Giving birth might be one of the most natural things a woman’s body goes through but it is by no means an easy experience. The perception for a normal delivery is obviously that it is going to be unbearably painful and at times even risky. Things in the pregnancy department always seem to be changing, and a lot of misconceptions also do the rounds. This why the best gynecologist in Bangalore suggests that to-be-moms should talk to their ob/gyn to clarify all doubts and learn about what helps the process and baby health care.
Here’s a look at some things you should know before you go in for a normal delivery.
1. Your Birth Plan is Not Set in Stone
If you are going ahead with a normal delivery and have chalked out a birth plan, it should be discussed with your doctor because she is going to be your partner through the pregnancy and delivery. Another thing that must be remembered is that your birth plan should be flexible because the ultimate goal is for both the mother and the baby to remain healthy. Keep monitoring the progress of your pregnancy and modify the plan accordingly, with help from your gynecologist.
2. Stay Hydrated
Many pregnant women stop drinking water because they don’t like the taste or feel of it and fear they will feel nauseous if they drink water. But this can result in dehydration, which can have severe consequences for both the mother and the growing fetus. Dehydration can result in premature labor. Also, since the blood volume decreases and levels of oxytocin rise due to dehydration, it could lead to very painful contractions.
3. Exercise
Now, by exercise we are not asking you to go into a heavy workout routine. Light exercises will suffice. For instance, you could even walk around in the house for about 15 minutes each day. This will help your body and mind, while also building endurance for delivery. However, before taking any step where physical activity is involved, make sure to consult your doctor to check if there are any restrictions during your pregnancy.
4. Cesarean Might be Needed
The best gynecologist in Bangalore says that while the doctor always tries for normal delivery, one cannot predict how things might progress. At the very last moment, the baby might get entangled in the umbilical cord or there could be risk to the mother’s health due to prolonged labor. In such cases, a cesarean section might be recommended to ensure that both the baby and the mother are safe and healthy. A c-section is performed under spinal anesthesia, which means that you will remain awake through the process but not feel any pain.
5. Just Delivering the Baby is Not the End
Often, women think that giving birth is the last stage of pregnancy. During pregnancy, you might experience swelling in the hands, legs, feet and fingers, which are all normal, but might persist for several weeks after delivery too. Women also need to keep a close check on their emotional symptoms as many new mothers go through major mood swings due to hormonal changes. This again is normal unless it turns into postpartum depression, in which case, your doctor might recommend medication.
Becoming a mother is one of the most fulfilling experiences. Make sure you learn all about the process beforehand, so that you know what to expect through the pregnancy and delivery.