Following instructions regarding diet, exercise, and medication is also important. Avoiding activities that could interfere with the induction process, substances that could harm your baby, and behaviors that increase your risk of infection are all essential.
Top "Dos" to Prepare for Being Induced - What Expecting Mothers Should Know?
Even small things make a lot of difference, so you can make your induction easier by following these dos in your daily routine.
Stay Active With Safe Routines
Gentle exercises like walking or stretching can be beneficial in helping your body prepare for labor. However, consult your healthcare provider before engaging in any physical activity.
Follow Your Healthcare Provider's Instructions Closely
Ensure you comprehensively understand the reasons for induction, the risks and benefits associated with the procedure, and the various methods that may be employed.
Stay Flexible
You should be ready to accept all the different changes, especially the sudden diversion of attention toward you. It might feel like everyone is a little too concerned, which can be annoying sometimes, but you must stay positive and calm your nerves. Yes, everyone is concerned about you, and yes, everything is about you, and this is a positive thing as now it is their time to appraise you and support you as much as possible.
Pack Your Hospital Bag in Advance
Prepare a bag full of things that will be for yours, your husband’s, or your baby’s support. This will give you more time to do other things before induction and will really take a weight off your shoulders when you have these things covered up.
We have attached two checklists for if you are having a normal delivery or even a c-section. You can download it and get it printed.
Stay Nourished with a Balanced Diet
It is advised by healthcare professionals to eat something light and have nutritious foods. You will need this energy during labor. To get a basic idea of what to eat before induction, you should have some foods, including the following:
- Whole Grains
- Fresh Fruits & Vegetables
- Lean Proteins
Stay Hydrated
You must drink a lot of water during the late stages of your pregnancy and before labor induction, as it will keep your body hydrated and all toxic materials out of it. Staying hydrated is a key factor in easy labor induction.
Bring Some Books or Movies
Of course, not everything goes as planned, and in case the time comes when you had been expecting to be past your delivery and would be entertaining your baby, but instead, your doctor could not find any positive dilations in your cervix. Then, at this time, you would need to divert your attention from worrying and thinking about some superficial scenarios.
Try To Keep Your Stomach Empty
An empty stomach means you will be saved from discomfort during your labor. As soon as your labor is induced, every possible care and comfort is given to the mother, but if you have any unease in your stomach, it will keep you very uncomfortable. So it is advised to keep your stomach empty and not eat food for at least 3-4 hours before induction.
Have Groceries Stocked Up
You should stock up on all major groceries and edibles before going to the hospital, as when you come back home, it would be most convenient to have all your vegetables and fruits available and ready to eat. You won’t have to worry about making food for your family, especially if you don't have a joint family.
Get A Good Sleep
Considering the drastic amount of pressure and energy to be used the next day, having a good night's sleep is a must. It will provide you with calmness and keep you fresh the next day.
Take Hot Baths & Do Yoga
Both of these things are medically prescribed. Hot baths relax all your body muscles and calm your nerves. This helps give you energy and prepare you for the big day. Also, if you haven't done stretching or yoga during your pregnancy, you should not try this, as this may cause muscle damage.
Make Childcare Arrangements and Plan Ahead
Making childcare arrangements and planning ahead is essential to preparing for labor induction. Having a trusted caregiver who can look after your other children or pets during your hospital stay is important. Ask a family member or friend to help or hire a professional caregiver. It's also important to ensure a backup plan in case your primary caregiver is unavailable.
Plan by preparing a list of emergency contacts, discussing your birth plan with your caregiver, and ensuring that your children are familiar with your caregiver and any new routines necessary during your hospital stay. By making childcare arrangements and planning, you can reduce stress and ensure that you and your family are prepared for the arrival of your new baby.
Keep a Positive Mindset and Prepare Mentally
Keeping a positive mindset and mentally preparing is important for labor induction. Feeling anxious or nervous is normal, but staying positive and focusing on the end result can help you feel more relaxed and confident. Consider taking a childbirth education class or practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation to help you prepare mentally.
Surround yourself with positive support from your partner, family, and friends, and don't be afraid to ask for help or support when you need it. Remember that every labor and delivery is unique and that it's important to be flexible and open to changes in your birth plan. By keeping a positive mindset and preparing mentally, you can approach your induction with confidence and peace of mind.
Top Don'ts to Keep in Mind Before Being Induced - What Expecting Mothers Should Avoid
Here are some don'ts to consider before the procedure. By adhering to these don'ts, expectant mothers can be better prepared for the induction process and improve their overall experience during this critical phase of childbirth. But remember, it's important to consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and support.
Essential to Ask Questions Before Induction
Many women hesitate to ask questions and accept what's happening, but this is not a healthy practice, as this may become the reason for a lot of unneeded stress. So, stay open to asking as many questions as you have in your mind regarding your baby, labor, and pregnancy. No one will judge you or mock you for not knowing even the basics, as this is what medical professionals are there for.
Avoid Drinking Alcohol or Caffeine-Containing Beverages
Not just caffeine and alcohol, but almost all those types of beverages that dehydrate you and affect your normal consciousness are harmful to you during this period. You should keep your body clean from any intoxicant and stay hydrated as much as possible.
Avoid Heavy Meals Before Labor Induction
Oily and greasy meals are usually categorized as "heavy meals." They contain high levels of fat and carbohydrates, which take a lot more time to digest than proteins and light meals. This can cause discomfort or make you feel heavy during the induction process.
Avoid Hard Physical Activities
Although light yoga, walking, and relaxing exercises positively affect labor induction, vigorous exercise or training is not recommended. Getting involved in aggressive activities like rigorous sex, brutal training, etc., may cause your mucus plug to fall earlier than the ideal time.
Refrain From Taking Any Over-The-Counter Drugs
It is common practice to be your own doctor and take over-the-counter drugs without a professional’s prescription, depending on past experiences. This can cause a lot of harm from side effects to you and your baby, as a medical professional accesses many things while prescribing you medicine, and it is valid for only the amount of time it is advised.
Don't Schedule Non-Emergency Procedures or Activities
Before being induced, it's important to avoid scheduling non-emergency procedures or activities that could interfere with the induction process. This includes activities such as dental work, elective surgeries, or non-essential appointments that may need rescheduled. It's important to prioritize your health and safety and to focus on preparing for labor and delivery. Avoiding non-essential procedures and activities can help ensure a successful induction and reduce your risk of complications. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact your healthcare provider for guidance and support.
Don't rely on at-home induction methods
It's crucial to avoid using unproven or potentially harmful techniques to induce labor at home, such as herbal remedies or self-administered enemas. Always consult a medical professional for guidance.
Don't ignore your emotions
Induction can be a stressful experience for many expectant mothers. Communicate your concerns and feelings with your healthcare provider or a support person to help you cope with any anxiety or apprehension.
Don't Use Natural or Alternative Remedies Without Consultation
It's important to avoid using natural or alternative remedies before labor induction without consulting with your healthcare provider first. Some natural remedies can be unsafe or ineffective and may interfere with the induction process. It's important to prioritize your health and safety by following your healthcare provider's recommendations and avoiding potentially harmful substances.
Don't Use Substances That Can Harm Your Baby
Before labor induction, it's crucial to avoid using any substances that could harm your baby, such as alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs. These substances can increase the risk of complications during delivery and have long-term effects on your baby's health and development. It's important to prioritize your baby's health and safety by abstaining from these substances during pregnancy and delivery.
Don't Engage in Risky Behaviors or Increase the Risk of Infection
Before labor induction, avoiding engaging in risky behaviors or activities that could increase your risk of infection is important. This includes avoiding contact with sick individuals, practicing good hand hygiene, and avoiding risky sexual behaviors. By prioritizing your health and safety and taking steps to reduce your risk of infection, you can help ensure a safe and successful induction process.
Don't Stress Over the Unknown - Stay Calm and Prepared
Before labor induction, feeling anxious or uncertain about what to expect is normal. However, it's important to stay calm and prepared and focus on caring for yourself and your baby. Consider taking a childbirth education class, speaking with your healthcare provider, and surrounding yourself with positive support to help you feel more confident and prepared. You can approach your induction with peace and confidence by staying calm and prepared.
Nutritious Meal Ideas for Expecting Mothers Before Labor Induction
The best meals for normal, healthy individuals are the same as those for a pregnant woman nearing labor induction. These types of foods include:
How Long Does Induction Take?
Labor induction can range from a few hours to several days. It usually depends on the response of the woman's body. Considering the situation, if the cervix is ready for labor, induction can be done in just a few hours. On the other hand, if the cervix is not ready, the process may be divided into several days for ease of induction.
What To Do The Night Before Induction?
The night before your induction day and the day preceding it are of utmost importance, and only one wrong decision can put you through many problems during your delivery.
- It would be best to eat a nutritious and balanced meal with lean proteins, fresh fruits & vegetables, and whole grains.
- You should stay positive and surround yourself with your loved ones, like your friends and family.
- You should ensure you have packed your hospital bag with everything you need.
- You should take a hot bath, calm your nerves, do yoga, and listen to calming music.
- You should follow up with your healthcare provider and the hospital for confirmation of every detail and also re-check everything for any last-minute missing items.
FAQs
How Long Does Induction Take For First-Time Moms?
This usually depends on many factors, but it can range from a few hours to up to two to three days. If you are a first-time mom and are being induced before your full term, it may take even more time.
How To Pass Time During Labor Induction?
You will have plenty of free time if your induction is going to be done in parts. To pass this time, you can play games, read books, listen to music, watch movies, practice relaxation techniques, and even walk if your healthcare provider allows.
Should I Take A Shower Before Induction?
It is usually a good idea to shower before you go to the hospital for induction, as in some cases, it can take more than just one day for your induction process to be completed. But it is good to discuss it beforehand with your doctor, as in some cases, the gynecologists do not advise it.
What Should I Wear When Being Induced?
Usually, loose and comfy dresses are advised when you get admitted. It helps with easy movement. You should avoid wearing very tight dresses, like jeans, or layering different clothes. Maternity bras and underwear are also recommended, along with robes and comfortable shoes.
When Should I Stop Eating Before Induction?
You should stop eating solid foods about 6–8 hours before your induction, but you can have a liquid intake before your induction starts. Once the contractions start, it is advised not to eat or drink. The reason behind it is that having a full stomach during labor induction can cause vomiting, which can even be fatal if the vomit is inhaled into your lungs.
