Giving birth, while an entirely natural (and frequent!) phenomenon, is also a major and severe shock to the human body. Thankfully, there are some things that can make giving birth a bit easier on your body. These strategies can help you feel more confident in yourself and more in control of the process of bringing your baby into the world.
Stay Active
During labor, your body is in a constant state of heightened stress and strain. Muscles contract and stretch, your respiratory and circulatory systems go into hyper-mode to keep up with the strain your body experiences, and your reproductive organs are exercised more than ever before. Just like if you were to prepare for a marathon, training your body to strengthen its muscles and systems will help your birthing process. Routine stretching, especially kegel exercises, help prepare the muscles used specifically during childbirth. Other low-impact exercises like speed walking, swimming, light jogging, etc., increase the endurance and capabilities of the rest of your body’s functions. . Your body will more readily handle the extremes of childbirth, making the process less painful and potentially faster than it would be otherwise.
Try Alternative Therapies
Explore the various options of alternative therapies that are out there to ease the pains and stresses of childbirth. Massages and reflexology are meant to relax and loosen muscles to lessen painful strain. Chiropractic care can make birth easier by relieving stress and reducing pain. Similarly, acupuncture targets nerves intentionally to help your body adapt well for the birthing process. Meditations, herbal treatments, music, even hypnosis… all of these are methods of relaxation that have proven successful for a number of women! Find out early on what works best for you, and prepare to have access (as best you can) to those things when labor comes.
Keep Yourself Nourished
With your body in such a high-energy-burning state, you need to stay hydrated and fed in order to keep your body running efficiently. Your doctor (should you choose a hospital birth) may put you on an IV to keep you hydrated during labor, but if that is not the case or you are giving birth elsewhere, make sure you are drinking water frequently. You may also want to be ready with supplemental beverages like sports drinks with electrolytes, or broths with protein, or juice with carbs, to keep your energy levels sufficient for labor.
Giving birth is one of the most special and exciting experiences in life. Make it a bit easier on yourself and your body by preparing it for the physical strains it brings, with whatever works for your body!
Check out this article on how to feel more comfortable in your own skin!
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