You're at the very end of your pregnancy and eager to give birth. But now, your baby just doesn't seem to be ready to come out. Except you... You can't take it anymore! A full bladder 24/7, false contractions galore... The last days of pregnancy can become a real ordeal. And we understand. So get comfortable (if that's still possible), grab your best cup of herbal tea, and read everything you need to know about how to give birth faster: tips, advice, and natural methods. Let's go!
Preparing your body and mind during pregnancy
Maintain good physical condition
When it comes to preparing for childbirth, there's nothing like being healthy, right? So here are some tips to promote a healthy mind in a healthy pregnant body.
Exercise during pregnancy
Good news for some expectant mothers, bad news for others: being pregnant doesn't mean you can't exercise! According to the WHO , you can do at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week (without medical contraindications). You'll reap many benefits, both for you and your baby. Such as:
- manage your weight;
- reduce the risk of gestational diabetes;
- improve mood;
- reduce the risk of complications during childbirth.
Recommended exercises to prepare the body for childbirth
There are plenty of exercises specifically designed for pregnancy that will help prepare your body for childbirth. Some of the recommended exercises include:
- prenatal yoga;
- Pilates for pregnant women;
- brisk walking;
- swimming;
- the exercise bike;
- Kegel exercises.
These activities will strengthen the muscles needed for childbirth and your flexibility. As a bonus, they can improve endurance and breathing. So, it would be a shame to miss out, right?
Adopt a healthy and balanced diet
During pregnancy, your nutritional needs increase. It's no surprise there are two of you (or more)! So, adopting a balanced diet is crucial for your health, and that of your little one.
Beneficial foods to facilitate labor and cervical dilation
Certain foods can help prepare the body for childbirth. For example, dates are a good example in late pregnancy, which facilitate labor and cervical dilation. Also, choose foods rich in vitamin E, such as almonds, which improve tissue elasticity.
Foods to avoid or consume in moderation during pregnancy
Conversely, some foods are not recommended during pregnancy because they can cause infections or complications, such as listeriosis or salmonellosis. These include raw or undercooked foods such as:
- meat;
- the fish;
- unpasteurized soft cheeses;
- the eggs.
Also, try to moderate your daily caffeine intake if you can. It's not always easy, but a maximum of 200 mg per day, or about a cup of coffee, is recommended.
We're giving you our best grandmother's tips for knowing when you're going to give birth !
Natural methods to stimulate labor
Methods based on hormone stimulation
Do you want to give birth a little sooner than expected? Hormonal stimulation can be very effective!
The importance of oxytocin in triggering contractions
Oxytocin is, among other things, the contraction hormone. Its production naturally increases during labor. It facilitates the dilation of the cervix and helps the baby progress. A great way to stimulate it? Having sex, for example. Of course, no pressure: if you don't feel it, don't force yourself. There are other ways to trigger a release of oxytocin.
Nipple stimulation to promote oxytocin production
To encourage the secretion of oxytocin and trigger the first uterine contractions, you can also stimulate the nipples. This natural method can be done manually, or with a breast pump! Since it mimics the baby's sucking, it will send the right signals to the brain, which will release oxytocin. It's all well done.
Relaxation and pain relief techniques
To prepare for childbirth, certain relaxation methods are very effective. They help manage pain and promote a more comfortable labor. Here are a few.
Acupuncture: An ancient method to stimulate labor
This practice, borrowed from traditional Chinese medicine, remains widely used to relieve pain and stimulate labor. By targeting specific points on the body, an acupuncture session helps to:
- reduce the intensity of contractions;
- improve work efficiency;
- trigger it (in the event of a deadline being exceeded, for example).
Homeopathy: Natural Remedies to Aid Childbirth
Homeopathy offers natural remedies to facilitate childbirth and manage pain. It helps relieve the discomfort of labor, making it smoother. It's a very gentle method, as it simply uses diluted substances to stimulate the body's natural response.
Osteopathy: a gentle approach to prepare the body for childbirth
Osteopathy uses gentle manual techniques to improve mobility and body alignment. Before childbirth, it can help with:
- optimize the baby's position;
- reduce pain;
- improve pelvic flexibility.
Position and movement to facilitate labor
Labor has finally begun! During this intense phase, adopting different positions and staying mobile can be very helpful.
Change position regularly during labor
Try changing positions regularly during labor. This will help relieve pain, facilitate baby positioning, and improve blood circulation. For example, you can:
- lean forward;
- kneel down;
- get on all fours.
This will help reduce pressure on your back, which is a great thing to have during contractions!
Use a pregnancy ball to help open the pelvis
If you have a pregnancy ball at home: now is the time to use it! Sit on it and make small circular or rocking movements to:
- open your pelvis;
- promote the baby's descent;
- reduce pain during labor.
Walking and moving to encourage the birthing process
Take a short walk to encourage the labor process. Moving will increase uterine activity and help your baby position properly. Most importantly, it will help you manage pain better and make labor more bearable.
We also recommend reading this article from Naturelle Maman to learn about the 20 positions that will help you have an easier and faster delivery.
Additional tips and precautions
Before attempting to induce labor, there are a few things you should consider to ensure your safety as a mother-to-be, and that of your baby.
Aspects to consider before attempting to stimulate labor
Risks and contraindications
Induction is not a trivial procedure. It alters the labor process and can increase the risk of complications for the mother-to-be and her baby. Contractions are then more intense and less manageable. This procedure also requires continuous fetal monitoring. You are limited in your mobility, and the hormonal balance specific to labor is disrupted. So, don't rush into this solution without careful consideration!
Consult a health professional
Don't hesitate to consult your midwife before making your decision. She will give you advice based on your condition and that of your baby. This will help you assess the benefits and risks of labor induction and explore other possible options. She may suggest a membrane stripping, a gentle nudge to speed up the process naturally.
Communication with the medical team
To ensure a trusting atmosphere and a smooth delivery, open communication with your medical team. They're there to take care of you. So don't be afraid!
Share your wishes and concerns with the medical team
Discuss your concerns and wishes with your healthcare provider before you go into labor. For example:
- your preferences for natural childbirth;
- the use (or not) of the epidural;
- refusal of vaginal examinations.
Why not write a birth plan that you can provide to them on the big day? This will help clarify your expectations and facilitate dialogue.
The role of the birth partner in communication with medical staff
Of course, your birthing partner also plays a crucial role in communicating with the medical team. They can help you express your wishes if you can't do so yourself, for example. They can ensure your needs are taken into account. They can also act as a mediator to clarify information provided by the healthcare team and help you make the best possible decisions for yourself and your baby.
Discover all our postpartum products to take care of yourself after giving birth!
As you can see, preparing for childbirth is quite an adventure. But if you add the right ingredients, it can be truly enjoyable! A little exercise, a hint of a balanced diet, and a sprinkle of natural methods to encourage labor. And there you have it! However, always keep in mind the importance of patience, listening to your body, and open communication. And you'll see, we promise: everything will be fine!
