Preparing for Childbirth: Care Instructions

Overview

You are getting close to the birth of your child. For months, you've been taking care of yourself and the baby. Now you can still take steps that will help you have a healthy labor and birth. You can take classes to help prepare for the birth. You also can talk with your doctor about what you would like to happen during your labor.

Changes happen in the last 2 months of your pregnancy. Your baby becomes too big to move around easily inside the uterus and may seem to move less. At the end of your pregnancy, your baby probably will settle into a head-down position. You will likely feel some pressure in your pelvis as you get close to the birth.

You may notice times when your belly tightens and becomes firm to the touch, then relaxes. These are called Braxton Hicks contractions. They sometimes occur as often as every 10 to 20 minutes. These contractions usually stop when you are active. (True labor pains continue or increase if you move around.)

Rupture of your membranes ("breaking of the water") often is a sign that labor has started or is about to start. This happens when a hole or tear develops in the fluid-filled bag (amniotic sac) that surrounds and protects your baby. You may feel a huge gush of water or a steady trickle of fluid. Call your doctor or go to the hospital if you think this has happened. Contractions may start, or if you are already having contractions, they may get stronger.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Get plenty of rest.
• Take childbirth classes with your partner or coach. You will learn relaxation exercises that are helpful during labor. You also will learn what you can do to manage labor pain.
• If you have other children, take a class to learn how to help them adjust to the new baby.
• Develop a written birth plan, if you choose to, keeping in mind that labor is hard to predict and your plan may change after labor begins. Some of what a birth plan may address includes:
  • Where you would like to have your baby. This includes the building and the room. It could be the hospital's birthing room, a separate birthing center, or your own home.
  • Who you would like to assist with delivery of your baby. You may want your doctor, an obstetrician, or a certified nurse-midwife. Some women prefer a lay midwife or a doula to provide support before and after delivery.
  • Whether you want a doula, nurse, midwife, or childbirth educator to give you support from early labor until after childbirth.
  • What comfort measures you want. You may have to choose between walking around during labor or having the security of a heart monitor for your baby. You may want to listen to music during labor. You may know what position you want to be in (such as sitting, squatting, or reclining) for pushing.
  • What pain relief you would like. There are several choices, so be sure to talk with your doctor about them.
  • How you want you and your baby to spend the first few hours after birth.
    • You may want to keep your baby with you for at least 1 hour after birth for bonding and early breastfeeding.
    • You may want the hospital to delay some infant care steps, such as a vitamin K injection, so that you have calming time with your baby.
    • You may not want visitors, or you may want other family members there.
• Know the early signs of labor, such as a steady ache low in your back.
• If you are going to a hospital or clinic to have your baby, have your bag ready to go.
  • Pack a nightgown, robe, panties, socks, and slippers. You may want to bring your own soap, shampoo, brush, toothbrush, and toothpaste. Bring your own self-adhesive sanitary pads.
  • In your baby's bag, bring an outfit, small blanket, and diapers. Have your car seat ready to go.