When you’re pregnant, you’re excited to meet your baby whether you’re having your first or fifth child. However, you’re also nervous about giving birth. Follow these tips to prepare yourself so you can look forward to your baby’s birthday without anxiety.
Talk to Your Doctor About Birth Options
There are many ways to give birth, from lying down on a hospital bed to floating in a pool of water. Depending on your hospital’s size and budget, it may not offer many options, but all hospitals offer both vaginal births and Cesarean sections. Generally, people who are in good health give birth vaginally to avoid having surgery. However, if your placenta is covering your cervix, if you or your baby experience cardiac distress, or if the baby is stuck, the doctor performs a C-section. Although this birthing method is not most people’s first choice, it’s an important measure for avoiding birth injuries.
Learn Your Insurance Company’s Maternity Coverage
People often complain about the high cost of raising a child, but just giving birth to one is expensive, too. Before you head to the hospital, reach out to your insurance company and find out how much of the bill is covered. Although all major American insurance companies include labor and delivery in their programs, the amount of coverage ranges from 25 to 90 percent. This information is also important to have if you’re considering special services such as a water birth. After all, you want to enjoy your time with your new baby when you leave the hospital rather than stressing about your bills.
Ask About Your Hospital’s Visitor Policy
Some new parents love visitors when their babies are newborns; others don’t want anyone to come to the hospital. Regardless of what camp you’re in, ask your doctor about your hospital’s visitor policy. That way, you can make it clear to your family and friends what the rules are before you’re in labor. If you have kids, don’t forget to ask about age limits. For example, some hospitals don’t allow children younger than 12 into maternity wards, although others make exceptions for siblings.
Getting ready for your baby takes lots of effort; you have to take care of your health and prepare your family for your newest member. However, your last months of being pregnant don’t have to be stressful. Take care of these practical concerns so that you can relax and enjoy your third trimester.
