After several months spent watching your baby grow, the end of a pregnancy is both exciting and anxiety-ridden. But with a solid plan, you can embrace the third trimester in a relaxed and confident manner. As the premier birth center in Anacortes, WA, Island Hospital highlights a few tips to stay healthy and prepared as you await delivery. 

5 Ways to Prepare for Your Big Day at the Birth Center       

1. Sign up for Childbirth Class

The third trimester is commonly the time when expectant mothers start childbirth classes, such as Lamaze. These classes can help you and your partner prepare for the physical demands of labor, as well as introduce you to proper positioning and breathing techniques for a successful delivery.

2. Stay Hydrated

When pregnant women aren’t hydrated, the hormones and nutrients in blood delivered to the fetus can become more concentrated. In the latter stages of pregnancy, this can trigger premature labor. As such, it’s crucial for women to make sure they are drinking enough water throughout the day.

3. Pack Your Bags  

As soon as labor starts, your focus will shift to ensuring your new baby has everything they need. However, you’ll still need to be taken care of when you arrive at the hospital. To prepare, pack your hospital bags in advance with everything you need to stay comfortable and healthy. Keep your bag by the door so anyone can easily grab it when the time comes.

4. Prepare the Car Seat    

To make sure your newborn is safe on the ride home from the hospital, you’ll need to properly install an approved infant car seat in your vehicle. If you’re unfamiliar with car seats, use the third trimester to shop around for easy-carry options and practice taking it in and out of your vehicle.

5. Tour the Birth Center

Getting to the hospital when you’re in labor can be overwhelming and confusing. As such, it’s a good idea to tour the birth center ahead of time so you develop a solid understanding of the layout, the best place to park, and where to check in. If possible, ask your hospital if you can pre-register to make things simpler when delivery time arrives.

With a focus on helping expectant parents feel confident about their birthing experience, Island Hospital provides comprehensive resources to assist with labor and delivery. This Skagit County, WA-based birth center also offers skilled staff, comfortable rooms, and peaceful nursery amenities to help new mothers and their babies receive the best possible care. To learn more about the center, as well as the hospital’s emergency room and walk-in clinic services, visit their website. To schedule a tour of the facilities, call (855) 440-4200 to speak with a friendly staff member.