1.
Talk to your doctor.
Women
have varying opinions on labor and childbirth. Some
prefer a natural, wait and see approach, while others
are very anxious and eagerly interested in induction.
In our mother's generation it was not uncommon to
deliver at 42 or even 43 weeks. Presently many doctors
will induce at 40 or 41 weeks if your cervix is favorable.
If you would prefer the wait and see approach, or
your cervix is unfavorable for induction, your doctor
or midwife will monitor you and baby closely. You
will likely have a non stress test or biophysical
profile done once or even twice a week if you are
overdue. By 42 weeks your doctor will most likely
choose to induce regardless of whether you cervix
is favorable or not.
2.
Get lots of rest.
The
last month of pregnancy is exhausting. You may not
be sleeping well due to discomfort and anxiety about
your approaching labor. Remember to keep taking your
prenatal vitamins and rest as much as you can. Lack
of sleep and fatigue can war on your mood. Use a body
pillow at night to help you sleep. Take an afternoon
nap if you are not sleeping well or just rest with
you feet up if sleep is not possible.
3.
Finish up preparations for baby.
Now
is a good time to finish up those last minute things
you need for baby. You may have packed your hospital
bag weeks earlier and finished the nursery what seems
like ages ago, so here are a few ideas you might not
have thought of to keep yourself busy. Install your
car seat and have it checked for safety. Many hospitals
and insurance companies will do car seat safety checks.
Purchase a lullaby CD and set up a rocking chair nearby
to rock your baby to sleep. Lastly, if you haven't
already now is a good time to buy your husband or
partner to bring to work after baby's birth. It's
a little old fashioned, but hey some men still do
it.
4.
Try relaxation and meditation.
If
you've never done relaxation exercises or meditation
this probably sounds a bit corny, but it can't hurt
to try it. Purchase a CD if you don't have one already
with relaxing music or sounds from the rainforest
or beach. Try slow deep breaths relaxing your muscles
one at a time. Alternatively, you can purchase a CD
or video that gives specific instructions on relaxation
exercises. Now would also be a good time to practice
relaxation and breathing exercises form your child
birth class.
5.
Try natural labor inducers.
There
are a few things you can try to induce
labor naturally. Foods such as pineapple
and eggplant have been suggested as labor inducers.
Cooked in a yummy recipe, it's certainly worth a shot.
Cinnamon tea made from cinnamon sticks steeped in
hot water is another thing you can try. Walking is
something else you can try. The verdict is still out
as to whether walking actually helps, but a little
exercise is good for the body and soul regardless
of effectiveness in inducing labor. There are many
other tips, tricks, and old wives tales you can try
naturally induce labor. Check with your doctor or
midwife before trying anything to naturally induce
labor.
6.
Check fetal movements.
It
is very important when you are overdue to keep a close
eye on fetal movements. There are variations on how
to keep track of fetal
kick counts, so talk to your doctor about
how to track and monitor your baby's movements. If
you notice a decrease or change in your baby's activity
call your doctor.
7.
Observe for signs of labor.
For
some women keeping track of signs
of labor will bring comfort and others
it is plain out discouraging. As you pregnancy comes
to an end your body will show sings or readiness for
labor. Increasing Braxton
Hicks contractions, pelvic achiness,
backache, and increasing vaginal secretions are all
early signs or labor. Early labor symptoms can begin
weeks before labor, but all these signs are reassuring
that your body is indeed getting ready for birth.
8.
Keep busy.
Keeping
busy will help keep your mind off of things. Here
are a few suggestions to keep yourself busy. Take
this time to freeze up a few meals for after baby's
birth. This will allow you a little extra time and
rest when baby is home. Make a belly cast of your
pregnant tummy to commemorate your pregnancy. Start
a scrapbook album for your baby. You can include mementos
from your pregnancy and prepare pages for after baby's
birth. Knitting, crocheting, or other hobbies can
also be distracting.
9.
Ask for help.
If
you are having a hard time physically or emotionally
ask for support from your family, friends, or health
care provider. You may be shouting from the inside,
but unless you tell someone they may not know how
you feel. If you are having feelings of anxiety or
depression talk to your doctor.
10.
Do something nice for yourself.
A
massage, manicure, or trip to the hair salon are all
good ideas to treat yourself at the end of pregnancy.
If you can't convince baby to come out and play, at
least mommy should have a good time.
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