Having a baby can be exciting, meaningful, and deeply emotional. It can also be overwhelming, especially when it’s your first time giving birth. Fortunately, there are several things you can do before your due date to help you feel confident and ready for the big day.

1. Make a Birth Plan

While many people give birth in a hospital under the eye of doctors and nurses, that isn’t the only option. You may decide to work with a midwife San Antonio instead of an OB/GYN. Choosing a midwife may give you access to birth locations other than a hospital, such as a birthing center or even your own home.

2. Learn the Signs of Labor

As you get closer to your due date, it’s important to know when you should contact a doctor or go to your birthing location. While labor looks slightly different for every woman, there are a few early labor signs you can look for: back pain, contractions, and fatigue. Your doctor or midwife may also provide you with a list of labor signals or symptoms that could indicate a potential problem.

3. Pack a Bag

Having your things packed can help you feel prepared and cut down on the things you need to do once you go into labor. Make sure you pack clothing essentials and any meaningful items you want to have with you. Include some overnight supplies, such as extra contacts or a back-up pair of glasses. You may also want to pack some snacks for yourself.

Going through labor and delivery can seem frightening, especially when you are preparing for your first baby. Planning ahead may help you feel like you have more control over the process, and can help the entire day go smoothly. Once you have a birth plan and a packed hospital bag, you can focus on taking care of yourself and waiting for those first signs of labor.