Preparing for the Big Day: What Every Expecting Mother Should Know

As your due date approaches, excitement and anticipation start to mingle with a touch of nervousness. Preparing for birth is more than just packing a hospital bag; it’s about understanding what to expect, equipping yourself with tools to manage the process, and taking steps to ensure you’re ready emotionally and physically. Here’s everything you need to know to feel confident, prepared, and even a bit excited for the big day.

Understanding the Stages of Labour

The first step to feeling prepared is knowing what to expect when labour begins. Labour typically unfolds in three stages, each with its own signs, experiences, and needs.

1. Early Labour (Stage One)

Early labour can feel different for every mum, but it often starts with mild contractions, which may feel like strong menstrual cramps. These contractions gradually become more regular and closer together. For some, early labour lasts just a few hours, while for others, it can stretch over a day or even longer.

How to Prepare for Early Labour:

Stay Relaxed: Try to rest and save your energy; this is just the beginning.

Hydrate and Snack: Keep yourself hydrated and fuelled with light snacks to stay energised.

Have a Soothing Activity Ready: Distraction is helpful. Many mums enjoy reading, watching a favourite film, or even doing a simple puzzle.

2. Active Labour (Stage Two)

As contractions intensify and become more regular, it signals that active labour has begun. This is when it’s usually time to head to your birthing location if you’re not there already.

Tips for Active Labour:

Practice Breathing Techniques: Controlled breathing helps manage discomfort and keeps you grounded. Slow, deep breaths can be surprisingly powerful.

Use Movement: Many women find comfort in swaying, walking, or leaning over an exercise ball. Movement can help baby descend and ease discomfort.

Don’t Hesitate to Ask for Pain Relief: Pain relief options range from gas and air (Entonox) to an epidural. If you’re considering pain relief, talk it over with your doctor or midwife.

3. Delivery of the Placenta (Stage Three)

After your baby is born, there’s one final step: delivering the placenta. This stage usually happens quickly and is often assisted by a small injection, but it’s a natural part of the birthing process that completes the journey.

Packing the Essentials: Your Hospital Bag Checklist

Packing your hospital bag well ahead of time—around 36 weeks—is a great way to ease some last-minute stress. Here’s a list of essentials for both you and baby:

For You:

Comfortable Clothing: Bring a nightdress or loose clothing that you don’t mind getting messy. A robe and slippers are great for extra comfort.

Toiletries: Pack essentials like a toothbrush, lip balm, moisturiser, and hair ties.

Snacks: Labour can be long, and small snacks like granola bars, dried fruit, and nuts can be lifesavers for energy.

Phone and Charger: For updating family, snapping first photos, and entertainment.

For Baby:

Onesies and Hats: Newborns can’t regulate their temperature well, so pack a few soft, warm onesies and a hat.

Nappies and Wipes: Newborn nappies and gentle wipes are essentials.

Blanket: A soft blanket for keeping baby cosy on the way home.

Don’t Forget! If you have a birth plan, bring a printed copy to share with your medical team. It’s also worth bringing any notes from antenatal appointments.

Creating a Birth Plan (And Knowing When to Be Flexible)

A birth plan can be a fantastic tool to communicate your preferences. Here are a few things you might consider including:

Pain Relief Preferences: Do you have preferences for or against certain pain relief methods?

Birthing Positions: Some women prefer certain positions, like standing, squatting, or sitting upright.

Skin-to-Skin Contact: Many mums want immediate skin-to-skin contact with their baby after birth.

Partner’s Role: Outline how your partner or support person can be involved.

While a birth plan is great, flexibility is key. Labour is unpredictable, and the most important thing is ensuring both you and your baby are safe and healthy.

Mental and Emotional Preparation

Preparing for the birth of your child isn’t just about the physical side; emotional readiness is equally important. Anticipation, excitement, and some natural anxiety are all part of the experience. Here are a few ways to nurture emotional resilience:

1. Educate Yourself

Knowledge is empowering. Consider attending antenatal classes that provide insights on everything from labour to baby care. Learning about the stages of labour and what your body goes through can help you feel more prepared and less apprehensive.

2. Visualisation and Positive Thinking

Positive visualisation can be surprisingly effective. Try picturing a calm, safe delivery where you’re surrounded by support and are in control. This mental exercise helps build confidence.

3. Practice Self-Compassion

Pregnancy and birth are unique for every mum. Be gentle with yourself and remember that no birth experience is “perfect.” Embrace the journey and know you’re doing your best.

4. Talk to Other Mums

Connecting with other expecting or experienced mums can help alleviate worries and answer any lingering questions. Hearing others’ experiences can provide you with reassurance and new perspectives.

Preparing Physically for Birth

Physical preparation can make a big difference in how you feel during labour and delivery. Gentle exercises and stretches can strengthen the muscles needed for delivery and make recovery smoother.

1. Pelvic Floor Exercises

Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles can help with delivery and reduce the risk of postpartum issues, like incontinence. Simple Kegel exercises (tightening and releasing your pelvic floor muscles) are easy to do anytime, anywhere.

2. Prenatal Yoga

Yoga is a fantastic way to maintain flexibility, alleviate tension, and practice breathing techniques. Even just 15 minutes a day can make a difference. Focus on poses that open the hips, ease back pain, and relax your mind.

3. Walking

Walking is a gentle, effective way to stay active throughout pregnancy. It’s a low-impact exercise that keeps you fit and helps baby move into a good position for birth.

Post-Birth Preparation: What to Expect in the Fourth Trimester

The weeks after birth, often called the fourth trimester, are a time of incredible change. Here’s a bit of what to expect as you begin life with your newborn.

1. Prioritising Rest

Your body will need time to recover, so don’t rush yourself. Rest as much as possible and take it easy—especially in the first couple of weeks. If family or friends offer help, take it!

2. Newborn Care Basics

From nappy changes to feeding, life with a newborn is a whirlwind of new tasks. Don’t worry if you feel unsure; this phase is a learning experience, and you’ll find your rhythm. Midwives and health visitors can offer guidance if you need it.

3. Emotional Adjustments

The post-birth period can be an emotional rollercoaster, and many mums experience the “baby blues” in the days after delivery. Hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and the demands of caring for a newborn can be overwhelming. Make sure to share your feelings with loved ones or a healthcare provider. Remember, it’s okay to ask for support.

Building a Support Network for the Journey Ahead

Creating a strong support system can make the difference between feeling isolated and feeling understood. Surround yourself with people who lift you up and provide practical help, whether it’s a partner, friends, family, or even a local mums’ group.

1. Lean on Family and Friends

Having trusted friends and family members available for emotional support, errands, or a shoulder to lean on is invaluable.

2. Join a New Mum Group

Connecting with other mums can offer emotional support and shared understanding. Many antenatal clinics and local centres organise groups for new mothers, where you can swap advice, celebrate milestones, and share experiences.

3. Keep Communication Open with Your Partner

Pregnancy and birth are transformative experiences for both parents. Keep communication open with your partner, discussing your feelings, hopes, and any concerns. A strong connection between you will provide a solid foundation for welcoming your new baby.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Journey

Preparing for birth is as much about caring for yourself as it is about preparing for your little one. As you navigate the final weeks of pregnancy, remember that every step you take to nurture yourself helps build a safe, loving environment for your baby. Take each moment as it comes, lean into your support system, and trust in your body’s ability to bring life into the world.