It is normal for women who get close to their due date to overthinking everything. Not only do they get worried about the labor itself, but also about the period after the baby comes. Once the nesting takes place, pregnant women want everything goes smoothly and perfectly. In that sense, in the last weeks of pregnancy, they are probably going through all the things which they will put into the hospital bag, the things for the baby’s room, etc. In all this overthinking, it is possible to worry about the worst-case scenarios. If you are pregnant and have found yourself in the previous sentences, it is probably a good idea to read the following article.
Even though these worst-case scenarios are highly unlikely to happen, potential troubles simply come to your mind. One of these potential troubles is “What to do if childbirth starts, and you are home alone, and you cannot get to the hospital?”
The odds for the abovementioned scenario to actually happen are small, but if this question worries you, this article will be helpful, at least to ease your mind. We have prepared 5 tips for you, just in case!
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1. Don’t panic!
The first most important thing you can do is relax. Probably everyone has been telling you that you must not be under stress during your pregnancy. Well, this applies especially to labor. Even though it is normal to be scared, especially if it is your first child, and everything is new to you, one of the best favors you can do yourself, and the baby is to breathe and calm down. Remember – panicking won’t solve anything. On the contrary, it will prevent you from reacting rationally and thinking objectively.
Source: cosmopolitan
2. Reality check!
After you have calmed down, it’s time for the reality check. In other words, you should check whether the contractions are the real ones and if the baby is really coming. The question is – how to know that? According to Yourdoctor.online, there are a few signs that your body is actually preparing for labor. Therefore, you can check your baby bump and look for the baby drop. This means that your bump changes its shape, and also, since the baby is in the lower position, you will feel less pressure on your chest. Hence, you will breathe more easily. Another thing you will signal that you are actually in labor is water break. If this happens, you may feel “like something is leaking, a sudden ‘pop’ or an all-out splash of water”. In any case, there are a couple of more signs that you are in labor, if you are interested in reading them, visiting Yourdoctor.online will be more than helpful!
3. 911!
If you are not able to get to the hospital, don’t worry. Grab your phone and call 911. They will take care of you. After all, they are the professionals who are there to help you. In any case, while you are waiting, the dispatcher will talk with you and be your psychological support, so you won’t feel all alone. Another thing regarding grabbing the phone – after you have called 911, think about calling the closest neighbor, friend, or family member. It is a good idea to call somebody who will keep calm during the whole process. If by chance, they cannot get to your house, they will surely stick by your side over the phone. Think carefully whom you can call, since people tend to react differently in a stressful situation. Therefore, call someone who will be calmer than you, because you don’t need more panic on your plate. Also, another piece of advice is to inform that person that you will call him or her if this scenario occurs. In that way, you will give them time to prepare as well.
Source: parents
4. Think about your great grandmother!
Even though it seems silly, it can help. Thinking about the fact that women in the past times often gave birth on their own will remind you that the female body knows how to do it. If they could, so can you, right? Also, women in rural areas often give birth at their homes, even today. Medical help is crucial, of course. But think about the fact that you can actually do it since these thoughts will keep you calm while you are waiting for professional help.
5. Try to resist pushing – until the help comes!
Even though your body will have the urge to push, try to postpone it for a little while, just until the doctors come. Doing this on your own could be potentially risky. Pushing too soon can cause the baby to come out too quickly. Also, it can damage your delicate tissue.
To conclude, giving birth while you are home alone will probably not happen. However, it is completely normal to worry about stuff like this, especially towards the end of your pregnancy. All you have to do is remind yourself that, even though you may be home alone, you are never all alone. You can call at least one person or 911. They will take care of you and the baby, without a doubt. Also, the most important thing is to take care of your mindset. Just like your brain can be extremely helpful, it can do more damage than good if you start panicking. Therefore, train it to think rationally if this situation, after all, happens. Our last piece of advice is to remember that the power is at your hands and that everything will be just fine!
