Laboring down

Pushing can be very exhausting but it doesn't have to be. If you have an epidural you may not feel an urge to push. Even when you are 10 centimeters dilated, it's best to wait until you have a strong urge to push. By sitting up and changing positions, you can let your body do the work and bring the baby down naturally until you have a strong urge to push.

Its your body and your baby

It's best to let nature take its course and let your body go into labor naturally. Many woman elect to be induced which can lead to longer labors, infection, hemorrhage, cesarean section and other problems for mom and baby. Induction of labor should only occur if there is a MEDICAL reason to be induced. Convenience is not a medical reason. High blood pressure, low amniotic fluid, postdates, are just a few reasons. ACOG has other information on this for woman. If someone is worried about how big the baby is, ask for an ultrasound for fetal weight. Ive seen people have a c-section for a expected 9 lb baby that turns out to be 6 lb baby that could have been delivered vaginally. Ultrasounds can be off a pound or so.

Baby safety tips!

It is not recommended to post birth announcements in your front yard or on social media. Safeguard your home and pools BEFORE the baby comes home from the hospital.

Baby Safety tips

You are the only one that can protect your newborn baby heres a few tips: Never leave your baby alone on a bed or changing table they can fall off and get seriously injured. Never let sick people around your baby, the baby's immune system is not fully developed and they can get very sick. Always have anyone touching your baby wash their hands first! Minimize visitors in the hospital so you can rest and get to know your baby and take advantage of all the information your nurses will share with you.

Recovery from CS

Did you know that the recovery from a C-Section is much harder than a vaginal delivery? Elective C-Sections for first time moms should only be done when medically indicated.

Risk of elective induction of labor

Did you know some risk of induction include uterine rupture, infection, hemorrhage and need for epidural, c-section, forceps and vacuum delivery?

Elective Induction of labor

Many women choose to have their labor induced for no medical reason. It's better to go into labor naturally unless there is a medical indication. It's also best for you and your baby to go to at least 39 weeks.

Elective Induction of labor

Many women choose to have their labor induced for no medical reason. It's better to go into labor naturally unless there is a medical indication. It's also best for you and your baby to go to at least 39 weeks.

Zika updates

Check out CDC guidelines and latest information regarding Zika precautions for pregnant women.

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Getting labor induced

It is always better to go into labor on your own. Getting induced just because your tired of being pregnant is not a good idea. Forcing labor can expose you to many complications such as infection, bleeding just to name a few, as well as complications to the baby. If induction is medically indicated by your provider, then induction is recommended. Some indications may be high blood pressure, diabetes, low amniotic fluid to name a few.

Pregnant and going on vacation

If your traveling, be sure to get a copy of your prenatal record 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 cost you may inquire if needed by providing your information on your record.

Fetal movement

Being aware of your baby's movement is very important. Any change or decrease in movement should be reported to your healthcare provider. For more information check out firstcandle.org for fetal kick count charts.

Getting labor induced

It is always better to go into labor

Skin to skin after delivery

Shortly after delivery 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.

Nine months to get ready for baby.

There is a lot to do to get ready for your new baby. Take classes, find a healthcare provider. get prenatal care, find a pediatrician. See more tips and my due date checklist at my website www.getready4baby.com Be a smart mom for your new baby by learning as much as you can before the baby arrives.

Pregnant ? when to go to the hospital.

1. When your water breaks, leaking fluid. 2. Regular contractions in your 9th month. 3. Heavy bleeding. 4. Change or decrease in fetal activity. 5. Other concerns notify your provider , headache, visual changes.

Getting to the hospital when you go into labor.

Labor is usually not a medical emergency in most cases. Dont call 911, they are not a taxi cab service. Have cab fare or a friend available that you can count on when you need to get to the hospital. Emergency medical services are there for life threatening emergencies.

Pregnant and away from home?

Ask your doctor for a copy of your prenatal records to keep with you at all times, in case you need to be checked out and your out of town or away from home. Can save lots of time and money on unnecessary tests.

Pregnancy, getting labor induced

It's usually best to go into labor naturally. There are situations when it is medically indicated to get induced. Find out more at my website getready4baby.com what you need to know before getting your labor induced.