Preparing for delivery

As your due date approaches , you may be busily preparing for the arrival of your baby and so is your body. During the third  trimester you may feel or notice the following :

• gain weight  at an average of about a pound  during the last trimester
• feel pressure on nearby organs as your baby grows in size
• experience episodes of shortness of breath and back pain
• experience more fatigue than usual
• experience heartburn , swelling of the ankle and feet, hemorrhoids and back pain
• pressure on your bladder may make you urinate more than usual
• sleep may become more difficult and you may prefer to sleep on your side
• you may experience  Braxton Hicks which is false contractions.

It is important for you and your spouse to participate in childbirth class. This will give you more information about labor and birth. It also gives you the chance to meet other parents to be and prepare for birth. There are several types of classes available. Talk to your doctor about it.

You can also sign up for other classes that prepare you for the  challenges of parenting . Ask your doctor for referrals to breastfeeding classes, infant care program or instructional courses on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Some of these classes talk about preparing a birth plan. The class may guide you in doing so.  The birth plan is a written document for both you and your doctor in which you will record your preferences  for labor and delivery.

Here are some of the things that may be in your birth plan.

• where your  baby will be delivered
• who you would like to deliver your baby (midwife , obstetrician, nurse )
• who you would like to be present at your delivery
• do you have a doula to participate in birthing process
• what position you would prefer to be in during delivery
• what pain medications you prefer
• what options would you consider in case of unexpected circumstances such as needing a cesarean or episiotomy
• if you deliver prematurely, does the facility have the resources to take care of your baby

You should not only talk about or share this document with your doctor but let your family and friends know about it.