From the moment we find out we are expecting a baby, our lives are filled with emotions.
Our bodies begin to go through changes to welcome this precious little one. The months go by and our anxiety grows.
When the 40th week of pregnancy finally approaches, the body usually gives signs that the big moment is coming.
The best thing is for the expectant mother to get organized and prepare for this moment in advance, and not leave everything until the last minute.
Check out important tips below on preparing for childbirth and for the baby’s arrival. Learn how to get organized and prepare for this very special moment.
Exercise regularly
During pregnancy, doing some physical activity regularly helps relieve discomfort and pain caused by the changes that normally occur in a woman’s body, in addition to promoting muscle strengthening and making labor easier.
Here are some exercises that help build strength:
- Lean your back against the wall, place your feet apart to maintain balance, and slide down until your thighs are parallel to the floor, then return to the starting position;
- Place your hands and knees on the floor, with your head aligned with your back, tighten your abdomen, and arch your back upward like a cat;
- Sit on the floor with your back against the wall, bring the soles of your feet together and let your legs fall into a butterfly position, then press your legs with your elbows.
Remember that before starting any physical exercise, the pregnant woman should first consult her trusted doctor, as well as be monitored by a qualified Physical Education professional trained to work with pregnant women.
If the doctor says she is fine, she should choose comfortable clothes and shoes, drink plenty of water, and always stretch before starting activities.
Prepare yourself psychologically
The pregnancy process includes childbirth and motherhood, which are moments of extremely high emotional intensity.
Therefore, it is important to be psychologically prepared to face childbirth calmly, and even the countless daily challenges that every mother goes through.
At the time of birth, it is advisable to be accompanied by a spouse or a close relative, so that she feels calmer and safer and can better tolerate the normal pain of contractions.
See Now
Maintain a balanced diet
Pregnancy is considered by many experts to be a factor in the development of obesity in women’s health.
It is essential for the pregnant woman to maintain a healthy diet during the 9 months, as it directly influences the weight and size of the fetus. If the baby becomes very large, it will be more difficult to have a vaginal delivery.
Therefore, the ideal is to replace processed foods with more natural and healthy choices. A balanced diet directly helps with the child’s healthy development and strengthening, in addition to preventing illnesses during pregnancy and postpartum.
If necessary, you can seek help from a nutritionist to guide you in the best possible way according to your case.
Get to know the maternity hospital and medical team
It is essential to get to know the maternity hospital before the big moment, always paying attention to the facilities and whether it is prepared for the type of delivery you have chosen. In addition, it should have the necessary equipment in case of an emergency. We want everything to be perfect, but we also need to think of everything.
Prepare your hospital bag
We know that babies don’t have a set day or time to arrive! Therefore, from the 36th week on, you can already have everything ready. If you need to leave suddenly, you won’t have to worry about gathering everything you need. And to help you a little more, see below what cannot be missing from your bag or the baby’s bag.
Mother’s bag
- Flip-flops or flat shoes;
- Pajamas or nightgowns with front openings;
- Comfortable underwear;
- Socks;
- Personal hygiene products;
- Nursing bra;
- Postpartum pads;
- Phone numbers of people who need to be notified;
- Clothes to leave the hospital in;
- Camera;
- Prenatal card;
- Personal documents.
Baby bag
In most hospitals and maternity wards, diapers are provided. But if you want, you can bring a few just in case. It is important to note that all the items the baby will use should be washed before being worn. For this, always use mild soap.
- Onesies or shirts;
- Newborn-size sleepers;
- Wool shawls;
- Cotton blanket;
- Cloth diapers to place on the shoulder and wipe the baby’s mouth;
- Wool sweater;
- Pairs of socks.
Know the signs of labor
As soon as labor approaches, the body itself starts giving some signs, the most obvious being uterine contractions, which become increasingly frequent and uncomfortable. They begin in the back and then move to the lower part of the uterus, becoming more and more painful and regular.
There may also be bleeding similar to menstruation, or even heavier, accompanied by contractions or cramps. If this happens, go to the hospital immediately, don’t waste time!
And of course we cannot fail to mention when the water breaks and amniotic fluid comes out, especially if it has a greenish color. Go to the hospital immediately.
