Learn about baby growth and development
One way you can learn about your baby’s growth and development is by learning about the weeks and trimesters of pregnancy. Through each week, your baby will grow and develop differently, reaching different stages as the weeks go by. For example, during these last few weeks of the first trimester, you can expect your baby to be able to bend its limbs, make and release urine and develop genitals and fingernails.
Anticipate mental and emotional changes
Pregnancy can bring on a whirlwind of emotions. One day you might feel excited and blissfully happy, and the next you might feel anxious or even depressed. You’ll likely experience a range of pregnancy emotions throughout these nine months that can be amplified from feeling tired or exhausted as your body changes.
Because of the hormones that come with pregnancy, your emotions can change swiftly. But, if you begin feeling like your sadness and depression aren’t going away, talk to your health care provider about additional support you may need. Additional support could be as simple as joining a support group, but could also include taking medication to help.
Additional pregnancy symptoms
Some things that your body may do or experience may be unfamiliar if you’ve never been pregnant before. Things like spider veins which are tiny, thin veins that show through your skin and are only temporary. Or you may experience an itchy belly, usually as a result of your skin expanding. Plus, while pregnant, you might experience various emotions, even heightened ones, which can lead to vivid dreams as your brain tries to interpret them.
Consider different delivery methods
Today, mothers are offered a variety of childbirth options and every person has a different labor experience. While labor and delivery may not always go as planned, it is important to know your options. Learn about the different delivery methods, the pros and cons of each and how to choose which is best for your family.
- Vaginal birth: Vaginal birth delivery is the most common type of delivery. In a vaginal birth, the mother delivers the baby through the birth canal. Labor can be a straightforward, uncomplicated process for the mother’s body but may require medical assistance at some point.
- Water birth: During a water birth delivery, the mother labors in a tub of water similar to a hot tub. The mother can relax in warm water and feel the buoyancy and freedom of movement during and between contractions. The baby can be delivered underwater, or the mother can exit the water and deliver in a different position.
- Cesarean: A cesarean section or C-section birthing option is the delivery of a baby through a surgical incision in the mother’s abdomen and uterus. Sometimes doctors schedule a C-section in advance; other times, they perform it in response to an unforeseen complication.
- Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC): VBAC is possible for some women. The best candidates for a VBAC are women who have undergone only one prior C-section and are currently experiencing a healthy, problem-free pregnancy. The most important criteria for choosing a VBAC is the reason for your previous C-section is not a factor with this pregnancy.
- Scheduled induction: If you have gone past your due date and you and your baby are ready, your doctor might schedule an induction, which involves a medication called Pitocin to start your labor.
Think about postpartum care options
The postpartum journey looks different for everyone. You may be wondering how to cope with your postpartum journey. There are many ways to help manage this phase of your life. You could try talking to others, different self-care methods or medications.
If you need additional support during your postpartum recovery, try one of the support groups offered by The Mother Baby Center.
Pelvic floor physical therapy
Many women experience leaking urine after childbirth, called incontinence. This can be involved in the recovery, especially the recovery from vaginal birth. It can happen randomly, or when you jump, sneeze or other quick movements. Incontinence usually only lasts for a few weeks, but for some women, it can last much longer.
Pelvic floor physical therapy can support your postpartum journey if you are struggling with incontinence or other symptoms as a result of childbirth.