How to have a healthy baby after. How to have a baby naturally

Good day, dear friends! Many women now give birth after 30 years. And I am no exception. Many people say that it is better to give birth before the age of 28, but I do not agree with this.

And today I will try to explain why. I will talk about the benefits of having a baby after this age and about the preliminary preparation for a happy moment.
In general, I suggest you better study the topic: how to give birth healthy child after 30 and do not torment your soul with doubts.

There are many reasons why women give birth after 30. This is the desire to build a career first, and the desire to gain independence, and find your soul mate and live for yourself.

The possibilities of modern medicine allow you to get pregnant and bear a healthy and strong baby, not only at the age of 20.

Let's learn about the benefits of pregnancy and about possible risks. The birth of the first baby after 30 is a welcome and often hard-won happiness.

And, despite the difficulties, as well as the evil comments of others, such a pregnancy has many advantages:

1. A serious and conscious approach to motherhood.
2. A woman knows what she wants, has achieved a certain social position and relies only on her own strength.
3. Late childbirth contributes to the rejuvenation of the body and brings a new influx of strength. During pregnancy, estrogen is produced, which has a positive effect on health.
4. At an older age, women behave during childbirth more prepared and suffer less from postpartum depression.

There are certain disadvantages in childbirth after 30:

1. The presence of chronic diseases can adversely affect.
2. More often there are edema and histosis.
3. There is a risk of premature birth and complications after pregnancy.
4. After 30, the skin is not as elastic and the birth canal diverges worse.

Why is planning a pregnancy important?

There are many factors that affect a woman's reproductive capacity. Among the main ones worth noting is the rapid pace of life, bad ecology and declining food quality.
The negative is that the body is subjected to severe stress during pregnancy.

The heart, liver and kidneys work in an increased mode. The load falls on the endocrine, nervous and immune systems.
It will not be possible to remove all negative factors and loads.

But with proper planning, you can minimize any risk.

The main stages of pregnancy planning

Planning for pregnancy includes several important steps.

If you care about health, you should know about them:

• First of all, go through an examination by a gynecologist, take tests and do an ultrasound. Get your health in order. It is necessary to be checked for the presence of various kinds of infection and treated. This should be done for fathers as well;
• pregnancy can provoke problems with vision and teeth, so even before conception, be examined by a dentist and an ophthalmologist;
• don't forget vitamins. After 30, the body needs them. Be sure to take iodomarin;
• will benefit from physical fitness. DO NOT forget to exercise, eat right and rest;
• men need to stop drinking and smoking a few months before conception;
• take care of your mental health. The nerves must be in good condition. Provide positive attitude and stop worrying;
• before pregnancy for a couple of months, you need to abandon contraceptives.

Remember to follow the advice of doctors. It's about adjusting excess weight, physical activity and proper nutrition.

Yoga and swimming will help to strengthen the body physically and psychologically.

Proper preparation for pregnancy

If you can't get pregnant, it's not always the woman's problem. In 40% of cases it is the man. Infectious diseases often influence the inability to have children.

Therefore, we need to prepare for conception together. In addition, the examination of a man is much easier and several times cheaper than a female examination. It is worth checking for the presence of chronic diseases.

There are many recommendations for pregnancy depending on health issues. Difficulties may arise with an insulin-dependent partner.

Use of multivitamins

Since during pregnancy the body loses a large number resources, then you need to support it with special vitamins.

Multivitamin complexes with folic acid are needed during this period. This component has a positive effect on the body systems and increases fertility.

Vitamins can reduce the risk of non-maturing of the egg. Regular intake of vitamins is important.
found in greens and tomatoes, but its quantity is not enough.

You should consult your doctor about taking a specific vitamin complex.

First child after 30

It is not necessary that at the birth of the first child after 30 they will apply cesarean section. If health is problem-free, then a woman can give birth herself.

For this there are the following indications:

1. The pregnancy was uneventful, and there was no bleeding or pain.
2. There are no chronic diseases of the heart and lungs.
3. Pathologies are not defined.
4. Everything is fine with the fetus.

How to have a second child after 30

The second and third child is easier, as the woman understands what motherhood is.

But there are health nuances that remained after the first birth. For example, were there any complications, and whether a caesarean section was performed.
The recommended period for the body to rest from childbirth is three years.

If you plan a pregnancy earlier, then this can be dangerous, as there is a possibility of problems with pregnancy. During pregnancy, it is also necessary to take all tests and be examined by doctors, as in the first.

Do not forget that the first child must be prepared psychologically for the appearance of a brother or sister.

For some children, this can be stressful, as the baby that appears will draw the attention of parents to itself.

Let your child know that you love him just the same, and no one has forgotten about him.

Many are wondering: is it possible to plan a second pregnancy after a caesarean section after 30.

Of course, you can, but after giving birth, at least three years must pass.

For pregnancy management, select the gynecologist who consulted you at the first time. In addition to standard analyzes, studies of the old scar on the uterus are carried out.

Most often this is done using ultrasound. Even if in the first case there was a cesarean, then with the second pregnancy there is every chance to give birth naturally.
For successful childbirth, you need to exercise, maintain the correct water balance in the body and eat healthy food. It is important for a woman to properly tune in to childbirth.

Some are helped by yoga with relaxation, others by breathing exercises, and for others it works to give birth easily. This, by the way, can be found in the prayer book.

If there is a desire to give birth, you have been examined, and you are really looking forward to this child, then try and do not be afraid. Everything will work out for you.

You are pregnant. Well, it seems like you should be happy, but for some reason there are only questions in my head “Maybe it’s too late?”, “Will I be able to give birth to a healthy baby?”, and all because you are no longer a girl, and your age has exceeded the fourth decade. Do you think that child over 40 cannot be born healthy, because this period is the most dangerous for childbearing?
Throw all doubts and nonsense out of your head. Start rejoicing that you will soon become a mother, and trust that your pregnancy will pass without complications. Of course, doctors will tell you that it is dangerous to give birth at this age, and the pregnancy itself will be difficult.

If you have definitely decided for yourself that you are ready to become a mother, do not back down. By the way, after 40 children gave birth to world stars, such as Madonna, Iman, Annette Bening, Cherie Blair, Susan Saradon and Jerry Hall.

We offer to consider the most popular questions that arise among those who are going to have a baby after 40 years.

At what age is a woman considered late in labor?

In the early 80s, those who gave birth to children after 28 years old were considered “late” mothers, and in the 90s, those women whose age was more than 35 years old began to be called “old-bearing”. Nowadays most often “late” women in labor include women over 37 years old.

What are the chances of giving birth after 40?

As a woman ages, her chances of getting pregnant decrease steadily. After 30 years, they fall by 20%, from 35 years old - by 45-50%, and from 40 years old - by about 90%. Of course, these figures in no way indicate that a child after 40 is an unfulfilled dream.

It is possible to give birth, and this was confirmed by scientists in North Carolina, who have been observing for two years for 782 pairs advanced age. The results showed that only 70 couples failed to conceive after having sex without condoms for two years. Principal researcher David Dunson says couples who want to have a baby after 40 should have patience and wait, while not forgetting about maintaining a constant sexual life. As a result, the intervention of modern reproductive technology can be avoided, unless there are good reasons for this.

Why do women give birth so late?

If we compare how forty-year-old women lived 10-30 years ago and how they live now, we can observe a high improving the quality of life. Today, such women have good health, can take care of themselves by visiting fitness and spa centers, besides, modern medicine can work real miracles. Dr. Julia Berryman believes that women over 40 are more ready to get pregnant, since they have already taken place in life, have Good work and all other good things.

What is the percentage of mature women in labor?

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of women giving birth in adulthood. Today, a child after 40 is born in 2% of pregnant women. A recent study indicates that out of seven pregnant women, one pregnant woman is over 35 years old.

Does the age of a man affect pregnancy after 40?

Scientists at the University of Bristol conducted a study that showed that mature women have to wait longer for pregnancy if their partner is the same age.

So, it has been proven that a woman who is 3-5 years younger than a man is less likely to become pregnant after 40 than a woman whose man is her age or 2-3 years younger. British researchers have confirmed this fact. They interviewed several women who indicated that their child after 40 was born from men who were several years younger than them.

What else can interfere with pregnancy after 40?

The following can prevent you from conceiving a child:

• Wrong nutrition.
• Overuse coffee. If you drink more than two cups a day, then the ability to conceive decreases, and the risk of miscarriage also increases.
• Use alcohol.
• Smoking after 35 years, it threatens with congenital malformation of the fetus and the birth of a child with low weight.
• Thinness and fullness also negatively affects the birth of children in adulthood.
• stress. The more a woman is nervous and worried, the less likely she is to have a baby after 40.

Do I need to seek medical help?

In adulthood, when it has already exceeded 35, a woman begins perimenopause, when very difficult to catch ovulation days. That is why it is best to seek the help of a doctor who will determine what can be done. Most likely, he will develop a special diet and prescribe vitamins. Some doctors advise their patients to undergo acupuncture, which has a positive effect on the development of ovulation.

What effect does age have on pregnancy?

The older a person gets, the more likely they are to develop any disease. As a rule, closer to 40, many women have chronic disorders, including diabetes. In addition, blood pressure can still increase, and the risk of malignant tumors is very high. Of course, such violations negatively affect the birth of children after 40.

And even if the woman does not have any diseases, hypertension, diabetes, and bleeding can occur at any time during pregnancy.

Postpartum complications increase already at the age of 20-29, but most often, and this is 20%, they appear at the age of 35-40 years. As a rule, with the development of modern medicine, any pregnancy disorders are recognized already on early dates therefore more likely that a child after 40 years of age will be born healthy.

How is childbirth in adulthood?

Often, in order to give birth after 40, women have to induce labor, make epidural anesthesia. Many women in labor cannot give birth on their own, so they are given cesarean section.

Some studies show that much depends from the mood of the women in labor. Those who are more clearly aware of everything, it is easier to fulfill the requests of doctors and agree to a caesarean section.

Does the risk of giving birth by caesarean section increase with age?

While such dependence not installed. Surgery has the same percentage, both at 30 and at forty years.

Can the age of the mother affect the development of the child?

High probability the fact that a child after 40 will be born unhealthy or developmentally disabled. The risk of having a child with a disease such as Down syndrome.

According to recent studies, after 30 years, one child in 400 is born Down, and after 40 - one in 32. In addition, late births can end ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage and stillbirth. It has not yet been possible to determine the cause of stillbirth in older pregnant women, while one out of 440 babies is still born today.

What is the percentage of miscarriages in women of mature age?

Miscarriages have become a frequent occurrence in our lives. Compared to new mothers, the risk of miscarriage in mature women is about 50% higher. Childbirth after 40 most often has such an outcome.

Here, by the way, obstetric and genealogical history plays a role. It will not be difficult to understand that women who have never had a miscarriage have a lower risk of miscarriage at the age of 40 than those who have experienced such a pregnancy outcome at least once in their lives.

How common are preterm births?

A child after 40 years old can be born prematurely, but only if the woman gives birth not the first child. Those who are expecting their first child most often give birth at term.

Does the chance of having twins or triplets increase with age?

The older the woman, the more likely that she will give birth to more than one child. But a greater chance falls on fertility fraternal twins.

There is an opinion that later children are more prone to diabetes. Is it so?

Yes, type 1 diabetes in later children depends on how old the mother was at the time of birth. At 35, it is about 25%, after forty 30% or more.

For example, a woman can give birth to a child after 40 who will develop diabetes in adolescence, while the probability is 3 times higher than in children born to young mothers.

Should a pregnant woman be under increased medical supervision?

Yes, a pregnant woman should most often go to the doctor, take tests and undergo various studies.

What is the probability that the doctor will prescribe surgery?

Yes, Doctors today tend to play it safe, appointing women in labor instead of the usual birth of a caesarean section. But today, all over the world, based on practice, doctors try to avoid such actions increasingly directing women in labor to natural childbirth.

Maybe it's better to refuse the birth of a child?

There is a certain risk of having a baby after 40, but this is not a reason to refuse pregnancy. After all a healthy woman and at that age can give birth to a completely healthy child.

What types of tests are used to diagnose the pregnancy of "late" mothers?

There are two types of tests used in the process of monitoring a pregnant woman. This is scanning and diagnostics. Scanning tests give only preliminary conclusions about the likely presence of deviations:

The study of hormonal levels in the blood. It is used to identify the risk of chromosomal abnormalities, including Down syndrome. Time of carrying out - 16-18 weeks of pregnancy.

Ultrasound procedure also used to detect various anomalies, including Down syndrome and various genetic disorders. A child after 40 is examined at 10-18 weeks of pregnancy.

Diagnostic tests provide more accurate and reliable information:

Chorionic test (CVS)- uterine cells are taken for research, during the diagnosis of which the presence or absence of Down syndrome, as well as some other genetic disorders, is revealed. A test is carried out at 11-13 weeks of pregnancy, the accuracy of the study is 99.9%.

Amniocentesis used to study amniotic fluid, during which the diagnosis of muscular dystrophy, Down's syndrome and many other genetic disorders occurs. The data obtained is accurate with 99.9%. Terms of carrying out - 16-19 weeks of pregnancy.

Alpha fetoprotein- a blood test, which is performed at 15-18 weeks. It is used to detect Down syndrome and defects of the nervous system.

Cordosentesis is a fetal blood test that helps detect rubella, toxoplasmosis, and Down syndrome. It is carried out at the 18th week of pregnancy.

Are tests dangerous for mother and child?

All tests do not pose a risk to the pregnant woman and her fetus, with the exception of amniocentesis, chorionic test and cordocentesis. When taking uterine cells for research, there is risk of miscarriage, and this may happen in one in 100 cases. The risk of miscarriage during cordocentesis and chorion test is 1-2%.

Should every woman do these tests?

No, not necessarily. Usually, every fifth woman, going to give birth to a child after 40, refuses to from passing such tests. This is their right, but it should be remembered that in some cases it is simply necessary to do this or that test from a medical point of view.

Is it true that mature women are better at handling their children?

Research shows that "mature" mothers are more calm, balanced and, as a rule, spend more time with their child. Life experience, accumulated over many years, makes itself felt precisely in the period of raising children. As a rule, they better shopping experience. By the way, according to statistics, the children of "late" mothers are more well-mannered and are distinguished by increased academic performance at school.

Can the birth of a child be a shock to the mother?

Undoubtedly, before that, a woman devoted her whole life to herself, and now 24 hours a day it is necessary to be near the baby. Fatigue, which is inherent in young mothers, does not leave those who have given birth to a child after 40.

There is an opinion that mature mothers live longer.

Research conducted by scientists at the University of Manchester showed that women who give birth at the age of 35-40 have a greater chance of surviving to 80-90 years. It was not possible to establish the reasons for this, but there is an assumption that the increase in the life of old-timers is due to postponing menopause to a later date.

They gave birth to late children

• Geena Davis gave birth to a daughter, Alize Keshwar, at the age of 46. Two years later, twins appeared in the family.
• Kim Basinger gave birth to a daughter, Ireland, at 42.
• Beverly D, Angelo At 46, she gave birth to twins by artificial insemination.
• Great Madonna gave birth to her first child, daughter Lourdes, at the age of 40, and 2 years later, her son Rocco was born. Hearing rumors that she was supposedly going to adopt a baby, the great star threatened to sue, as in fact she was accused of not being able to have children anymore. Most likely, in the near future, the pop diva will decide to give birth to her third child.

The birth of a baby is a happy moment, no matter how old his mother turned. Future "late" mothers once again want to wish patience and good mood. You will definitely be fine. So be prepared for the fact that all your time will be spent on a small creation. Is this not a woman's happiness?

Instruction

The body of the average person over the past century has become much younger, people live longer, which means they retain the ability to bear children longer. Menopause, as a natural function of the decline of the reproductive system, has shifted by 5-7 years, and up to 45-47 years a woman can become a mother. The question is that it is very limited in time and should proceed under medical supervision.

First of all, you need to get tested. In a few months, you can cure or compensate for any condition that may interfere with the normal course of pregnancy. Be sure to take an analysis for AMH (anti-Mullerian hormone), these data will make it possible to understand whether there are enough eggs in the woman’s body, or the ovaries are depleted and it is necessary to resort to ovarian stimulation followed by IVF.

A couple should definitely visit a geneticist to find out the risks of genetic diseases from either side. We need the conclusions of almost all specialized specialists: a dentist, an endocrinologist, an ophthalmologist, an otolaryngologist and a therapist. Expectant parents are invited to undergo a full diagnosis, including laboratory. If a woman has not been sick, or she does not have antibodies to rubella and, it is necessary to get vaccinated. Next, the doctor prescribes vitamin therapy. It is obligatory to take folic acid, which is responsible for the normal formation of the fetal nervous system, multivitamin preparations, iron-containing preparations and calcium.

Genetic risks, if we evaluate them in aggregate, although they increase, in general, a woman after 40-45 years of a healthy child leaves about 80-90%. The risk of having a child with Down syndrome is significantly increased. Such people can get a higher education, be socially active and self-sufficient with proper socialization. The risks of other, more severe chromosomal mutations increase slightly, and therefore a woman over 40 and young women are almost equally likely to have a child with life-incompatible defects. It is important to perform a chorionic biopsy in the first trimester to exclude fetal pathologies.

During the entire period of pregnancy, you must follow the recommendations of the doctor. The term "old-timer" was not invented by evil Russian doctors, this concept is included in the international classification, since the management of pregnancy in women over 35 years of age requires particularly careful monitoring.

Pregnant women at this age often have to drink medicines to improve blood circulation in the placenta, otherwise the fetus begins to suffer and lag behind in development. Throughout the entire period of pregnancy, the risk of miscarriage and premature birth remains, you should be more careful and refrain from sports and other feats. Due to the high risks of preterm birth, frequent complications in childbirth, women are encouraged to give birth by surgery, although they are physically healthy and active.

No age can be a 100% guarantee of the birth of a healthy baby. But over the years, it becomes more difficult for a woman to decide on motherhood: the doctors do not advise, and the pressure jumps, and her friends dissuade.

But late motherhood has its advantages:

• female consciousness fully understands the responsibility for the born baby, the expectant mother is ready to psychologically raise her child in love and a warm family atmosphere;
• changes occurring at the hormonal level rejuvenate the female body, give along with new life and a second wind for mom;
• the onset of menopause is postponed, which makes it possible for the mother of a newborn child to enjoy a full life for a few extra years.

Disadvantages of late birth

When planning the possibility of the appearance of another little man, one should not forget about the risks that may occur in women giving birth after 35:

• the percentage of the possibility of becoming pregnant decreases;
• conception may not be for many months;
• there is a possibility of genetic abnormalities in a child, Down syndrome, including;
• often there are complications associated with the work of the kidneys, heart, increased blood pressure;
• tissues change, hormones are produced in insufficient quantities, which leads to the possibility of miscarriage, placental abruption, and all kinds of bleeding.

Giving birth after 35 is not something to be afraid of

None of the listed disadvantages and all kinds of risks can be a convincing argument for someone who wants to be a mother. If a woman is planning a pregnancy, she will try to avoid trouble by following five simple rules.

Rule one. Lose excess weight

How quickly extra pounds appear, and how hard it is to lose them in the fourth decade. But this must be done to avoid the occurrence of atherosclerosis, hypertension, strokes and other diseases. The whole body during pregnancy must work on correct formation fetus, and not to the aid of all organs that find it difficult to carry a few extra tens of kilograms. Therefore, even before conception, we eat less, sign up for the gym and reduce volumes.

The ideal option for a consultation is your doctor, who knows everything about your female functions, has observed you for many years and can immediately tell how much you are at risk. Do not neglect the advice of a gynecologist. An experienced doctor will tell you where to start preparing for conception, when the most favorable period for this, assign possible procedures and treatment if needed.

Rule three. Breathe fresh air and eat vitamins

To saturate every cell of your body with oxygen, to enable the body to feel a surge of fresh strength, to be reborn together with nature - this is another task that needs to be performed. Make mandatory morning or evening walks in the park or forest, plan your time so that you always have an hour of time for oxygen baths.

Fill the refrigerator with vitamins. Fruits and vegetables, herbs and citrus fruits should always be on your table if you want your child's health to become excellent already inside you. Chew nuts, raisins, dates and dried apricots, eat at least a teaspoon of honey a day - the result will appear very soon: a surge of new strength, beautiful colour faces, overflowing energy.

Rule four. Eliminate bad habits from your life

Even experienced smokers can easily quit smoking permanently if there is a goal. And the desire to give birth can become the goal of a lifetime. Therefore, the psychological attitude and full awareness of their capabilities give any woman the strength to give up smoking, drugs, alcohol and never return to them again.

Rule five. Think only positively

Having made the decision to give birth after 35, you never need to hesitate after and doubt its correctness. Only a positive attitude, good thoughts, visual images of a healthy child will be another success in achieving the goal. A healthy mother and child - everything you dream about will definitely come true. You will be the happiest mother in the world, and your child will be healthy and beautiful.

If you are over 35, and you want another child or have not yet given birth at all, there is no need to be afraid. Fear destroys from within, and expectant mother it's completely useless. We make a decision and begin to fulfill all the rules leading to the fulfillment of a dream.

Lana Alexandrova

Having a baby is an experience that many women would like to experience without unnecessary medical intervention, such as epidural anesthesia or other painkillers. If you want to give birth to a child as naturally as possible, then you will need to plan everything in advance. Careful planning, support from loved ones, and mental preparation will enable you to have a natural birth.

Steps

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Find out if natural childbirth is right for you. Natural childbirth is not always possible. For some diseases and complications, such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes, natural childbirth can be difficult or too risky.

• If the pregnancy is at high risk, then the possibility of natural childbirth should be discussed with the doctor. Some women can give birth naturally, but only if they are supervised by a doctor and carefully monitored for any complications.

1. Enjoy all the benefits of natural childbirth. Find out everything positive sides natural childbirth - this will give you motivation throughout the process. Here are some reasons you might be attracted to natural childbirth:

   • Natural childbirth can save you and your baby from stress and discomfort. side effects from medications, surgery or any physical impact. Many women who give birth vaginally find they experience less pain, anxiety, and stress during the process than during a medically assisted birth.
   • Natural childbirth provides a more personal experience of the whole process, in which the main focus is on the condition of the mother and child.
   • Since you will be fully conscious during childbirth, you will remember all the moments and enjoy this process.
   • Natural childbirth reduces the risk of having a caesarean section.
   • Women who give birth naturally recover faster from childbirth.

2. Be aware of the risks of natural childbirth. Despite the fact that for centuries women have given birth naturally and quite safely, there is always a risk of complications in natural childbirth.

   • Natural childbirth can be dangerous for certain medical conditions, especially without proper medical supervision and the availability of appropriate medical equipment if, for example, the baby is in the wrong position.
   • Remember that if any difficulties arise, it is perfectly normal to deviate from the natural birth plan. There is nothing to be ashamed of. The main thing is to do what is best for you and the baby, and in some cases this may mean medical intervention in the birth process.

3. Remember that in some situations, medical intervention is necessary. Even with careful planning and the best prenatal care, there is no guarantee that there will be no situations during childbirth that require medical attention. For example, these situations might be:

   • placenta previa;
   • herpes infection or HIV;
   • previous births by caesarean section;
   • condition of the child incompatible with natural childbirth;
   • induction of labor in order to preserve the health of the mother or child.

Preparing for natural childbirth

1. Choose an obstetrician. Before planning a natural birth, you should consider some points, namely where and with whom you want to give birth. You will probably need to find an OB/GYN and make arrangements for the birth. Also, births can be taken by midwives, perinatologists and general practitioners - the difference is only in the qualifications of these specialists:

   • The obstetrician/gynecologist can deliver or perform surgery if necessary.
   • Nurses-midwives can deliver, but if any complications occur, they should call an obstetrician-gynecologist.
   • Perinatologists tend to specialize in complex births, including those in women over 35, women with STIs, or diabetes.
   • General practitioners and family doctors are also able to deliver, but they are not specialists in this field, and therefore, in case of any complications, they should call an obstetrician-gynecologist.

2. Talk to the obstetrician to see if you want this person to help you with your birth. When choosing a specialist who will help you give birth to a child, be sure to talk with potential candidates. This will help you understand who will provide enough support and whom you can trust. Find out the attitude of the obstetrician to natural childbirth, for this you can ask:

   • "What do you think about natural childbirth?"
   • "How many natural births have you had?"
   • "Will you support me if I decide to give birth naturally?"

3. Prepare a birth plan . During pregnancy, it may be helpful to have a birth plan. It should express your needs and desires regarding how you want to have your baby. It is helpful to discuss this plan with those who will be present and assist at the birth. Discuss your birth plan with your doctor, obstetrician, or doula. The birth plan should include the following information:

   • where do you want to give birth;
   • who will help you during childbirth;
   • who will be your main support during childbirth;
   • who can be present at all during childbirth (at their various stages);
   • what support and assistance you will need during childbirth;
   • what pain medications you want to use;
   • what to do with the umbilical cord and cord blood;
   • whether the baby will stay with you after birth or will it be brought later;
   • special traditions that you would like to observe;
   • who should tell you if something goes wrong;
   • any other wishes to the doctors and people who will be with you.

4. Choose a birth partner. Many women find it much easier to stick to a set path when, in difficult moments, when they are ready to give up, their birth partners remind them of the motives why they chose natural childbirth.

   • If you are planning to give birth in a maternity hospital, then a professional midwife or partner will help you go through a natural birth and not give up at the last moment.
   • Having a birth partner will also help you get much-needed moral and even physical support so you can have a baby without medical intervention.

5. Tell your obstetrician or doctor about your wishes. Tell your obstetrician or doctor ahead of time that you are planning to have a vaginal birth so that he has time to plan and prepare everything. The doctor will also be able to ask you questions and arrange everything according to your wishes.

   Attend classes to prepare for natural childbirth. Surely classes in preparation for childbirth and conversations with women who have given birth naturally or help others to do this will be very useful and educational for you.

   • Discuss your fears, worries, and expectations with other women in class. Often, a simple conversation with those who have experienced it before helps to calm down. This will help you not to worry about pain and safety for health and to be determined.

Childbirth without pain medication

1. Breathing techniques. Breathing exercises are most commonly used to help relax and control the pain of natural childbirth. You can learn these breathing techniques in special classes in preparation for childbirth. When choosing classes, try to give preference to those courses that focus specifically on breathing techniques.

   visualization techniques. Find an object or image and focus on it to help you relax and not think about the pain of childbirth. You can bring your favorite photo with you and look at it during contractions. Choose an image that calms you. For example, it could be a photo of a sunset. You can also just close your eyes and imagine something nice. For example, you can imagine yourself sitting on a beach or standing on top of a mountain.

   positions and movements. Listen to your body and change positions during labor to make you feel comfortable. If you feel that it is better to walk, sit, lie down or lean on someone, then do not be shy and do it the way you want.