Host: What should a pregnant woman do to prepare for childbirth?

Dr. John Schmitt: Well, I would hope that they are preparing for childbirth through the entire pregnancy and not waiting till the third trimester. Usually, by the third trimester they are really gaining a bunch of knowledge as to what to expect in labor in delivery itself and I think one of the best ways to do that besides reading books is to go to classes.

If you can do prenatal classes, if your schedule will allow it and you and your significant other can go to classes that is a great way to gain knowledge as to what's going to happen because I really think knowledge is key with childbirth. I think fear of the unknown is a huge thing and knowing what to expect for most couples it really is important. In doing that we go through with them signs of labor, what to look for, what is sounds like real labor, what sounds like false labor, danger signs such as a marked decrease in fetal movement, leakage of amniotic fluid, what happens to them when they get to the hospital, what to expect there when they are admitted, what pain medicine options are available and things like that.