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Pregnancy Labor: Ready, Set, Go

Just thinking about pregnancy and labor can be hard work! If we were contractors we’d raise our rates because labor required in pregnancy is so intensive! Some women avoid the whole process by going the route of the Caesarean, more commonly known as the C-section. C-sections have their own set of complications to consider that might be comparable to or even worse than pregnancy and labor.

Preparing for pregnancy labor is possible and although you can’t avoid it completely, some success in dealing with it is possible.

Preparation and Training Classes

If you lived in the sixties and seventies then you’ve seen movies with scenes from pregnancy labor and breathing classes. I suppose this was a natural outcropping of the hippie era – an attempt to regain lost ground. Baby bottles and commercial formulas had a big impact on American society in the decades following World War II. The hippie generation tried to reverse the flow and lots of energy went into natural child birthing techniques.

The mid-wife has held a primary position in rural society for centuries, and often replaced the doctor when they were not available for deliveries. In addition to delivery, the mid-wife was schooled in and also helped school other women in the process of childbirth including pregnancy and labor.

Timing

Let’s say pregnancy is like an hour glass – even the shape is significant. In the early days and weeks, the focus is on the top or mental considerations. Next comes intake of nutrients and then impact on muscles, breathing and maintaining health.

Very soon however the hour glass shifts to the lower section and the focus is on the mid section and growing concern for what is happening within the belly. By the time the sand has shifted entirely into the southern hemisphere of the hour glass, training and preparation are over.

To go from conception to morning sickness to mood swings in pregnancy to actual labor in nine month is amazing. As many people have seen and every mom experiences it; timing plays a pivotal role throughout. Not every woman gets sick or irritated or moody. Even the weight gained and pressure levels are personal. Such is the way of pregnancy labor – false labor, pre-labor, water breaking and racing in taxis to the emergency room – it’s all personal.

It’s all in the Delivery

I was born in a blizzard but my mom said it was an easy pregnancy and labor which lasted only an hour an a half. If you want your best chance at an easy delivery and manageable pregnancy labor, then stay fit, eat healthy and try to understand what the breathing exercises are about. Have a little faith; nothing good in life comes without a little struggle or a price – and this includes your special delivery. Good Luck!