As you get closer and closer to the big day, it’s important to enjoy the present, the process and the present that will soon be delivered (pun intended!). With this arrival, have you considered any special or significant ways you’d like to greet, welcome and/or honour the new addition to your family? Perhaps you’d like to carry your baby in a cradleboard or wrap them in a moss bag; maybe you’ve picked out the soundtrack or specific sacred verse; perhaps there is a naming ritual, exposure to the environment or the sharing of sweets. Whatever your preference is, this is YOUR journey! Sharing these intentions with your maternity provider can help create awareness and advocacy for your wishes.
Healthcare Visit Schedule
It’s incredible to see how your body has changed — after all, you’re a Life Giver! Now is a time of accelerated growth for your baby, so focusing on your holistic wellness and the well-being of your growing baby will be key. Visits during this phase will ideally be in person and will likely be with your maternity care provider. However, in some situations, you may have additional team members too <strong>[NOTE: Link to expanded text/blog info about Choosing a Provider]</strong>. Topics covered may vary depending on the provider, but generally, here’s what you should expect from these checkups, in addition to the regular monitoring:
Thinking Ahead?
We know staying on top of all those visits can feel like a lot (especially when you’re so close to the finish line!), so we’ve put together a schedule with a few highlights so you know what to expect in the weeks ahead. While thinking ahead can be useful, you may also choose to pause, reflect and connect with any loved ones that might also be in count-down mode. By what names do elders, aunties, siblings or your besties wish to be referred to with your little one (and vice versa)? Perhaps now is also a time when you’ll consider/confirm who you’d like to invite to attend your birth.
Birth Planning
If you’ve not done so already and if you’re still working, you may want to consider when/how to end your work period as you enter the late stages of pregnancy. Having contingencies or back up plans can also be useful since how often do we stick to ‘the plan’? As you start to shift focus on preparing for your baby’s arrival, reflecting on your birth plan preferences can nudge some reflection for you and perhaps those that will support you through labour and delivery. Is there a special way you want to capture the first few moments after your baby’s arrival – a particular ceremony you’d like to consider or perhaps a welcome song or prayer? Whether it’s work, birth plans or confirming who’s going to help in the first little bit after your baby comes, the resources we’ve selected aim to help you make informed decisions and plans for this time. Check out our links for valuable information on end-of-work plans and more.
Prenatal Classes
Late pregnancy is another time you might consider exploring prenatal classes. These sessions offer another avenue for you to feel better prepared and confident for labour, delivery and the early days of parenthood. You can learn useful breathing techniques, position changes in labour, and review various options that may be available to manage pain. Many types of prenatal classes are available, including online options, so see what might work best for you! Since some classes can be costly, speak with your maternity care provider or prenatal class instructor, as many classes offer spaces at reduced rates when needed. Check out our list of options in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.
Where to Deliver in Vancouver
Ideally, you have chosen your maternity care provider, which will likely determine what hospital you will deliver at based on their hospital privileges. This usually means that you will have been registered at your delivery hospital. Get a sense of what to expect by watching the video tours of <a href=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvHLKOY9Gys&t=1s” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>BC Women’s Hospital</a> and <a href=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iSXthzdrbk” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>St. Paul’s Hospital</a>. Whichever hospital you deliver at in Vancouver, we’ve selected resources that’ll help you feel like you know what to expect from where to park, who can accompany you, and where the closest snacks are, so you can focus on your journey and the experiences that lay around the bend!
Thinking Ahead?
Hey Mama, you’re getting close to the big day! There are a few things to consider as you prepare for the arrival of your little bundle! What are your thoughts about cord blood storage or donation? While these are options that are available at both delivery hospitals in Vancouver — it’s totally up to you. You might also consider delayed cord clamping, vaccinations to keep your little one healthy and protected and the injection and drops offered to newborns. Check out the Decisions to Prepare For topic in Labour and Delivery to explore topics related to your baby’s care and help you feel confident and prepared for your journey to (and through!) labour and delivery. We’ve got you covered every step of the way!
Discomfort and Pain
Back pain is a common discomfort that many pregnant women experience due to the changes in their bodies. As the baby grows, the weight can cause strain on the back. Sometimes too, as the uterus expands, it can put pressure on the sciatic nerve, leading to a shooting-type pain that can be felt in the back, buttocks or even further down towards the back of the thigh. While discomfort and pain during pregnancy are common, there are steps that can be taken to manage these symptoms. Simple exercises like pelvic tilts or gentle stretches can help lessen the pain. Prenatal massage, physiotherapy, acupuncture and appropriate heat therapy can also provide some relief. For the most part, these discomforts are a nuisance, but there are times when other assessments by your maternity provider can be helpful. Have a look to see at the resources we’ve curated for you to see if there are other steps you take to feel better.
Complications In Pregnancy
With all the possible complications that can occur, it almost seems miraculous how much of pregnancy progresses smoothly. Yet, issues such as high blood pressure during pregnancy can sometimes develop. While this can be improved with lifestyle choices for some, for others, a more hands-on approach might be required — whether that means extra monitoring, medications or other management options. Either way, your maternity care provider will be a key connection to help you stay informed about your potential risks and warning signs and what proactive steps you may be able to take to maintain the best possible health for you and your baby. Some of the more common complications have different ways they can show up. Check out the resources we’ve compiled for you on topics from high blood pressure or high blood sugar during pregnancy and more.
COVID-19 and Pregnancy
As COVID-19 continues, it’s natural to have concerns about how it may affect you today and throughout your pregnancy journey. Check out our COVID-19 page for resources and support, including information on vaccination during pregnancy. Stay informed and discuss any concerns with your maternity provider to discuss your specific situation.