Third Trimester
Third TrimesterCongratulations, you have made it to your 3rd trimester. Your little one is packing on some weight and you feel her kicks and stretches even more powerfully now. You are super excited to meet her BUT have patience because there is a lot of developing she still needs to do before she can safely come earth side. Soon she will be in your arms.
As your delivery date approaches, the reality that labor is coming becomes more real. You HAVE to give birth to this baby.
At this point in your pregnancy, you should be thinking about or working on your birth plan (lets people specifically know what you DO and DO not want during labor, delivery and the immediate postpartum period). Some people want their goals written out, others just talk to their support people and make sure everyone is on the same page. Do whatever makes you feel the most comfortable.
Labor questions to ask your provider:
- WHO will be delivering my baby? Again, is the OB or Midwife in a solo practice or in a group with other professionals? If a solo practice, ask who their back up/on call professional is. If a group practice, do I get to meet or schedule visits with the other doctors? What is your on call day?
- Will you be at the hospital the entire time or do you come and go based on how I am progressing in labor?
- When can we discuss my birth plan?
- Are you ok with me NOT delivering on my back?
- What is your position on inductions? Why would you induce me?
- Vacuum and forceps usage?
- Do I have to have an IV upon arrival? Oxytocin?
- What monitoring do you recommend when I go into labor? External or internal?
- Will you delay cord clamping?
- Should I keep a copy of my prenatal records with me?
- Do you perform cervical checks? If so, how often?
- When labor begins, at what point should I call you?
- Do you support vaginal breech births?
- What is your c-section rate? Episiotomy rate? In what situations would you perform one?
- How long will you let me go after my due date?
Understanding all your options and getting all your questions answered can help alleviate your fears, put you at ease to feel safe, informed and supported during your pregnancy and your labor and delivery.
Give me a call today to learn how I can help you feel the same way once your baby is in your arms and you are in the comfort of your home.
In Part Two of this blog, I will discuss some of the topics that solicit advice and help you let the advice giver know that you value their thoughts and want to work together and educate each other for the safest outcomes. You may want to take a more gentle approach with someone who seems truly well-meaning, but a more firm approach with someone who seems to be coming from a place of criticism.
