters. Naturally speaking there are herbs to help bring labor on, nipple stimulation, intercourse and exercise. If labor needs to be augmented (induced) find out all you can about the above mentioned methods.

Let people know how you are doing

Don´t just assume that all pain in childbirth is unavoidable. Be sure to let your caregivers know what is going on with you. They may well have suggestions for you that can ease your discomforts without medication. If you let them know you are having pain in your back, for example, they can help you change positions so as to minimize that. It might also give them clues as to baby´s position that will be helpful to know to allow you to work with your body most efficiently.

Due Date

Technically speaking, the due date is calculated by subtracting 3 months from the 1st day of your last period and then adding 7 days.

Things To Pack In The Hospital Bag

Giving birth in a hospital requires at least a one night stay. Items needed are: gown (if you prefer to wear your own), underwear, pads, nursing bra and pads, slippers, socks, outfit to wear home (keeping in mind that you´ll still have a lot of that pregnancy weight on), baby´s going home outfit, at least 2 receiving blankets, diapers, wipes, toiletries, camera and film, clothes for the coach, snacks for you and coach, change for vending machines, money for coach to eat with, lollipops for laboring, lotion for massaging away labor pains, pillow (hospial pillows are uncomfortable) and any item you feel you cannot live without during labor and birth. Most hospitals do provide enough diapers, wipes and gowns for you and baby, pads and pants for you after birth and some toiletry items. Check with your hospital to find out what they provide and pack accordingly.

Epidural Block

Epidurals are used for pain relief in laboring moms. A needle is placed in the lower back in the epidural space between the spinal cord and the outer membrane. The epidural numbs the pelvic area and most of the times the legs too. The medication can be given and stopped easily - to allow the laboring mom to push more effectively. Blood pressure has to be monitored and IV fluids given in conjunction with the epidural. It takes about 2 hours after the epidural has been removed to regain all feeling in the lower half of the body.

When to go to the hospital

For most women the best bet is to stay at home for as long as possible. Early arrival at the hospital may cause labor to slow, opening the door for questionable interventions.

Ask your doctor at a prenatal visit when he or she would like you to go in, but for most women a good rule of thumb for first-time mothers is to go when contractions are 5 minutes or less apart, last at least one minute, and are strong enough that you need to focus solely on them.

True Contractions

True contractions will grow stronger and closer together. They will increase in intensity when changing positions. Braxton Hicks contractions will go away when changing positions and will not be regular. True contractions may be accompanied by lower back pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and possibly down the legs. Diarrhea may accompany the contractions as well as bloody show.

Signs of True Labor

True labor usually begins with contractions that intensify rather than ease up - more than 4 an hour. When you change positions or move around and the contraction gets stronger - it is the real thing. Pain, if any, starts in the lower back and can radiate down the groin and into the legs and feels like you need to have a bowel movement. The contractions will become more frequent and will increase in duration, though they may not be "text" book - i.e. - every 5 minutes. They may be 5 minutes, 8 minutes, 10 minutes, 4 minutes, etc. Bloody show or blood-tinged mucus will start during true labor. Membranes may rupture, though this only happens in about 15% of labors. The rupture may be a gush or a trickle.

Touch your baby

The skin is the largest organ of the human body! Stroking stimulates the newborn to regulate his breathing.

Are you a candidate for home birth?

Home birth is something you should consider if:

*You truly believe that you should birth at home.
*You have no known complications that make your delivery high risk.
*You feel prepared to handle the work of labor through natural means, and your history supports this.
*You live no more than 10-15 minutes from a hospital.

Be Prepared EARLY

Yes, I believe it is very necessary to have everything in order before baby arrives. Speaking from experience - I had preterm labor at 30 weeks and was on bedrest and panicked because I didn´t have things in order. Try to have all that you think baby will need - ready at the beginning of the third trimester. Have the crib, bassinet, clothes, carseat, blankets, etc. all set up and ready for the birth. Even though it may sit out for 3 months - at the very least should something happen earlier than anticipated - you´ll have everything in order and ready for your little one.

Methods of Childbirth Classes

There are 4 main childbirth classes. Bradley Method, Lamaze, Grantly Dick-Read and "prepared" childbirth classes. The methods vary in breathing and relaxation excercises. Choosing a class depends upon your preferences and expectations of your childbirth experience and the availability of an instructor in your area.

Choosing A Birthing Position

There are several birthing positions. What you choose is entirely up to you and your care provider and whether or not you are giving birth in a hospital, birthing center or at home. The choices consist of back lying (most hospitals use this), side-lying, all fours (crawling position), sitting, squatting, and standing. Whatever position you choose, you may have to practice - such as squatting - because it requires the use of strong arms and legs. Also, depending upon your health and the health of the baby, you may be limited with your choices. If you have a strong preference - talk with your doctor or midwife well in advance of your due date.

Pain Relief During Childbirth

There are varying degrees of pain relief management for childbirth. Medically there is the epidural, spinal, intrathecal injection of narcotics, narcotics given through an IV and the pudendal block. Naturally there are childbirth classes that teach methods of breathing exercises, relaxation techniques and focusing to alleviate the pain during labor and birth.

Circumcision Debate

Circumcision is a decision that should be made prior to the baby´s birth. Be sure to weigh all the options, if you are unsure of which way to go. There are benefits either way to circumcise or to not circumcise.

Midwife and Doctor

If you are planning a home birth - it is a good idea to have a midwife - be it certified or direct-entry. It´s also a good idea to have a doctor that you have seen for emergencies. This is part of your emergency back up plan.

Childbirth Classes

I think every woman should take a childbirth class. These classes help to answer questions, educate and prepare you for the best possible experience in childbirth. There are a number of childbirth classes offered from prepared childbirth classes - which teach about hospital procedures - to specialized classes that teach different labor coping means. All teach the mechanics about the birth process and the choices you may have to make. Ask your physican or midwife about the classes offered in your area. Be sure to call soon, most classes fill up fairly quick.

Choosing a childbirth class

To best prepare yourself, you should take a private childbirth education class--one not affiliated with a hospital. These type of classes have the advantage of describing all your choices to you; the hospital will only tell you what they are willing to offer. The more complete information allows you to be a better consumer.

Education Makes The Best Birth Experience Possible

Preparing for childbirth should be number one once you find out you are pregnant. Knowledge melts away fear - ignorance only leads to fear. Read all you can about childbirth and speak with your doctor or midwife in depth about any concerns or questions you may have. Take childbirth classes, subscribe to pregnancy magazines - many are free, and read through quality websites. You may even want to join with a pregnancy discussion board - as I´ve had very positive and educational experiences with these. All in all, education about pregnancy and birth is the best possible plan for a woman facing a pregnancy and the end result - birth. Especially for first-time moms, there is no substitute for what educating yourself can do for a positive experience from conception to birth.

Home Vs. Hospital Birth

Whether you choose to give birth at home or in a hospital depends upon a few things. If your pregnancy has progressed normally, if the baby is doing good and if you have quick access to a hospital in an emergency are good canidates for homebirth. If you desire pain relief during labor and delivery, the hospital may be a better choice. Utlimately it depends upon your preferences. Most doctors will not delivery a home birth - however midwives will. And in some states, having a home birth is against the law.

Lamaze

Developed by Dr. Ferdinand Lamaze, Lamaze trains women to look outside her body to a focal point while incorporating breathing exercises to ease through labor and delivery. For more information on Lamaze contact The American Society for Psychoprophylaxix in Obstetrics, 1840 Wilson Blvd., Suite 204, Arlington, VA 22201. Phone - 1-800-368-4404.

Dehydration

Dehydration is the number one reason preterm labor starts. It is possible to naturally induce labor by withholding water - however it is strongly advisable not to do this without the care of your doctor.

Coping With Pre-Term Labor

Pre-term labor is labor that occurs before the 37th week of pregnancy. Most of the time bedrest and plenty of fluids will help to halt pre-term labor. If labor starts to dilate and efface the cervix - drugs are given to relax the uterus. The main thing is to keep stress at bay - and relax. The number one goal in dealing with pre-term labor is keeping that baby inside for as long as possible. Follow doctor´s orders and accept all the help you can with taking care of your household.

Active Birth: The New Approach to Giving Birth Naturally

"Active Birth: The New Approach to Giving Birth Naturally" by Janet Balaskas. This book teaches mothers to follow their insticts and use their bodies actively in labor. My personal favorite for practical advice on coping with labor.

Relaxation Methods

Relaxation and breathing techniques can help a laboring mom to better cope with the pain of childbirth. Breathing exercises learned from natural childbirth classes helps to calm and relax the laboring mom - helping her to focus without the use of medications. Usually a coach (husband) plays a big role in helping mom to relax as taught in the natural childbirth classes.

Back Lying

Back lying has long been the favorite position of hospital births in the United States in the 20th century. Lying on your back - feet in stir-ups has been a favorite of physicans because of the ease at which they can assist the delivery. This position is still used in a lot of hospitals if an epidural or spinal anesthesia has been administered or if there is concern for uterine rupture.