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If you’re wondering how to have an easy labor the key is to manage what you can control, so that when the time comes you’re better prepared for the unexpected. Any mom-to-be will have some trepidation about the uncertainty around labor; that’s normal even for experienced moms. There are, however, ways to feel more in control of your labor and delivery so that you can go into childbirth with confidence.
Tips for easy labor and delivery: Know your options
Whether it’s advice from well-meaning friends or old wives ‘ tales passed down from generation to generation, there’s a plethora of advice available on how to have an easy labor. First and foremost, it helps to know your options.
1. Familiarize yourself with all of the childbirth methods that are available to you
There are a number of ways to deliver a baby and the method you choose will depend largely on your preferences. Whether you choose to head to the hospital once you go into labor, opt for a natural birth or a home or water birth — if you’re well-versed in all of the options available – you’ll be able to make an informed decision based on your needs and wishes and the needs of your baby.
2. Understand what could happen in extenuating circumstances during labor
It’s important to understand that while millions of women have seamless deliveries, recent research published by Blue Cross Blue Shield indicates that a greater number of women are entering pregnancy with preexisting conditions, and those who experience difficulties during their pregnancy have a greater chance of having childbirth complications.
Staying on top of your health before you get pregnant is key if you’re wondering how to have an easy labor or minimize potential childbirth complications. Ensuring your mental health is in check and you have a healthy and positive mindset can also contribute to easier labor.
Incorporate regular exercise for easy labor and delivery
We know that exercise is crucial to maintaining good health, and the same can be said during pregnancy. Staying active before you get pregnant and incorporating exercise during pregnancy, could make for an easier childbirth experience.
3. Strengthen your pelvic floor before, during, and after pregnancy
“Pelvic floor dysfunction can occur in folks that have overactive or tight pelvic floor muscles if they have underactive pelvic floor muscles or a combination of the two,” Heather Jeffcoat, DPT Femina Physical Therapy in Los Angeles, California, explained to Mom.com as to what can sometimes cause pelvic floor dysfunction.
Doing Kegels during pregnancy should help you push during labor. Tighten your pelvic floor muscles as you would to stop urinating and hold them for a count of three. Repeat this 10 to 15 times, three times a day. Yoga will also help you gain the strength and flexibility that you’ll need during delivery. If you’re unsure or have questions, it’s best to consult with your doctor or a pelvic health physical therapist before attempting any exercise during pregnancy.
4. Move around while you’re in labor
If you’ve spent months tossing and turning, you know that a bed isn’t always the coziest place to be during pregnancy. So climb out of your hospital bed, with the staff’s consent, and follow your body’s signals to become more comfortable. You could walk the halls, sit on an exercise ball or take a shower to help ease the discomfort.
In addition to exercise and pelvic floor health for an easier labor and delivery, diet also comes into play but it can be difficult to separate myth from fact when it comes to inducing labor.
One of those myths is that eating certain foods can help induce or labor or make it easier. A 2019 study by The National Institutes of Health followed 154 women of which 77 ate dates late in their pregnancy while the other half did not. Those that ate dates had significantly fewer instances of needing medical intervention during labor. The findings led researchers to believe that eating dates could make labor and delivery easier but more research is necessary. There’s is no scientific evidence to back other common home remedies like pineapple, red raspberry leaf tea, or spicy foods as a way to induce labor.
Seek personal and professional labor support
Your spouse, partner, or a close friend or family member will likely be your labor coach. It’s up to you to let them know how you’d like things to go. Remember, you are in charge here.
5. Ensure you have childbirth support in place
Barring any COVID-19 hospital restrictions, it is completely up to you who you have in the birthing suite with you when you’re in labor. In a recent Mom.com article, Ingrid Peralta, who gave birth prior to the pandemic and had her husband and mother in the room, shared how helpful her mother was. “She was making sure I was safe. My blood pressure dropped when I got the epidural, so she made the nurse stop the anesthesia.”
A doula or midwife can also provide assistance by helping you work through your birth plan checklist, assist you in determining when to take a childbirth class, and offer resources and advice throughout your pregnancy. Do your research ahead of time and find a pelvic health physical therapist, doula, or midwife near you.
