How to prepare for childbirth

Of course, preparations for childbirth start early. Your body is preparing for it, but you are also aware that it is coming. You can certainly arrange a number of things in advance, such as: 

• Who do you want to have with you during delivery? Only your partner, for example? Or maybe your mother or other family members? Choose whoever you want and what works best for you. 
• Do you already have children? Then arrange someone in good time who can take care of your children once you go into labor. 
• Arrange for maternity care. With most agencies, you have to do this before week 16 of your pregnancy. Choose an agency that suits you well and make clear agreements. 
• Do a pregnancy course. There you will learn, for example, how to relax, how to cope with the contractions and what your partner can do during childbirth. Your obstetrician can often help you find a suitable pregnancy course.

A birth plan gives you good preparation for childbirth. This is where you write down what your wishes are. It also forces you to think carefully about your delivery! You can determine certain rules in this communication; for example, when is it possible to deviate from the birth plan, and who can make decisions for you if you are no longer able to do so? It also describes where and with whom you want to give birth, what kind of pain relief you would like and how you want everything to go after delivery. You should discuss this birth plan with an obstetrician. Your obstetrician can also tell you whether the things in it are really feasible. Make sure your birth plan is ready by week 32 of your pregnancy so you’re fully prepared.

Childbirth is a very beautiful process, but also a difficult one. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to prepare your body for childbirth. You can also start doing that earlier in your pregnancy. These include: 

• Training your pelvic floor muscles. You can do various pelvic floor exercises during your pregnancy to prevent pelvic instability. This helps you reduce accidental urine leakage and you will be able to recover faster from childbirth. 
• Breathing exercises. This topic will certainly also be addressed during a pregnancy course. Breathing exercises can help you calm down during stressful situations to ensure that you stay relaxed and calm during childbirth. 
• Remain active! Childbirth is a very severe ordeal. If you maintain an active lifestyle during your pregnancy, you will be fitter and your body will be better able to cope with the process of childbirth. Discuss with your obstetrician how you can continue to exercise and move. 

The childbirth is not only physically intense, but also a mental challenge. Fortunately, there are a few ways how can prepare yourself mentally for childbirth. We will gladly share some tips with you find mental peace as you approach childbirth: 

• Don’t try to take control of unpredictable things. And of course, childbirth is unpredictable! The only thing you have influence over is how you deal with it. Try to relax and trust your body and the people around you. 
• Don’t ignore your worries or fears. Giving birth is stressful and it is OK to accept that! If you surrender to your emotions, your body will release oxytocins, the relaxation hormone. And let that also be the hormone that ensures a smooth delivery!
• If you suffer from a lot of tension and anxiety, read up on mindfulness and be sure to discuss it with your obstetrician. She or he can help you with this.

No matter how well you prepare yourself physically and mentally, childbirth is as childbirth does. In addition to the things you have control over, try to let go of the control a little. Trust your body and the people around you and you will soon have a beautiful miracle in your arms!

Are you curious about how your baby will develop once he or she is born? You can easily track all developments and milestones in our app. It will let you know when your baby is taking a leap and help you understand why your baby is from time to time more prone to cry and cling to you.