Don’t let your fears get the better of you. Here are tried-and-tested ways to stay chill in pregnancy…and labour
• IMAGINE A CALMING PLACE
Close your eyes and take deep, steady breaths. Imagine that you are in beautiful surroundings: Either a place you’ve visited or a place you conjure up from your imagination. Focus on bringing all the elements of the scene to life — from the colours you see to the sounds you hear. Try to “stay in the scene” for at least five minutes. Practise this daily for several minutes so that you’ll be ready on D-day.
• THINK OF THE BEST-CASE SCENARIO
Try this technique that top athletes use: Imagine yourself performing to the best of your ability during the birth. The theory is that if your mind is accustomed to good things happening, they will.
• REMEMBER TO BREATHE
When you start to feel fear, take a minute to be aware of your breathing. Breathe in slowly, and when you breathe out, imagine you are also exhaling all your anxieties and worries.
Take charge of your labour with these handy apps.
• MY BIRTH PLAN
(US$2.99/$4.20, on iTunes) Besides help with crafting your birth plan, use it to track your medical records, gynae appointments and store important contacts.
• BIRTHING METHODS
(US$2.99, on iTunes) A comprehensive guide to different birthing options. You can compare the pros and cons to figure out what’s best for you. Includes info on the Lamaze method and hypnobirthing.
• GUY’S GUIDE TO DELIVERY ROOM
(US$1.70, on Google Play) This humorous app guides dads-to-be on what to expect on D-day. Includes tips on what role to play in the delivery room, plus ways to comfort the wife and help her manage her pain.
• IBIRTH PREGNANCY, BIRTH & BABY
(free, on Google Play) It’s packed with information about prenatal nutrition, a contraction timer, videos on birth positions and even uplifting mantras.
• BABY KICKS MONITOR
(free, on iTunes) No need to worry about foetal movements as you approach the final weeks of your pregnancy, when you can use this app to record the date, time, duration and timing of the kicks at each “kick session”.
Photo: iStock