Labour is the process of contractions and cervical opening that takes place for several hours before the birth of a baby. Labour is multidimensional; labour is work - it is all the steps you need to go through to birth your baby into the world.
Preparing for labour will prevent you from experiencing unnecessary fear and anxiety, and it can reduce your chances of burnout during the labour process. Meanwhile preparing for labour can enhance your chances of a positive birth experience. I have written about how to prepare for birth here. Preparing for labour is, just like preparing for birth, a process that is best done over time. It's not just a case of how labour unfolds, although a crucial part of the preparation, but about learning where your challenges and strengths lie within the labouring process. Hence learning about the physical factors is only a part of it, taking time to tap into where you need to prepare is what takes time - such as;
Hence, all of these (and much more) is part of preparing for labour. It is a step by step learning journey that will take you to your most prepared physical and mental state. It is no secret that being unprepared can be a risk factor for traumatic and unpleasant labour and birth experiences. I suggest preparing for labour as early as possible in pregnancy.
Here are the fundamentals:
Preparing nutritionally could be your secret weapon for a better postpartum, more energy, more endurance during labour and birth, fewer complications and more joy. Too many women feel burnout before, during and after welcoming their baby and become at higher risk for postnatal complications, physically and mentally. I have supported women for over ten years in being and feeling their best in preparation for motherhood - and I would argue it is the most essential work you can do.
Yes it can. Being active is highly beneficial for your cardiovascular health, it will improve your breathing capacity and reduce unwanted pregnancy discomforts such as swelling, haemorrhoids, reflux and constipation. Avoiding as many of these before labour will undoubtedly make labour easier. Additionally, walking before and during labour will help your posture/alignment, your flexibility and thereby can improve your baby's positioning in your pelvis - which makes a big difference for how labour and birth unfold. Being stuck in a position during labour can be unhelpful for the process of labour and prevent your baby from descending smoothly.