It is Natural!

I will say this one time only because I don’t want to pass as a criticized know-it-all, A.K.A. people who think that having more experience entitles them to tell others what to do. Although stating that it will be said just one time is not totally true since writing it means it could be said as many times as someone reads it. So here you have it:

Maternity is a natural thing that can’t be taken for granted nor treated too strictly or too lightly. The clue resides in the word “natural”. Female mammals get pregnant; many of those pregnancies will result in the birth of an offspring, many of which, on time, will grow. But some will not. Some of those mammals won’t even complete the phase of living inside their mothers. Others will increase the statistics of not surviving the first few years, and others will succumb to different factors before reaching adulthood. That is a fact, one that many times cannot be controlled.

It is better to be prepared for maternity; being prepared will ease the experience but will not guarantee the outcome. In the case of human female even if we are not looking for reproduction, we know that having intercourse with a male could result in a pregnancy, so it is prudent to keep on the back burner a course of actions to
take if that eventuality comes to us. More so if we are considering pregnancy
in a positive light.

The human body is like a machine. The female body could be considered a perfect one. That being said, machines need oiling, fuel, adjustments, and observation. They need to run in order to avoid clogging or rusting, but also need to rest. The feat of carrying a baby inside our bodies is not a little thing: the expanding of our insides, the displacement of our organs, the increase in our weight, and the change in our center of mass are some of the challenges that a pregnant woman face. But remember, it is natural.

Walking goes a long way for a pregnant woman. Increase your walking if you do little of it, and maintain your rhythm if you do enough. You can find the benefits of walking in many places online; it doesn’t have to be energetic walking, but each woman knows herself. Walk, walk as much as you can and at any opportunity you may encounter. And you may ask, how much is enough? At least 20 minutes daily by
the 3^rd quarter, but again, you know yourself better than I do. So, keep on running your machine.

Stretching works too. See stretching as oiling your machine. In the natural process of pregnancy, several of your muscles will need to expand or extend, so let’s help them a little by doing some exercises that ease this process; let’s help by stretching. Of course, you have to be careful and conscious of your limitations, and you cannot push yourself too hard (consult your doctor). But a good stretching of legs, arms and back muscles, done often during the pregnancy, will help you feel better during the gestation period and also at the time of labor.

Use comfortable shoes (did I mention the change in center of mass?), they will make you feel better and you will avoid possible dangerous situations. But if you are
comfortable with some inches up, go for it; just be a tad more careful.

Do not wait until the doctor recommends limiting your salt (sodium) intake; just do it. Simple: sodium is a main factor in water retention. Keep yourself more agile, healthier, breathing better, and also sleeping better, just by reducing your sodium intake. I am not talking only about cutting the salt shaker while cooking and eating, I am also talking about avoiding junk food, packaged food, bottled drinks, etc. that are high in sodium. Do yourself a favor and read the labels, you will be amazed at the amount of sodium in everything that comes in a package or container. Cut down on sodium and forget about swelling feet. Also, eat healthy. Everybody tells you that, so I won’t emphasize it. But the myth of having to eat for two is just that, a myth. See all this as putting the best fuel in your machine, not wicked products, so it will run smoothly.

Love yourself and relax. Enjoy being pregnant; it is a miracle developing in front of your eyes, inside of you! Organize your routine to minimize stressful situations, plan
ahead your doctors’ visits, room arrangements, getting clothes for you and the
baby, activities, etc. Give priority to the chores related to your pregnancy and,
with time, be finishing all of them. Do not feel pressured to comply with other
people’s expectations because the most important thing is your well-being and that
of the baby. Take time to do something relaxing. Live one day at a time and
try to make each day a peaceful one.

Remember the other cooperator in the conception of the baby. As far as we know contribution from two individuals was needed in order for you to get pregnant, so you are not alone in this endeavor. Do not feel alone with the responsibilities but do not make the decisions alone either. As much as possible involve the other part into the process, in the planning, in the appointments, walking, stretching, and also in those very comfortable back massages you are going to need. Talk about feelings and fears, and make decisions together. Keep in mind that your partner is also experiencing anxieties and fears, even when it is you the one carrying the baby, so it is convenient to share and to support each other. Also, this period is somehow training for the future sharing in responsibilities, feelings, and chores that will present when the baby is born.

If your plan is to breastfeed, start doing “massages” to your breast and nipples by the second trimester into pregnancy. What I am talking about is a gentle manipulation of the breast that may help open the ducts, preferably while showering and with soapy breasts. One, in particular, that was taught to me consisted of opening the index and middle finger in both hands and, after selecting one breast, putting both hands on the base of the breast(closest to your ribs), one hand on each side, so the two fingers look like scissor blades with the breast in between. Slowly and very gently run your fingers from the base to the tip of the breast. This would be a horizontal movement. Now move the hands so one is on the upper side of the breast, and the other is on the bottom (instead of on the sides), and again slowly and very gently run your fingers from the base to the tip of the breast. This would be a vertical movement. No need to squish. Change breast and repeat. As for the nipples, you will use just the pad of your index finger from both hands. Touch the areola with your finger pads, putting one finger pointing the other. Firmly but gently pull outward. Change positions of the fingers as if moving forward an hour on a clock; again, touch the areola with your finger pads, putting one finger pointing the other and firmly but gently pull outward. Repeat until you cover the whole circumference. This is an idea; you can consult your doctor for options and especially to determine if you have inverted nipples.

There is plenty of information related to how to pick your doctor, what to ask, what to expect from him/her, etc. Look for this information and make your decision. Once you start seeing a doctor, ask him/her every question or doubt you may have and communicate your expectations as well. It is also recommended to read about the different options you have for giving birth, but also take note of the side effects, costs, what is covered by your insurance, etc., always considering your wellbeing and that of the baby. As a general recommendation, pick a place to give birth not too far from home and get familiarized beforehand with the process you will need to follow during the big day. By the 36^th week into the pregnancy, it is appropriate to have a folder with every paper you may need (or have them already sent to the hospital/clinic), together with the bag containing your and the baby’s belongings to be taken to the hospital with you. These two packages should be in an easily accessible location. Being prepared reduces anxiety, stress, and the possibility of forgetting something important. Remember, relax and enjoy your pregnancy.

The majority of women point to normal vaginal delivery, but about 19% will need a C-section for different reasons. Do not feel disappointed if you fall into that percentage. Do your best during your pregnancy: regular visits to the doctor, walking, eating healthy, stretching, planning, and relaxing, and you have a good chance to experience a normal delivery. But keep in mind, we have power over those things we can control, but there are others that escape from our grasp. Acknowledge that you may encounter some detours, but always hope and work for the best.

If you are arranging a vaginal delivery, you may want to take a look to childbirth education classes. They may help you reduce your anxieties, gain more knowledge about pregnancy, involve your partner more actively, and teach you techniques for breathing and relaxation that ultimately lead you to experience less pain during labor. It is your option, I just give testimony that these techniques work.

I hope I covered plenty for the pregnancy period; I’ll be posting some insight related to the following stages in the future.