9 Things To Do When You Start Having Labor Contractions
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During the course of your pregnancy, you will often find yourself wondering about how the entire process of childbirth is going to be. And, while you will be excited as your due date approaches, there will also be a tinge of nervousness within you. You may have even done your own share of research about the same and will be aware of how contractions mark the beginning of the moment that you eagerly look forward to – holding your little one in your arms. But, the stress of managing everything and reaching the hospital on time can also make you anxious. So, to help you out a bit, we have brought you a list of a few things that you can do when you begin having contractions:
1. Time The Contractions
Lie down on your couch or bed and start timing the contractions. It will start off as mild contractions that will be around 15 minutes apart. With time, it will become more regular and may come down to nearly five minutes apart (1). You might even notice when your water breaks, after which the contractions soon follow.
2. Call Someone For Help
If you already have another child, now would be the best time to call a babysitter or your friend for help. In case, you are planning to drop him/her off at the grandparent’s house, you can start getting your little one ready. This way, by the time you are ready to go to the hospital, you would have arranged for someone to help take care of your kid.
3. Take A Quick Shower
You don’t have to necessarily do this one in case you aren’t very comfortable. But, if you feel up to it, you can take a nice warm bath, brush your teeth, or even comb your hair. This may help you feel more fresh and awake. So, if you have a little bit of time and your contractions aren’t very painful, you can go for it by all means.
4. Get Into Something Comfortable
You should surely do this one. Don’t wear anything uncomfortable and tight like pregnancy jeans. Go for a maxi dress sort of a thing. In any which case, you will have to change into the hospital clothes once you reach there. So, you may as well ensure that your ride to the hospital is comfortable too.
5. Don’t Forget The Important Stuff
Here, we are talking about things such as phone, wallet, identification card, and the insurance papers. While you may not be crazy about clicking pictures, a phone camera can help to capture the special moments. You will need the ID card for the hospital registrations. The insurance papers will help take some load off your wallet. All these are necessary things, so don’t forget to grab them.
6. The Hospital Bag
Okay, this one is the most important. Don’t forget to take your hospital bag along with you. Prepare the bag well in advance and make sure that you have kept all the things that you might need. And, if you wish to, keep it within your reach so that you can immediately grab anything that you need.
7. Pray
With the delivery fast approaching, you might be feeling stressed too. To calm down your nerves, you can either prey or meditate. This might invoke a feeling of positivity within you. And, you’ll feel at ease, like everything is going to be alright soon.
8. Call Your Family
Once the delivery is done, you will want your parents and close friends to be around you. After all, they must be as excited as you are. So, let them know that you are now going to the hospital. And, the moment that all of you have been waiting for is here!
9. Go To Your Hospital
Last but not least, start heading towards your hospital. You can also let your doctor know before so that he/she can prepare accordingly.
Do you have any suggestions or tips in your minds? If yes, do share with us in the comments section below! Good luck, moms-to-be!
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