Pulmo Sleep Center Eliksir

Preparation for childbirth requires physical as well as mental preparation. In this day and age, when all the information is at your fingertips, it would be irresponsible not to access all the sources of knowledge that will influence the pregnancy and childbirth to go smoothly. The future mother and father must work harmoniously on the new task and approach it responsibly and carefully.

The role of parenthood is certainly the most beautiful in the life of every individual, but the fact is that life changes significantly from the first weeks of pregnancy. In order to be composed on the day of delivery (as far as the situation allows), it is necessary to properly prepare beforehand, and there are a number of ways to do this. In the rest of the text, find out how important it is to prepare for childbirth and how to prepare for childbirth in an adequate way.

What does psychophysical preparation of pregnant women for childbirth mean?

Psychophysical preparation of pregnant women for childbirth includes physical exercises related to strengthening the group of muscles responsible for pushing out the baby, stretching techniques, relaxation techniques and mandatory breathing exercises. The preparation of a pregnant woman for childbirth should begin between the 24th and 26th week of pregnancy, so that there is enough time for the future mother to master the techniques of the conditioned reflex, which will react to the occurrence of contractions by breathing, not by convulsions.

The main problem with cramping is that it is caused by stress, which ultimately results in significantly greater pain. Breathing exercises are the basis because by practicing them, pregnant women learn how to use the respiratory musculature, which ensures its proper application during the straining phase during childbirth. Equally important are relaxation techniques that help reduce stress, tension and pain. The Eliksir team is aware of the importance of psychophysical preparation, which is why we have a unique counseling center for pregnant women that helps expectant mothers to overcome fear and to easily overcome all stages leading up to childbirth.

How does the respiratory musculature work?

The respiratory musculature, intercostal muscles and diaphragm participate in the breathing process, and the process involves two acts - inhalation and exhalation. During inhalation, the lungs are gradually filled with air, and the ribs expand with the help of the muscles, while the diaphragm simultaneously descends. When exhalation occurs, the diaphragm rises, the ribs descend, and the abdominal wall retracts through the contractions of the abdominal muscles.

The so-called expiration is a passive action that takes place until the pressure of the remaining air in the lungs and the external pressure are equalized, however, a certain amount of air still remains in the lungs, and in order to expel it, the work of the abdominal muscles, i.e. the muscles that engage, is necessary in the moments of pushing out the baby. The preparation of a pregnant woman for childbirth is that much easier if she devotes herself to breathing exercises in time, because that way she will be able to use the muscle group in an adequate way.

Breathing exercises for pregnant women

The most common question of expectant mothers is how to facilitate childbirth and what techniques they can use to be ready that day. Breathing exercises for pregnant women are one of the basic ways to help yourself and be more confident during childbirth. Pregnant women learn the technique of light and deep breathing, which is applied at the beginning of labor, during contractions, as well as the technique of rapid and shallow breathing when the intensity of contractions increases. Although this is one of the ideal exercises for pregnant women, with a good team of obstetricians and midwives, you won't have much to worry about.

Conversations with doctors that help to eliminate fear

The team of experts behind the Eliksir Group is aware that pregnant women often have a natural feeling of fear, especially when it comes to their first pregnancy. It is very important to find someone with whom you can openly discuss everything that concerns you, whether it is preparation for childbirth in the hospital or in any other conditions that you decide on.

Pregnant women, but no less fathers, should be familiar with all the elements important for childbirth, including the function of the genital organs, hygiene that should be followed, nutrition and changes in life depending on the stage of pregnancy. Only in this way, future parents can break all prejudices and reduce fear. It is not out of place that women in labor get to know the instruments used during childbirth, and everything must take place in a positive, pleasant atmosphere where the pregnant woman will feel comfortable asking all the questions that bother her.

What are the ideal exercises for pregnant women?

There are several exercises that are considered extremely suitable for pregnant women, but it is important that you consult your doctor before starting to practice the exercises. Although exercises for pregnant women are specially adapted to different conditions and result in easier childbirth, there are situations in which some women are not recommended to do them.

In the first place are certainly Kegle exercises, which serve to strengthen the pelvic muscles, that is, the muscles that include the urethra, bladder, uterus and rectum, and by strengthening them, women control the urge to urinate and prepare for an easy birth. In addition, their main advantage is the reduction of the possibility of painful hemorrhoids. It is equally advisable to continue practicing the exercises even after giving birth in order to influence your sex life.

Do Kegel exercises after emptying your bladder and perform them by squeezing the muscles around the vagina and stay in that position for a few seconds, then relax. Do Kegle exercises 3, 4 times a day with 10 repetitions. The big advantage is that you can do them always, in any position.

Another recommendation is squats, which are an ideal exercise for pregnant women who are preparing for a natural delivery. You need to stand in front of the back of the chair with your legs in line with your hips and your toes facing forward. When doing the exercise, grab the chair with your hands and tighten your stomach muscles, then slowly straighten up, push your chest out and lower your shoulders. Then lower yourself slowly, towards the floor, in a similar position as if you wanted to sit down. Stay in this position and inhale and exhale, then return to the basic position.

There are other exercises that are recommended, but the only principle is that you do them slowly with proper breathing and consulting with experts. If you feel that an exercise doesn't work for you, respect your body's decision and don't do it.

How to prepare your breasts for proper breastfeeding?

Breast preparation for breastfeeding is extremely important and should begin during pregnancy, a few weeks before the scheduled delivery, in order to make the life of the mother and baby significantly easier in the first period of the child's life. Although it seems to other mothers that this is a natural process that takes place without any problems, this is very often not the case. All problems related to delayed lactation, insufficient milk and problems with the breasts can be solved and overcome by preparing the breasts for breastfeeding.

In addition to the physical preparation itself, it is important that future mothers also prepare themselves psychologically, considering that the breasts, with the help of hormones, already prepare themselves for breastfeeding to a certain extent. For a large number of pregnant women, the first milk, or rather colostrum, appears near the end of pregnancy, but there is no need to panic if this does not happen. Every woman reacts differently and goes through different symptoms.

The advice is to stop using baths and oils in the breast region, one month before giving birth. Use only water and make sure that your breasts are not dried out. While some doctors believe that preparing for breastfeeding in the form of massage is risky because it can cause labor, mothers who have not had a miscarriage or a high-risk pregnancy can massage their breasts.

A few weeks before giving birth, you can check if your nipples are retracting. Grasp the nipple with light movements and pull it out using the index finger and thumb and pay attention to whether it retracts or remains protruding. If they do not retract, consult a gynecologist, but there is certainly nothing to worry about.

Pay attention to the choice of brush halter, let it be cotton and not press the breasts. It is recommended not to wear a brush halter for up to an hour a day so that the nipples pop out, but not more than that, so that the breasts do not sag.

Pregnancy is called a different condition for a reason, and you need to act accordingly. Listen to your body's needs and ask your gynecologist anything you don't understand. Walk slowly, get enough rest, eat healthy and don't miss doctor's appointments. And after giving birth, if you need help, feel free to seek the assistance of a professional in baby care at home.