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Have you ever over-extended your foot and it cramped up?
I remember that it happened a lot at the end of my pregnancy with Silas and it's starting to happen again. Last night I got a cramp up my whole calf in the middle of the night. It was really, really painful.
My first response is to tense up, say, "ow, ow, ow," and walk/jump around on it. But (as dorky as it might sound) I really feel like this is preparing me for childbirth. So, I choose to relax and wait for it to pass.
I've been blessed with really easy labor/deliveries. Of course, it's still giving birth, so while not exactly fun and enjoyable, it's not as horrible or painful as I've heard. And, it's super fast. Most of the reason for this is just the grace of God. Some people assume I have a high tolerance for pain. The opposite is true- I have no tolerance for pain.
But, the other part is that I've prepared myself a lot for giving birth. I've read lots of books and they say that contractions are just that- our muscles contacting to push the baby out. Tensing up just works against what your body is naturally doing. So, during birth I relax my body and think of something other than the pain. I choose not to let my body tense up and I don't scream.
When giving birth to Silas I sat in the tub (I had waterbirths with Judah and Samuel), in silence, in the dark, thinking about what my baby would look like, what color hair he would have, etc...
So, when I have the cramps in the middle of the night I practice relaxing and breathing and not freaking out over the pain. And, I look forward to the day (very soon!) when my newest little babe will be here.
And, my biggest babe will be 5 tomorrow!
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I never knew what a leg cramp was until I was pregnant with Zachary and then WOW! OWE!
ReplyDeleteIs yours your foot or your calf?
Mine was the in the calf, in the middle of the night when I was least aware. With that one I found that if I pulled my foot up toward my leg (toes pointing up toward me) that would ease it pretty fast.
I got so I could feel the cramp about to hit; pull my foot up and avoid the cramp altogether - even in my sleep!
Haven't had hardly a one this last pregnancy:-)
You are looking lovely Morgan. When I am six months along, people ask if I'm due any time! Har-har.
;-)
Enjoy - it all goes too fast as well you know!
I've heard this exact thing - it's from Supernatural Childbirth, right? When I watched my sister give birth twice, the nurses explained that her being calm and not thrashing around or screaming was making her more comfortable - that mind-over-matter is huge in labour. I hope I can remember and do all these things when it's my turn in March!
ReplyDeleteAny other tips... please pass them along! :)
I hate the leg cramps! I never thought of relaxing through those, it's a good idea!
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to read about someone else with pleasant births. My last one was fast, but the first was 41 hours. They were both wonderful water births, though! We just found out we're expecting #3 & I can't wiat for that birth!