Taking away the mystery allows moms to progress in a more manageable way and allow partners to feel comforted by this information too. Take a bath -when our clients contact us with the early signs of labour, we always suggest a bath as long as the bag of water amniotic sac is not broken. Taking a nice warm bath is one of the best ways to relax the whole body and see if the relaxation slows things down.
Please note that baths and showers work differently. Showers can be a useful tool to relieve some of the labour discomforts but the bath can help you decipher if this is early or active labour that you are experiencing. Go to bed -a common misconception is that if you stay active, you will put your body into active labour.
However, if the body is not ready then all that happens is you get tired out. After taking a bath the next thing to do is head into bed. With the contractions a bit farther apart and not as long and strong this is the best time to rest.
Sleeping helps to pass the time so you are not as focused on the contractions. You can time a couple of them to get a sense if they are getting closer to the 5 minutes apart mark but then take a break from timing until you feel like there has been a change.
Take a walk -If you are feeling well rested or the contractions have gotten to a point where you are not comfortable lying down anymore but it is not time to go to the hospital, taking a walk can be a great option.
Take it slow and stop during contractions to breathe and sway your hips from side to side. If they do then you can head to bed for a nap and repeat the process later. Watch a movie, read a book, and generally stay distracted. Many of our clients who have stayed distracted during early labour and tried their best to ignore sensations as much as possible, have felt like it was a shorter process overall.
The position of your baby is facing head down. Pose a low obstetric risk. What practical things can I do to prepare myself? Try having a bath at home, going swimming or attending pregnancy aqua-aerobics to see if you like the sensation of being in the water.
Enter the bath only when contractions are stong and regular. Keep your bottom under water during the pushing stage of labour until baby is born. Are there any concerns associated with water birth?
Exiting the bath It can sometimes be difficult to get out of the bath, particulary in advanced labour or after the birth of your baby. Unpredictable emergencies Your midwife or doctor may ask you to exit the bath in the event of an emergency. Overheating If you develop a temperature, your midwife will ask you to exit the bath.
Breathing after birth When a baby is born the breathing reflex is initiated by light, sound and temperature. Infection Although there is no evidence of increased risk of infection for babies who are born under water, there have been a few cases of babies who were diagnosed with infections. Umbilical cord Your baby's cord may snap under water causing your baby to lose blood until the cord is clamped. Important points to remeber if you are planning a water birth: Exit the bath regularly to empty your bladder.
Keep hydrated by having sips of water regularly throughout labour. If the temperature of the bath is too hot or cold, or if you feel uncomfortable, you can exit the bath at any time or ask your midwife to adjust the water temperature.
Communicate openly with staff so they can help you as much as possible. Staff may ask you to leave the bath if they are concerned for the safety of you or your baby.
Mater acknowledges consumer consultation in the development of this patient information. Consumers were consulted in the development of this patient information.
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Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Chaudhry Z, Fischer J. Schaffir J. Birth 38 — Encyclopaedia Britannica. Humphrey T, Tucker JS. J Public Health Oxf. Human Reproduction. J Ethnopharmacol. Available from: www. NHS Bolton. Nwankudu, N. Nigerian Veterinary Journal, 36 4 When it comes to content, our aim is simple: every parent should have access to information they can trust.
All of our articles have been thoroughly researched and are based on the latest evidence from reputable and robust sources. We create our articles with NCT antenatal teachers, postnatal leaders and breastfeeding counsellors, as well as academics and representatives from relevant organisations and charities.
Read more about our editorial review process. How to kick-start labour: myths or truths? Read time 9 minutes. Breadcrumb Home Pregnancy Your pregnancy week by week Third trimester How to kick-start labour: myths or truths? Email Post Tweet Post. Curry Many women try eating hot curry as the laxative effect is thought to stimulate the bowel and then the womb Chaudhary et al, Fruits Fresh tropical fruits like pineapple, kiwi, mango and papaya are high in an enzyme called bromelain, which has been historically used to start labour.
Raspberry leaf Raspberry leaf tea or tablets are a favourite among overdue mums-to-be because of the apparent stimulating effect on the uterus. Can sex kick-start labour?
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