Pregnancy is split into three distinct stages, each very diferent. They are known as the first, second and third trimester and have unique physical changes and emotional stages during each phase.
The First Trimester
This is the first stage of pregnancy, the first 12 weeks. These are often the most critical for the new mother, as there is a heightened chance of miscarriage. New mothers can feel very anxious or inadequate - even feeling frightened and what lies ahead. These are all very normal feelings! Other women may feel very happy and relieved if they have been trying to conceive for a time. Once the pregnancy has been confirmed the new mum should seek medical help and support with baby questions and answers. Your doctor or health professional will be able to offer advice and reassurance and also speak to you to establish whether any risks such as hereditary issues should be explored. They will also talk to you about the `do`s and don`ts` of this part of the pregnancy - obvious ones include not smoking, not drinking, cutting out soft cheeses, raw eggs and other higher risk items. You may find that you experience morning sickness in this phase - it`s unpleasant, but will pass. Speak to your doctor if it is becoming problematic - there are also natural remedies you can try such as ginger. Be careful not to use products such as essential oils or chemical hair colourants without seeking advice first though - they are generally not advised for use by pregnant women. Speak to your doctor about supplements to take for your baby - folic acid is the classic one and a broad spectrum vitamin and mineral may be advised if you are deficient in any key nutrients.
Second Trimester
This is often described as being the most enjoyable stage, as women have become used to the feeling of being pregnant and their bodies are used to the changes associated with it - so fatigue and other symptoms such as morning sickness should stop. After the first 12 weeks, women generally make their pregnancy public - and they start to show too! It`s usually the time to start buying maternity clothes and it`s a good time to take a holiday before it becomes too uncomfortable or risky to travel. Keep taking any supplements that your health professional has recommended and keep your stress levels low. It`s important to relax and to stay healthy by exercising gently and eating a healthy diet.
Third Trimester
This third stage is the period building up to your baby`s birth! It`s normal to experience mixed emotions at this stage - worry at being a good mother or fear of the birth are very common. It`s a great time to confide in other mothers or trusted friends at this stage - and your midwife too will be a great sense of health. Make sure you are attending ante-natal classes. Gentle yoga, walking and aqua-aerobics are also great relaxants and beneficial for your health. You`ll have a due date now, but bear in mind it may change - first pregnancies in particular are often late. It can be deflating waiting for the big date - go first to see the hospital and know where you`re going. You may also have options for a water birth or other natural birth methods - speak to your doctor about options available to you. Some mothers choose to have home births with a midwife present, or drug-free labours, but don`t feel under pressure. You`ll probably be in nesting mode by this stage too - getting the house and nursery clean. This will focus your mind on the exciting journey to come!
labour and birth is a personal experience for everyone.
No two experiences seem to be alike. For each pregnancy and birth, every time is a different experience. Make your birthing experience personal by choosing the options that suit you, and make a personal birth plan. There are different options available to make your labour as comfortable as possible and your Midwife should be able to advise you which ones may suit you and your circumstances. Home births are available in some areas, but you must ask your own midwife about the options available in your area. A home birth can be natural and non-intrusive allowing you time with your loved ones in your own space. Always keep an open mind about your home birth, labour is not something set in stone and circumstances change.It is not advisable in all cases if the midwife feels there may be a problem, or you have had problems in your pregnancy.
A birthing pool is another option, this may also be used at home if you have asked your midwife about a home birth. Some feel relaxed in the water and are more able to cope with the contraction's. While others may not be able to try the birthing pool if they have had other complications and need more monitoring. Hospital births can be made more relaxing and personal with your own plans and ideas.
Always make your birth plan early on, and don't leave it till the last week, the hospital will need to know about your pain relief ideas so they can put an anesthetist on standby if you have decided to order an Epidural or even if you want Gas and air to start and have given the option to have an Epidural later on if you are not happy with Gas and Air. You can't leave the decision too late in labour or the Epidural won't be able to take effect before the final stages of labour. Tens is another type of pain relief which gives pulses of what feels a little like pins and needles, this helps to block the pain receptors. If you want to use a Tens machine in labour don't forget to order one with your hospital or midwife. Tens can also be bought on the high street for your own uses during the last weeks of pregnancy or for back pain as well as for use during labour. This works for some women but is not right for others. Ask your midwife for a demonstration. Some mothers opt for an injection called Pethadine, it helps you to feel relaxed during labour, it is given as an injection in the bottom or upper thigh. The draw back to this is that it can make some mothers feel very drowsy and can impair your awareness during labour, it also affects your baby which is not advisable especially for under weight babies or those that are very over due. A baby needs to be fully aware and have a good breathing rate at birth. Gas and Air is a very popular option, this helps you to feel relaxed and takes the edge off the contraction pains. This is also good to use along with the Tens machine. It is a great idea to learn some breathing exercises at an anti-natal class, it is surprising what a difference it can make to your labour if you have learned some basics from an anti-natal class. It is also great to meet other mothers at these classes. It's a good idea to book these classes early so that you don't miss out. If you feel that none of these other options meet your needs in labour then epidural is a total pain relief. An anesthetist will put the Epidural into your lower spine, which completely numbs your lower body. This can then be topped up later if nesseccery. If a caesarian section is needed it is in place and the baby can be delivered by C Section very quickly. One draw back in using an Epidural is the lack of feeling in your lower body, you won't be able to feel the contractions which means that you won't know when to push, or when not to push which is important. You will have to be guided by your midwife as to when to push and for how long etc.
All in all do what you feel is best for you and your baby. Ask your midwife for her advice and try to book yourself some anti-natal classes by the 4th or 5th month of pregnancy. By the time you are 7 - 8 months pregnant you should have been thinking about your birth plan and started packing your bag. If you decide on a home birth you should still have a few bits packed just incase things don't go to plan.
Newmother.co.uk advice tip... For some amazing help and advice follow this link to WhatToExpect.com From the best selling author of What To Expect When You're Expecting.
Check List of useful things to have ready for your labour. Some ideas to help you keep comfortable during labour and after the birth. Have ready: * Your Birth plan! * Your packed hospital bag for your stay in hospital for you and baby. * A good book or Magazine, for both you and your birth partner. ( Things don't always go along as fast as you would like.) * Some small change for making phone calls at hospital. ( Mobiles are not allowed.) Or for your partner to buy a drink or two from vending machines. * Some healthy snacks for you and your birth partner plus some juice or other quenching drinks. You won't be allowed much to eat during labour but your birth partner will be allowed to have some snacks. * Important phone numbers to contact family and friends after the birth. * An open fronted nightie for giving birth in. Not your best one! ( If you don't fancy wearing a hospital gown.) * A warm pair of socks incase your feet get cold during labour. * A flannel to keep you refreshed and for your birth partner to use on your forehead. * Make sure you pack some disposable knickers and pads for after the birth. * Breast pads for after the birth to keep you dry and comfortable. * Nursing bra. * Decide if you would like to play some relaxing music in the background in the delivery room. If so bring along a small radio or some CD's. * A camera to take those first special shots of your new baby. * Lastly, bring what makes you feel comfortable and make this a personal birth expereince.
Midwife using a doppler device to listen to baby's heartbeat
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Water birth is a natural, safe and effective method of pain relief in labour and a gentler, easier way to give birth.
Warm water has the power to make your labour less painful and more comfortable, and your birth easier. Entering a birth pool in strong labour is a way to achieve a much deeper level of relaxation and increase your sense of privacy. It is much easier to move and change positions, rest and conserve your energy. Research shows the use of birth pools results in shorter labours, fewer epidurals and increases the possibility of a natural, intervention free birth. It can also be a wonderfully gentle way for your baby to be born and welcomed to the world. For more information and pool hire go to the Active Birth Centre web site.
The Six Essentials To Child Birth By Elli Potrelli:
Child birth is one of the most natural events in a women’s life yet it strikes fear in many of our hearts and voices. There is so much knowledge on child birth and child care how do we know we are doing the right thing. The countless books, and advice can make any women’s head swirl, and it is important for the mom - to - be to remember is isn’t as complicated as it sounds. It’s simple - child birth is a natural and beautiful gift given to women in order to conceive precious lives full of wonder. It is a wondrous event which should be cherished and remembered.
Once your baby is born you will look into her eyes with fond delight, and see a new beginning for your life, and family. In order to prepare for that future you should ask yourself if you are ready for your first child birth experience. The room is ready, the clothes are bought, and the toys are well stocked right up until she turns the age of three. Your due date is getting closer, your back is getting sorer, and you can feel the baby kicking more, and you are counting the fingers on your hand until your delight is born. The only internal fear you maybe facing is the actual child birth itself, and there are several ways to prepare yourself for the unknown.
Before giving birth ensure you pack a hospital bag ahead of schedule; including your basic necessities. But, also don’t forget the luxuries which will make your birth more enlightening, and comfortable. Here are six essential items which will make your child birth painless: Make sure you pack a comfortable night gown to ensue optimum freedom for you to move and get comfortable during your labor. Soothing music will take your focus away from the pain. Massage oil is a wonderful tool in assisting in alleviating the pain and will make your partner play an important role during the birthing hours. A harlequin romance novel nothing a little bit more savory to keep your mind concentrated on anything but child birth. Last but not least snacks, lots of good snacks to help you and your partner get through the longs hours of labor. Champagne it will be time to celebrate once the new bundle of joy arrives and what’s better than a great toast with lots of bubbly. A few but needful necessities will help create a better atmosphere your birthing room, making you feel at ease, as you bring in a new breath of life into your world. It is an exciting time, and should be one filled with rest, comfort, and joy – on the arrival day make sure you look into your babies precious eyes and savor every minute of life. “Speak tenderly to them. Let there be kindness in your face, in your eyes, in your smile, in the warmth of our greeting. Always have a cheerful smile. Don't only give your care, but give your heart as well.” This is powerful advice from Mother Teresa and is relevant to anyone who is to have their first baby.
