Postpartum Notes: The First Three Months

The first three months after a baby’s birth can be overwhelming for some first-time parents. These months can also be full of joy and excitement as each new milestone is reached and the baby gradually turns into an individual, who might not yet be articulate and mobile but surely knows who her parents are and often rewards them with a wide, gummy smile.

Labor Induction

Sometimes it is necessary to give your unborn baby a little nudge and kick-start the labor. Typical reasons include complications (such as diabetes or decreased levels of amniotic fluid), medical emergencies (such as water breaking before the onset of contractions), or pregnancy duration in excess of 40 weeks. Rarely, it is also a matter of scheduling convenience, especially around major holidays or in cases when getting to the hospital in a timely manner might be a problem.

Counting Baby Kicks

Over the last couple of months, my OB-GYN began each visit with the question “Is the baby moving okay?” At first, I wasn’t sure what she meant and how to answer. I thought the baby was moving from time to time, but I was not sure. Plus, I didn’t know what was considered normal. Was I supposed to feel him kick at any particular time of the day? How many times were considered sufficient? How strong should the kicks be in order to count?