Pregnant on pilates ball
In the third trimester of pregnancy, between weeks 26 and 30 of gestation, it is time to do the maternal education course. You may consider not doing it, because by now you will be exhausted. The belly will be a considerable size and you may be lazy.
What it may seem is that it is an exclusive course of preparation for childbirth. But, those classes are much more than tips for giving birth. Above all If you are a newcomer, you should not stop going.
Classes are once a week and are taught by the midwife of the health center. They usually last about 2 hours and are done for 5 or 6 weeks. It is a class so you should bring a pen and paper, you will have to take note of important things.
What does the maternal education course consist of?
The first class is a first contact. You will all introduce yourselves, talking a little about your pregnancy. What the matron seeks to know a little to guide her in the classes.
The topics that are usually covered are:
- Changes in a woman's body during pregnancy. If you have pimples on your body, if your belly itches or what changes are you undergoing in your internal organs.
- Everything related to the time of delivery. When you should go to the hospital and when not, how to recognize if you are in labor or what you should do before going to the hospital.
- Puerperium, or postpartum. How to heal if you have stitches and in general important recommendations to take care of yourself after childbirth.
- Breastfeeding and newborn. The midwife explains how to position your baby for successful breastfeeding and what it means to breastfeed on demand. As for the newborn, they will be practical advice for their first days of life. The first bath, taking care of the umbilical cord, changing the diaper or the importance of maintaining the baby's temperature.
- The last day will be a review class. Important to ask all the questions that arise.
Is it really necessary to attend these classes?
Absolutely YES. It is not only important because of the topics we have listed. In each class a part of exercise is done on a fitness ball, this serves to prepare the birth canal, and will help you during contractions. Also you will learn to breatheThis part is very important since during labor it is vital to maintain correct breathing for the health of the baby.
In addition, breathing will help you control the nerves that you may suffer during the day of delivery, and days before. The midwife will also talk to you about the importance of walking, she will surely have mentioned it from the first consultation, but above all In the last weeks it will be important that you walk as much as you can.
Other things covered in the classes
During the sessions, the importance of strengthen the pelvic floor, not only in pregnant women. It is something that all women should do since we will all go through menopause. Also you will teach how to do perineal massages, this helps the elasticity of the skin in this area, and can prevent episiotomy.
Perhaps in one of the classes, you will have a special talk about the umbilical cord preservation. It is good to have all the information possible so that you can talk about it at home and take it into account before the delivery arrives.
The importance of going with a companion
It is basic that the person who will accompany you in the delivery attend with you, at least on the day that the corresponding topic is discussed. Whether it is your partner, your mother or your sister, whoever you choose should know what their role will be on the day of delivery. Unfortunately midwives do not always allow it, which should be mandatory.
And if he can accompany you to all the classes, let him do it, because the newborn will have to be attended by both of you. It is not the same to explain it yourself, than to hear it from a professional.
If you are unlucky enough to find a center that does not allow a companion, claim. Do not hesitate and put a claim sheet.
It is something that we should not consent to since you will not be alone at the time of your delivery. The person who is with you has to know how to behave and everything they will have to do to help you.
As an incentive, They will give you several baskets for your baby, which come great with lots of samples that you will definitely use.