A new pregnancy is the beginning of new things, a new life, hopes, dreams, and endless possibilities. The experience of giving life is like no other. However, as beautiful as this experience is, women often experience anxiety when they think about childbirth and labour.
Antenatal care (ANC) can help you lessen that anxiety. It helps prepare you for labour and allows you to confront your doubts to better prepare you for the experience. It also significantly reduces neonatal deaths by identifying potential health threats and providing necessary healthcare services to protect both mother and baby.
Receiving medical attention from a qualified healthcare professional will not only prepare you for labour, but it will also help you deal with any medical conditions that are attributed to or aggravated by pregnancy, this is known as maternal morbidity.
Maternal morbidity may occur during pregnancy, during labour, or post-pregnancy. The most common medical conditions to look out for are:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Diabetes
- Heart complications
- Infections
- Severe morning sickness
Treatment for any medical condition is more effective when it is identified early. Should you develop any of these conditions, your doctor will be able to pick it up timeously in one of your appointments.
Is your birth plan ready?
A birth plan is a summary of how you would like your labour to go. It includes choosing how you would like to give birth, what pain relief option you prefer, the position you want to give birth in, and who you would like in the room with you when you give birth.
It is important to get the input of your healthcare provider when creating your birth plan as your overall health needs to be taken into consideration when planning your labour.
Giving birth could either be:
- Natural or vacuum-assisted vaginal birth
- A planned or emergency C-section
It is also important to note that delivery can start spontaneously or can be induced artificially for medical reasons.
How will I know when I’m nearing labour?
For most women, labour begins subtly and gradually – experiencing contractions is the most common sign, this is when the muscles of your uterus tighten up and then relax. Some women describe the feeling as strong menstrual pains. You may also notice a jelly-like mucus coming out of your vagina, this mucus develops in your cervix during pregnancy and is expelled just before labour begins. It is also common to feel like you need to go to the toilet, this feeling is caused by your baby’s head pressing on your bowel, another sign that you might be in labour.
How do I know when I have to go to the hospital?
You urgently need to go to your birthing station when your contractions are in a regular pattern, last for 60 seconds, and come every 3-5 minutes.
Packing your labour bag
It is advisable to have your labour bag packed at least 3 weeks before your due date. Babies have a habit of not popping out on their exact due date, so it is better to prepare in advance.
Make sure your bag has:
- Your medical records
- Medical aid documents
- Pre-authorisation documents
- Identity documents
- Bathrobe
- Slippers
- Toiletries
- Bed Saver Sheets (if not provided)
For the baby, ensure you have packed:
- Size 1 diapers
- Baby toiletries
- Bodysuit
- Socks and booties
- Baby blanket
- Going home outfit
Ensuring you’re well prepared for labour can reduce a lot of anxiety that comes with the experience. Visit our clinic nearest to you to discuss your pregnancy, birth plan options, and birth preparedness.
For more information, please contact us on 0800720005 or WhatsApp us on 0709819001.
