by Freyda Tartak

Created on: December 13, 2011   Last Updated: February 23, 2012

There are so many unknowns during pregnancy that it is easy to drive yourself crazy with anticipation and worry. The best thing to do is to prepare as best you can and let the rest come as it may. All you can do is control what is within your power to manage. The rest will have to happen in its own due course. Having said this, there are definitely some things an expectant mother-to-be can do to prepare for labor and delivery.

Physical preparedness

Every pregnancy is different, just as every baby is different. Some come out as if on their own, while most require, for lack of a better word, labor. The better the physical state of the mother, the easier the labor will be. This means lots of rest, lots of floor exercises and lots of walking. It also means drinking lots of water, eating well-balanced meals, smaller and more ofter than usual, and watching excessive weight gain. It's a lot easier to put on than it is to take off so, if you can, watch those calories. 

Mental preparedness

Stress is not good at the best of times. During heightened hormonal hyperactivity it can really drive you batty, and that is without any onset of postpartum depression. Again, what you eat, how much physical activity you get and, how much quality rest you get are all significant contributors to a healthy mental state.

Now, a word about helpful advise. There is no stronger magnate for unsolicited advice than a pregnant belly. Take what people say for what it is worth ... not all that much. Politely change the topic and pay no mind to horror stories. Every second of every day happy healthy babies are born with no incidence and grow up to be happy, stable, strong, wonderful individuals. If somebody had a bad experience, it was their bad experience and does not mean that yours will be the same.

The hospital bag

When the baby does decide to come, you need to be ready. Make a check list of what you need, just as you would for a long weekend at a romantic getaway with the hottest guy on the planet. Of course the nighty should be something you can cover up for propriety, and fit. Just keep in mind that your boobs may prove to be in high demand pretty much right away so pack something that will make the easy to access and cover up as needed.

Pack a tooth brush, toothpaste, deodorant, a hairbrush and hair elastics. You'll look like a mess, guaranteed, but if your hair is long enough, consider what you can do to keep your hair from getting in your way. Piggy tails on either side,

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