Background information
Oh, my waters have broken!
by Norina Wartmann
Yay, we're pregnant or help our world is upside down?
5.5.2017
Translation: machine translated
The journey into the unknown begins with the knowledge that a little miracle creature is on its way. Nothing seems to be the way it used to be. Mountains of questions and uncertainties are just as much a part of it as tiredness, nausea and mood swings. I, Norina Wartmann, am a midwife and will tell you the story of Fabienne and Peter, who are expecting their first child.
There are thousands of questions associated with a pregnancy, especially if it's your first. Midwife care, nutrition, sex, holidays, sport, birth preparation and premature labour are just some of the topics that keep you busy. This was also the case for Fabienne and Peter. They are expecting their first child in 3 months and would like to have an induced labour. This means that the midwife they have chosen, who is now well known, will accompany them to the hospital or clinic for the birth and look after them until the end of the labour.
Relaxed getting to know each other
It's already dark when I make my way to Fabienne and Peter's house. I make my way in the dark, curious to see who I'm about to meet. Two beaming faces open the door for me and Peter greets me with the words: "Norina, it's nice to see you, everything's going well now!". Of course, not all greetings are so warm and honest. But it shows how much security it can give a couple to have someone by their side.
Questions on the topics of nutrition, holidays, sex and sport
There I am, getting to know these two people and their story. I listen patiently and answer lots of questions such as:
What do I need to look out for when it comes to nutrition during pregnancy?
A balanced diet is very important. You shouldn't eat for two, but rather eat twice as consciously. Drinking plenty of fluids and 2-3 cups of coffee a day is okay. Alcohol is taboo during pregnancy. Listen to your body, because it will tell you what it needs. You should be careful with products made from raw milk, eggs, raw and smoked meat/fish and ready-made salads, etc., due to the risk of
Listeria or toxoplasmosis.
Can we go on holiday again or is it not advisable?
Conditionally! The middle third of pregnancy is particularly suitable for this. Because at this time you often have plenty of energy and feel great. The last trimester is usually a little heavier and more strenuous as you head towards the final spurt and your body starts to round out completely. As long as you have a stable pregnancy, nothing stands in the way of travelling. It is best to go for another pregnancy check-up before travelling to make sure that everything is in order. Some airlines require a medical certificate to allow you to fly. This can be issued by your doctor.
...and, um, what about sex?
When your hormones dance, the baby dances with you. This is because the mother's messenger substances reach the baby via the placenta. This means that it senses when the mother is happy, but also when she is stressed. It is particularly important to stay in contact with the child in stressful situations. Explain to him why you are stressed and why it has nothing to do with him. This is also important after the birth. And if you're close to your due date, sex can even speed up the birth, as the sperm soften the cervix.
We would like to go to the mountains again. Is that possible?
Of course you can go hiking. Sufficient exercise is also recommended during pregnancy. You should just make sure that you don't go above 2000 metres above sea level during physical exertion. metres above sea level. In any case, you should avoid an altitude of over 2500 metres above sea level. metres above sea level, as the air is thinner and could lead to a poorer oxygen supply for the child.
Swimming, walking, yoga, Pilates, aqua aerobics, Nordic walking and dancing are particularly suitable sports during pregnancy. There is also nothing wrong with jogging as long as you are used to it. You should bear the following in mind when exercising during pregnancy:
- Do not overdo it!
- Listen to your body's signals and take a break or stop if you feel unwell, exhausted, short of breath or have a hard stomach!
- Don't exercise for too long and don't let your heart rate rise above 130 beats per minute
A healthy and stable pregnancy is a prerequisite! For the sake of you and your child, it is better to avoid sports where there is a high risk of falling or injury. There is also a risk of a ball hitting your stomach during ball sports. In any case, always listen to yourself and your body. You will realise on your own what is good for you.
Pregnancy examination and check-up with the midwife
It is well known that midwives look after women during labour and in the postnatal period. However, many pregnant women unfortunately do not realise that they can also be accompanied and examined by a midwife during pregnancy. We live in an age where we are inundated with information, which doesn't always make our lives easier. Fears are often fuelled and women are left to deal with them alone. This is where a midwife can support and advise you at an early stage. I find it a good model of care when pregnancy checks alternate between midwife and doctor. I use the example of Fabienne and Peter to explain what an examination by a midwife looks like.
Fabienne is lying comfortably on her sofa and I start by feeling her tummy. I then ask her about her baby's movements and check her heartbeat, which we can both hear. Peter looks at me questioningly: "It's amazing how fast the heart is beating! It sounds like a galloping horse. Does it have to be that fast?". I explain to Peter that her baby's heart beats 110-160 times a minute. I measure Fabienne's blood pressure and check her urine. I'm very happy with everything, which seems to reassure Fabienne. [[image:7753063]]
At every pregnancy check-up, we always analyse the urine for sugar and protein, measure the blood pressure and palpate the abdomen. We assess whether the height of the uterus corresponds to the current week of pregnancy. We feel the position of the baby in the uterus and listen to its heartbeat. We ask how the mother feels her baby and whether she has any questions or complaints. For many pregnancy complaints, there are simple tips and herbal remedies to alleviate them. We also talk about the different ways of preparing for labour, about hypnosis and about the birth itself. That evening, Peter realises that the risk of this child being born in a car is rather low, because unlike in Hollywood, giving birth is a process and takes hours.
How? Where? What? When? Why? Why? This new stage of life brings questions upon questions and we midwives are happy to accompany and support you through them. Next time I'll tell you how Fabienne and Peter's story continues. Birth preparation classes, premature labour and the sugar test are three exciting topics that are sure to feature in it.
Header image: Questions and uncertainties are as much a part of pregnancy as tiredness, nausea and mood swings. Midwives can help you with these uncertainties.
Midwife for 10 years and this with absolute passion. It is close to my heart that women are allowed to give birth in dignity, self-determined, protected and in their own rhythm. Creating a space where parents can welcome their children into this world undisturbed and lovingly is one of my greatest concerns. This requires a lot of flexibility. Births cannot be planned and neither can my life. The phone rings and I'm off... for how long, nobody knows exactly. Even a mother of two wonderful children, married to an understanding man and surrounded by many loving people. Without this fantastic environment and reliable help, my life would be different. <br><a href="http://hebammen-begleitung.ch/" target="_blank">www.hebammen-begleitung.ch</a>
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