3 tips for a shorter, safer labor

Mothers-to-be, are you ready for childbirth? You’ve probably gotten the standard advice of taking a birthing class or readying the baby’s room, but guidelines on how to prepare yourself physically are harder to come by.

Here are three proven ways to get your body prepared for a shorter, safer labor.

Fuel up

Getting the right nutrition is expected when you are expecting, but eating and drinking is generally discouraged, and sometimes forbidden, by hospitals and doctors during labor.

However, in a recent study, researchers found women in labor who received 250 milliliters of IV fluids an hour were less likely to have a C-section, were in labor about an hour less, and had almost 3 minutes less of push time during delivery compared to those who received the generally recommended 125 mL/h.

They also found allowing women to “eat more liberally in labor” provided benefits, including shorter labor, with no observable risks.

Make adjustments

As pregnancy progresses, so do the changes inside a mother’s body. A lot happens, including internal organs getting rearranged, and blood volume and respiratory rates increasing.

Chiropractic care has been shown to help expectant moms deal with these changes and prepare for birth by ensuring optimal body function, decreasing pregnancy pain, shortening labor and delivery times, and reducing complications during the birthing process.

First-time moms who seek chiropractic care during pregnancy have, on average, 25 percent shorter labor times, and for repeat mothers, the average rises to 31 percent shorter labors.

Another perk: When your pelvis is properly aligned, your baby can move more freely, helping your little one maneuver into an ideal position for delivery, saving both mom and baby from unnecessary pain and trauma during delivery.

Get fit

OK, so pregnancy is NOT the time to start a new workout regimen. But keeping active and continuing your normal routine has a lot of proven benefits.

Moms-to-be who exercise safely during pregnancy generally have shorter labors, easier births and quicker returns to their pre-baby figures.

Always consult with a health care provider about what type of exercise is safe, but with a doctor’s approval, exercise is a great way to alleviate some of the pains of pregnancy like backaches, sluggish bowls and swelling.

Working out can also help you sleep better and maintain energy during the day, a lifesaver during the trying and tiring trimesters.

Yes, labor can be hard, but don’t make it harder than it needs to be. And, no matter how difficult things get, remember what it’s all for.