As the days lead up to and potentially go beyond your due date, your level of anticipation grows exponentially. As Mom-to-be grows more and more uncomfortable and your months of preparation are complete, it is easy to start to think of your perfect delivery plan. The good news is that you will soon meet your bundle of joy, but the bad news is that your “perfect delivery” will almost assuredly not come as you have planned. Now is the perfect time to realize that your baby holds the power, so get used to it.
At first glance, planning for the perfect circumstances leading up to delivery seems harmless enough. You can spend hours hoping that your little one decides to join the world on a weekend, after you have everything prepared at work and when the roads are clear of traffic. You can even pick the perfect day to become a family, but odds are that you won’t be correct. Each of these daydreams will only lead to unnecessary disappointments when your little one shows you that he is in control and that he will come when he feels like it, thus leaving your “perfect plan” in the dust. The marathon of a
pregnancy has enough ups and downs and you don’t need any other disappointments when your baby doesn’t show up on grandpa’s birthday, like
you had planned.
Although in the end, your baby is control of your first meeting, there are some actions that you can take that will help you to feel like you are in some control over delivery, although I wouldn’t be confident enough to put a lot of money on your baby board at work.
1. Sex: The same thing that got you into this
situation can also get you out of it. Most literature suggests that sex helps to start the
labor process, but I’m not entirely sure that any man has actually been able to put this theory to the test. Best of luck to anyone who tries, because the seduction of an uncomfortable nine month pregnant woman is the stuff that legends are made of.
2. Walking: Now this is something that you can definitely convince your ever growing and uncomfortable wife to do. By walking you are able to use gravity to push your little one down and out. It also helps to control the baby weight, for both mom and
dad.
3. Eating: Different foods are said to have the ability to encourage labor to begin. Whether you eat spicy foods (Note: Don’t try Option 1 followed by a trip to Taco Bell), pineapple or other
delicious items, eating these things can’t hurt. At the very least you will enjoy a delicious meal and, in the process, feel like you are in more control than you actually may be.
The most tried and true method to inducing labor is waiting for baby to impose his will and start the process when he is good and ready. Remember that your due date is just an estimation and that your baby will come when he is supposed to. While making some adjustments to your daily routine will help you to feel that you have some control over the arrival of your little one, knowing that you have no control is critical. Use the time that you have left to appreciate your sleep and your status as a couple, because life as a family isn’t as calm or quiet.
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