At nine months pregnant and nearing delivery, many mothers hope for a natural birth. Natural birth is the safest and most beneficial delivery method for both mother and baby. However, only by fulfilling the following five aspects can you increase your chances of a natural birth.
1. Choose an appropriate age for childbirth
First-time mothers giving birth between ages 25 and 29 have a higher likelihood of natural delivery. Avoid childbirth after age 35, as advanced maternal age leads to stiffening of the birth canal, perineum, and pelvic joints, making dilation difficult. Reduced uterine capacity and vaginal elasticity can prolong labor and increase the risk of difficult delivery.Additionally, advanced maternal age increases the risk of complications like hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, often necessitating cesarean delivery.
2. Maintain balanced nutrition and manage weight during pregnancy
A normally sized fetus can pass through the pelvis smoothly. However, a macrosomic baby's larger head may become "stuck" at the pelvic inlet, making vaginal delivery impossible and requiring a cesarean section.Macrosomia is associated with excessive maternal nutrition, high fat intake, and insufficient physical activity. To manage newborn weight, pregnant women should engage in appropriate exercise during pregnancy, avoiding prolonged sitting or lying down. Consume more fresh vegetables and protein-rich foods while limiting carbohydrate-heavy, high-fat items like desserts, fried foods, and sugary beverages.Sweet beverages, fruits, etc. The ideal pregnancy weight gain is: 2 kilograms during the first trimester (within 3 months), 5 kilograms each during the second trimester (3-6 months) and third trimester (7-9 months). This totals approximately 12 kilograms. If total weight gain exceeds 20 kilograms throughout pregnancy, the baby may grow excessively large, making vaginal delivery inadvisable.
3. Schedule Regular Prenatal Checkups
Regular prenatal checkups are essential for early detection, timely correction, and treatment of issues, ensuring a smooth pregnancy and delivery for both mother and baby. Typically, 9 to 13 prenatal visits are recommended throughout the pregnancy.The initial checkup is usually scheduled at 4 months of pregnancy. From 4 to 7 months, checkups occur monthly. From 8 to 9 months, they are every two weeks. In the final month, weekly checkups are required. If abnormalities arise, follow-up appointments as scheduled by the physician are essential for timely intervention. Therefore, regular prenatal care is crucial for a smooth delivery.
4. Prepare for Delivery
One month before the due date, expectant mothers should learn about childbirth through doctors or literature to prepare mentally. Maintain normal daily routines and sleep patterns, consuming nutritious, easily digestible foods like milk and eggs to build sufficient physical strength for delivery.As labor approaches, maintain emotional stability. Once contractions begin, stay confident, actively cooperate with medical staff, and work toward a smooth delivery.
5. Increase Physical Activity
Regular exercise helps the baby engage in the pelvis while strengthening pelvic floor muscles and enhancing labor strength. However, when exercising outdoors, it's advisable to have a companion nearby in case of sudden emergencies. Below are recommended suitable exercises:
A. Walking
Walking helps the baby descend into the pelvis and relaxes pelvic ligaments, preparing for delivery. While walking, mothers can massage their abdomen and talk to their baby.Split walks into two sessions daily (e.g., morning and evening, 30 minutes each) or three shorter sessions (morning, afternoon, evening, 20 minutes each). Choose quiet, pollution-free environments—avoid walking along roadsides.
B. Prenatal Exercises Prenatal exercises are widely practiced internationally. They not only encourage fetal head engagement but also enhance pelvic floor muscle resilience and elasticity.
C. Mini Squats
Hold onto a table edge with both hands. Stand with feet flat and stable. Slowly bend your knees, lowering your pelvis until both knees are fully bent and legs are naturally apart. Then, slowly push up with your feet until your legs and pelvis are fully upright. Repeat several times.
D. Leg Circles
Hold onto the back of a chair. Keep your right leg stationary while drawing circles with your left leg. Return to the starting position, switch legs, and repeat. Perform 5-6 times in the morning and evening.
E. Waist Exercise
Hold onto the back of a chair. Slowly inhale while tensing your arms, rising onto your toes, and straightening your waist so your lower abdomen presses against the chair back. Then slowly exhale, relax your arms, and lower your feet. Perform 5–6 times each morning and evening.
F. Pelvic Exercises
Kneel on all fours. Inhale while arching your back. Exhale while lifting your head and raising your upper body as high as possible. Repeat 10 times.
G. Stair Climbing
Many doctors advise expectant mothers past their due date with no signs of labor: "Go climb some stairs!"Indeed, stair climbing strengthens thigh and gluteal muscles while aiding fetal engagement in the pelvis, accelerating the onset of active labor. Mothers can climb stairs in their apartment building daily or walk on gentle hills in the afternoon. Rest promptly if fatigued, and remain mindful of footing when descending stairs for safety.