Month: June 2018

Labor may start in different ways but for sure these are a few things that you should get checked out.  This also refers to when you’re in your 9th month and without other risk factors. 

1. When your water breaks, it may be a slight trickle or big gush you can’t control. Note time and color and head to hospital.  Your water bag protects you and your baby from infection, when this breaks notify your provider unless directed otherwise.  You may pass a mucous plug days before active labor starts.
2. Heavy vaginal bleeding.  You can have a bloody show or spotting also after a vaginal exam or intercourse, this may not be labor but irritation of the cervix.  Heavy bleeding needs to be checked out right away.
3. Regular uterine contractions, sit down feel your abdomen and time your contractions in front of a clock, when they are every 5 minutes for an hour and they are uncomfortable, go to the hospital or call your provider.
4. Any decrease or change in fetal activity.
5. Other concerns notify your provider not limited to headache, visual changes.
6. See more information on stages of labor under “resources”.

There is a lot to do to get ready for your new baby. Start now. Eat well balanced meals, take your folic acid and prenatal vitamins, take care of yourself. Find a OB doctor or midwife for your prenatal care. Take classes, select a Pediatrician closer to your last trimester.  See more tips and print out my “due date checklist” on this site under resources. Select  the hospital you will deliver at and take a hospital tour. Most hospitals having birthing, breastfeeding, baby care classes.

If you are planning to travel, get a copy of your prenatal record from your provider to have with you at ALL times in the event you need to seek care away from home.  You can save money on many diagnostic test, blood work, ultrasounds and other test that you may require by having your prenatal record on hand. Be sure to stay hydrated and not over do it in the heat. For long car rides get up and stretch frequently.

Check out CDC guidelines and latest information regarding precautions for pregnant women.  You can also discuss this with your provider.

You are the only one that can protect your baby here are a few tips:

Don’t post baby announcements on social media or post a stork on your lawn.

Never leave your baby alone on a bed or changing table, they can fall off and get seriously injured.

Do not let anyone hold your baby unless they wash their hands first.

Never let sick people/kids around your new baby, they have an immature immune system and can get very sick.

Minimize visitors in the hospital so you can rest and get to know your baby. Take advantage of all the valuable information your nurse will teach you  regarding taking care of yourself and your baby when you get home.

Know when to call your Pediatrician. Know your baby “ABCs”, click on this site.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has released new guidelines  in 2016 for safe sleeping.  Check them out on firstcandle.org found in my link section or American Academy of Pediatrics.

Shortly after delivery if you can and your baby is stable, you should try to bond with your baby skin to skin.  There are many benefits like stabilizing blood sugar, temperature, vital signs and babies cry less and it allows you to initiate breastfeeding sooner.

Being aware of your baby’s movement is very important. Any change or decrease in the movement should be reported to your healthcare provider.  Generally your baby should move at least 10 times in less than 2 hours. Check with your healthcare provider. For more information you can download a fetal kick count chart.