Water is Wonderful

I am now 23 weeks pregnant and water is so great! Being that it's summer and quite warm some days does have something to do with it, but the pool and the beach are so wonderful because I can submerge myself in water and take all the weight and pressure off my legs, back, and hips. I love the feeling of being in the water. There are so many movements I can do in the water and I probably wouldn't be able to do on land bearing my own weight. So I get to relax, move some muscles around that wouldn't normally be moved in that manner, and I also get to practice my relaxation.

Why do I practice relaxation? In hopes of an easier labor and delivery experience of course. I've learned that the more relaxed your body is, the more efficiently it progresses through the birthing process. Of course, staying relaxed and calm during a contraction isn't easy. So I'm practicing relaxation and breathing now so that I can, hopefully, become better and better at getting my body and mind into a relaxed state, and, therefore, be able to do it during contractions as well.

One of the things I visualize when I practice is being "weightless" in the pool. I only wish that I would have the opportunity to labor in water. I could, of course, fill up my bathtub at home and labor there before going to the hospital, but based on previous labor experiences, I probably won't have time for that. Or, if I do get in my own tub, chances are baby WILL be born, unattended, at home which I don't want. So, I'll just have to use my imagination and pretend I'm surrounded by comforting water.

Ah yes....right now, water is my friend.