WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

To Shower or Not to Shower Before the Maternity?

Childbirth
Birth preparation
To Shower or Not to Shower Before Heading to the Maternity Ward?
The countdown to meeting your little one is on, and you're likely bustling with excitement and maybe a hint of nerves.
As you gather your hospital bag and double-check your birth plan, a quirky question might pop up: should you take a shower before making your way to the maternity ward?
Let's dive into this sudsy situation and find out whether it's a yay or nay!
The Case for a Pre-Maternity Ward Shower
Picture this: you're in your comfiest PJs, nesting mode in full swing, and contractions start doing their rhythmic dance.
Taking a relaxing shower before heading to the maternity ward could offer some awesome perks:
  • Fresh Start: A shower might give you that extra boost of confidence, helping you feel refreshed and ready to embrace the birthing process.
  • Time to Chill: Stepping under the warm water gives you a moment to relax, which can be a game-changer in managing early labor stress.
  • Hydration Helper: The steamy environment can help prevent dehydration, a sneaky foe during labor.
  • Breath Easy: The moist air in the shower could ease any discomfort caused by heightened breathing patterns.
The Science Behind the Suds
Now, let's put on our science hats for a moment.
Research suggests that taking a shower during labor might offer a mix of benefits:
  • Relaxation Boost: Warm water can stimulate the release of oxytocin, the magical hormone that helps labor progress and promotes relaxation.
  • Pain Management: The soothing sensation of water can help take the edge off those contractions, making them more manageable.
  • Circulation Improvement: The heat from the shower could encourage better blood flow, which is particularly nifty during labor.
Considerations Before Soaping Up
Hold your loofah for just a sec!
There are a few factors to consider before sashaying into the shower:
  • Water Birth Plans: If you're eyeing a water birth, taking a shower might not be your best bet. It's important to follow your birthing center's guidelines.
  • Progress Check: If you're unsure about the stage of your labor, getting checked by a healthcare pro before indulging in that shower session could be wise.
  • Energy Reserves: Labor can be a marathon, and you'll want to conserve your energy. If you're already feeling fatigued, a shower might wait until later.
Splash or Skip? The Verdict
In the grand scheme of things, the choice to shower before heading to the maternity ward is totally up to you.
If the idea of feeling fresh, relaxed, and ready for the exciting journey ahead tickles your fancy, then stepping into that shower might be a brilliant move.
Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all answer, so trust your instincts and do what feels right for you.
k
kimbree kash
8 Dec 2023

6 weeks today first ultrasound tomorrow to confirm weeks and due date! anybody else ready to find out gender and plan baby shower already 😩😂with my son i went in labor 2 days before my shower was in the hospital only my fiancé was able to attend our shower 😩im so thirsty to be apart of everything this time 🥰🙏🏽

Childbirth Birth preparation
1 comments
M
Madeline
I’m right in front of you. I’m 6 weeks 4 days. I’m already want to plan my gender reveal lol
27 Mar 2024

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Deborah
18 Nov 2023

Two ✌🏾ways I can’t 🙅🏾‍♀️go to sleep.! Dirty and Hungry! I have to shower 🧼 🚿 before bed 🛌 and it’s a must I eat.!

Childbirth Birth preparation
13 comments
M
Muffy&DaGuyz
I ate I had my shower went to sleep like 8 I'm that's why I'm up now 😂😂
27 Mar 2024

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Deborah
Atleast baby let you get a little of sleep.! I was nesting earlier today.! (super early for that) but I woke up went to two different star bucks (waited in line for 20 min at each location) just for some damn oatmeal and coffee lol.! Only to take two sips from it.! Came home.! took my bed down because it’s too damn big and taking up wayyy to much room I’m my room.! I’m trying to make room for the baby now because the bigger I get I already know the less I’m going to feel like doing certain shit.! Cleaned up my room ran errands for my gender reveal.! Chilllleeee washed my hair so I can get it done tomorrow took my shower.! Now I’m in bed rubbing my feet together DRY ASS UP.!! Been up 21 mf hrs NO LIE.! 😒😒😩😩🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️
27 Mar 2024

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Quantilery
1 Nov 2023

Doing my second maternity shoot November 16th .. two days before baby shower can’t wait I done ordered everything I need for the photoshoot all I need to do now is go place the order for my baby shower cake 💙💙💙💙

Childbirth Birth preparation
3 comments
F
Faith
30 Aug 2023

Didn't want to share but I really need advise, support, and love from other pregnant women right now .... My childs father passed away July 31st and I'm down about EVERYTHING 😔 I don't want to do maternity shoot or baby shower that I have to find by myself or with zero support planning...

Childbirth Birth preparation
11 comments
A
Arnetia
Faith, I'm truly sorry to hear your baby father passed away on July 31st. My condolences to you and your family! I can't imagine what's that is like. It may seem so hard to get up right now, and pick up the pieces in your life, you can't stay down now. You have so much to live for sis. You have to let your baby know what kind of father he or she had and keep those memories alive. Your baby is going to be so loved and your baby needs you the most. I honestly believe you should take your maternity photos, get beautiful and have fun! Have you a baby shower. If I was by you and if it was okay with you I would give you a hug and support you let you know it's hard now, but just know our God is going to see you through these storms. I loss my father last year in October, and I haven't gotten over it! I'm praying for you, that you have strength, you are strong, and know that it's seems impossible now, you got this and it's going to get better!! Praying for you!! 🙏🏿🙏🏿❤❤️
27 Mar 2024

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Amber
I’m sorry to hear that 🙏❤️‍🩹 Do u have one or two good friends or even mom or sister? I’m asking bc at the church we sometimes do baby showers for the homeless shelter women an sometimes it might be 2-5 of us women celebrating w her. But we have fun balloons an streamers from dollar store cupcakes few presents for her to open maybe like five of them an take pics. If I was close to u I’d so give u small lil party to celebrate Thts all I did for mine myself too
27 Mar 2024

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S
Shacarri
23 May 2023

Not having my baby shower until I’m 36 weeks 🤰🏾. Is it normal to wait that long or?! I hope he doesn’t come before then 🤞🏾

Childbirth Birth preparation
5 comments
G
Giah
It don’t matter the time frame
27 Mar 2024

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P
Paulina
I had mine at 30 just cause babies come on their own time lmaoo
27 Mar 2024

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Kiaheshiaa
15 Jan 2023

I’m debating if I wanna have a baby shower or not 🙄 I know ima do a maternity shoot

Childbirth Birth preparation
4 comments
J
Ja’Niya mommy ✨💜🤞🏽
It depends do you think ppl will show up? Im doing one because its his family first grandchild so alot of them are showing up & i never experienced a shower with my first daughter because she came early..
27 Mar 2024

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J
Ja’Niya mommy ✨💜🤞🏽
But you can always do a small one
27 Mar 2024

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tallulah
7 Dec 2022

I need to figure out my shower/skin care routine before baby gets here. I won’t have an hour and a half to spend anymore 🥲

Childbirth Birth preparation
2 comments
T
Tarea
I've learned to use the bathroom, shower, brush teeth and hair, and get dressed in 10 mins. Lol 😂
27 Mar 2024

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tallulah
That will never be me lol. But I’ll figure something out. We’ll just have to schedule an hour of daddy daughter bonding time everyday or something.
27 Mar 2024

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k
kylie
17 Oct 2022

had our baby shower yesterday, maternity pictures this sunday & then all we gotta do is wait for our boy to arrive 🫶🏼😊

Childbirth Birth preparation
1 comments
A
Ashley
So cute 🎉 congrats yall🎉
27 Mar 2024

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Bethany
22 Jul 2022

Was me before getting admitted to hospital this was supposed to be my baby shower dress 🥰💙

Childbirth Birth preparation
2 comments
N
Nanny
Awww hope you can make up for it and have another babyshower and that you feel better.
27 Mar 2024

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B
Bethany
Yea I’m planning on having one after his here ❤️
27 Mar 2024

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mari
2 Jun 2022

i don’t know how many weeks should I be for me to take my maternity pictures 🫣 I don’t wanna take them to early nor to late I’m having my baby shower some time in august I’m due Oct 4 so is like some time before my baby shower is that good enough lol I’m not sure which day in august will by baby shower be but I know July 26 I’ll be 30 weeks so like yeah august is a good time right ? When do you all take your maternity pictures ?

Childbirth Birth preparation
6 comments
A
Andrea
Between ur baby shower and ur due date
27 Mar 2024

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E
Elizabeth
Most people recommend about 34 weeks because of the bump is more noticeable and easy to be seen in the picture but u can always take them when u want to. I'm going to take mine her in the next week or 2
27 Mar 2024

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