Tips to make labour easy

‘(Photo:cheap evening dresses uk )The anxiety of pregnancy followed by painful childbirth dogs most women. However, following a few easy steps and making adequate preparations can significantly make labour easy.

Dr Duru Shah, obstetrician and gynaecologist, and Dr Rita Shah, Lamaze consultant, tell you what to do.

Know it all

Fear of the unknown is one of the biggest factors that contributes to pain. Throughout labour, the woman, if not aware, will be anxious whether the developments in her body are normal or not, which is why it is important to tell women beforehand what to expect. It is imperative to educate them about right nutrition habits and how to carry themselves when going through the labour process. Women who know what to expect reportedly experience less pain vis-a-vis those who don’t. The well-informed ones time their contractions well.

Not to forget, in the process there are many emotional upheavals that a woman experiences. When she knows that her feelings are ‘normal’, she is better equipped to deal with them. Because she feels ‘under control’, it makes it easier for the doctors to help and communicate with her. Build up her confidence and the job is half done.

Tutor the husband

Having the husband by the side is a big emotional boost which can take away considerable pain. Many hospitals in the city don’t allow husbands in the delivery room and leave the woman at the care of nurses and other hospital staff, who though well-equipped, are still strangers. The husband’s presence can be a big emotional boost and help the woman deal with pain in a better way. For instance, many times, during labour, the woman, in spite of having adequate knowledge, forgets the right breathing technique. The husband can step in and remind her of the same with adequate love and affection.

Go for the epidural

Epidural delivery, though not novel, isn’t very widespread amidst Indian women. That’s because many pregnant women consider it essential to experience pain during the birth-giving process. Some even attach inability to bear pain to personal ‘failure’. The fact that it is a little expensive is yet another deterrent. However, not everyone has an equal threshold of pain. It is a process where delivery takes place under local anaesthesia which blocks pain during labour. The most important benefit is observed in cases where the labour process is prolonged.

Work it out

Squats: Regular squatting exercise helps the baby to descend and gets the head locked in the birth canal. The baby’s head gets fixed in the right position, which helps during labour. However, make sure you consult an expert before engaging in this workout.

Strengthening exercise: Elders are often heard saying that there isn’t a woman who hasn’t experienced back and abdomen pain during pregnancy. That’s because the changes in the body put strain on these parts. Here’s an exercise to help you deal with that pain: Go on all fours. Ensure that your hands are directly under the shoulder. Move your back upwards, lowering your head. Hold. Then, push the back in horizontal position, lifting the head to the front. Repeat 10 times.

For the cramps: Pregnant women often develop cramps in their calves. This exercise will help relieve those cramps. Stand facing the wall, using your hands to support yourself. Bring one leg forward with knee bent at right angle to the ankle. Keep your other leg stretched backwards and the both feet flat on the floor. Count till 10. Repeat the same for the other leg. Read more here:evening dresses online cheap