Prepare for the Big Day

Becky Deleon, R.N., director of the PregnaGym at West Hills Hospital in West Hills, Calif., recommends the following labor-prep exercises.

By Dana Sullivan

Photography By Ted & Debbie

Becky Deleon, R.N., director of the PregnaGym at West Hills Hospital in West Hills, Calif., recommends the following labor-prep exercises. They can be done throughout all stages of your pregnancy; aim to do them several times a week to help keep your body in top form.

"Whether or not you plan to have an epidural during labor, it's a good idea to practice several relaxation techniques and labor positions during the last few weeks of your pregnancy. You never know how quickly an anesthesiologist will be available to administer an epidural, and you may have to wait a while.If you've practiced some breathing exercises or positions that you know make you feel relaxed, you won't be as tense during the wait."
-- Susan Cooter, R.N.

Prepare for the Big Day
D-Day: Positions to Help You Through
Calm Your Mind & Body

Click here to see the workout.

From June/July 2007