Entering the Third Trimester: Prep for Cesarean Birth
Prenatal Care in the Third Trimester
At this point the frequency of your prenatal visits will increase. You probably just had or are about to take your gestational diabetes test. Read the Evidence on: Diagnosing Gestational Diabetes
At 36 weeks, your provide will offer a test for Group B Streptococcus. This is a common and normal bacteria that lives in the vaginas and anuses of about 10-30% of the population. It can cause issues for baby because they have an undeveloped immune system, so if you test positive, you will be recommended a course of antibiotics before baby is born if your amniotic sac ruptures. Read the Evidence on: Group B Strep for information on diagnosing and treating Group B Strep.
Physical Preparation in the Third Trimester
Here’s a few recommendations for very simple movements you can incorporate into your daily routine for creating more comfort in your body. Even when you are having a cesarean birth, physical preparation can make a huge difference in your birth and how your recovery goes after. Here is a link to movements you can incorporate into your daily routine to help prepare for birth.
6 Prenatal Exercises to Prepare for Cesarean Birth
Mental Preparation for Birth
The mind-body connection in pregnancy and birth is profound. I highly recommend you take a few minutes a day to yourself to listen to one of these to help prepare for birth.
Guided Pregnancy Meditation: Preparing for a C-Section
Guided Pregnancy Meditation: Relief from Insomnia
Find more guided meditations from Expectful here.
You can find positive cesarean birth videos by clicking this link.
