Prepare
“Prepare” is the Mercy Perinatal podcast dedicated to helping parents prepare for the journey of pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenthood. “Prepare” is hosted by Dr Rangi De Silva (specialist female obstetrician and gynaecologist) and Alison Abboud (registered midwife and nurse) who are joined by special guests along the way.
We know that becoming a parent can be an exciting but daunting experience. We've created this podcast to provide parents with the information and resources they need to feel confident and prepared every step of the way. Our expert hosts and guests will share their evidence-based knowledge and experience on topics ranging from pre-conception, pregnancy, birth and postpartum. We want to empower parents with the tools and knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their pregnancy and baby's health.
We are thrilled for you to join us on this exciting journey of parenthood with "Prepare."
Prepare
The Stages of Labour: Stage 1 - Early (Latent) Labour
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In this episode, Dr Rangi is joined by midwife Erica Spessot as they continue their six-part series exploring the stages of labour, right through to your baby’s Birth Day.
This episode focuses on the early (latent) phase of the first stage of labour. It explores the lead-up to pushing, which can begin days- or even weeks- before birth, as your body prepares and starts giving you signs of what’s to come.
Topics covered in this episode include:
- Nesting
- Braxton Hicks contractions
- Prioritising self-care
- Changes to the cervix (thinning and shortening)
- Mucous plug and discharge
- Key hormones, including oxytocin and melatonin
- Contractions
- Other symptoms that may occur during this stage
- When to contact your healthcare provider for advice
Stay tuned for the next episode, where Rangi and Erica take a deep dive into the next phase of Stage 1- Active Labour - so you know what to expect every step of the way.