Our Favorite 3rd Trimester Hacks to Help Make Labor Easier

Labor is a monumental event, and the third trimester is the perfect time to prepare for it. At Trusted Women’s Health Center, under the expert care of board-certified OB/GYN Sidiq Aldabbagh, MD, we provide expectant moms in Kendall and Miami, Florida, with the very best in third trimester obstetrics care.

Dr. Aldabbagh is deeply committed to fostering a strong doctor-patient relationship. Our entire team works diligently to ensure your comfort and satisfaction with your birth plan and delivery experience, emphasizing the importance of thorough preparation.

This blog explores our favorite third trimester hacks to encourage a smooth labor. Taking proactive steps now can make labor easier and more manageable.

Gentle exercise

Regular physical activity, like walking or prenatal yoga, helps strengthen your body for labor while improving flexibility and stamina.

These exercises can also encourage your baby to move into the ideal position for delivery. In general, most women need 1.5 hours of exercise weekly during pregnancy. Moderate-intensity exercise is ideal: Enough to get your blood pumping, but not enough to exhaust yourself.

Dr. Aldabbagh recommends a customized exercise plan based on your pregnancy needs.

Practice breathing techniques

Different breathing techniques can help make labor easier. Childbirth prep classes can help you learn methods like slow, light accelerated, and expulsion breathing techniques that you can use in the different stages of labor.

Knowing these breathing techniques can help you feel in control of the labor process while easing pain and making contractions more effective.

Perineal massage

Perineal massage, starting around 34 weeks, can help improve flexibility and may reduce the risk of tearing to make for a smoother and easier labor.  In addition, it can reduce the risk of complications like pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and urinary incontinence (UI) after delivery.

Review your birth plan

Your birth plan is a crucial part of planning for easier labor. Dr.  Aldabbagh discusses your wishes and goals for labor with you in detail well ahead of the event.

Knowing that you have a plan can offer great peace of mind and help you face labor with a positive approach.

Develop a flexible mindset

While having a birth plan is very helpful for expectant moms, it’s also important to recognize and understand that everything doesn’t always go to plan.

Sometimes unexpected medical events may happen: Labor may not progress or there may be a complication requiring immediate action during labor. Dr. Aldabbagh discusses these possibilities with you and explains how he may need to alter your birth plan in emergencies.

While our goal is always to help you have the birth story you want, many moms find it a great relief to know that we’ve got you covered if circumstances don’t cooperate.

Of course, these are just a few of the ways to prepare for labor during your third trimester. Our compassionate specialists at Trusted Women’s Health Center are here to support you throughout your pregnancy.

If you’re entering your third trimester and preparing for labor, contact us online or call 786-360-4334 to discuss how to make your labor as smooth as possible.