We are into our 34th week of pregnancy and boy, are things moving along. I am as big as a house, and moving from point A to B feels like a major event that includes grunting, groaning and very slow steps. Baby's head has moved lower towards my cervix and it's definitely past the placenta, as the Doc showed us on the screen. The good news is this makes it easier to have a natural birth. Bad news is it's irritating my bladder so I have to walk gingerly so as not to have an accidental leak.
We've been attending prenatal classes religiously. Daniel even cancelled his football game with ze Germans today, of course, only after getting a heavy lecture from me about his priorities. On a scale of 1 to 10 on squeamishness vs. machismo, I would rate him 1.5. The look of appallation on his face during last week's birth video was priceless. He looked like he was going to pass out right there. I have to forget about him cutting the cord after all. He is still thinking of how to get out of being in the delivery room, but the only way out is if I need an emergency C-section, and I am having none of that.
I've done some research, reading online and talking to my friends who have been through this ordeal. The one thing I can be certain about labour - when it eventually comes - is that no two women will experience it the same way. I'll have to be prepared for a plethora of scenarios, from dilation issues to amniotic fluid issues (if the baby defecates inside before I've dilated enough for him to be delivered, I'll need a c-section). But I am convinced that there are some things I CAN do to help myself have a smooth labour.
Most people I've spoken to who have had uncomplicated natural births did some kind of physical exercise during pregnancy, this included my Mum who got me out in 2 hours without pain relief. So I've started swimming in our pool and I found it really helps with my aches and pains. Plus it's really nice to be able to be on my stomach after over 2 months of sleeping on my side. I'm mentally prepared for all the things that could "go wrong" - you might say knowing too much just adds to the stress and fear. On the contrary, the more I know about the process and what could happen, the calmer I feel about going through it. The prenatal class on the labour process was really a big help in that they give you information about everything from the drugs you could have for pain management to what happens during a C-section (gory video included).
It also helps when you have a partner who's willing to be there with you all the way. I am sure I would be a complete basket case if I had to do this alone. Daniel will take 2 weeks off work to be with me and Julien when he is born and then stay home 3 days a week after that till Julien is a month old. Now all we need is a good contingency plan for if I go into labour in the office!
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