Let's be real—pregnancy is a tough journey, and actress Kris Bernal isn't sugarcoating it. Now she’s so done with the whole belly bump showdown, and she's letting the world know loud and clear.
“They say I grow big babies and I'm too big for my small frame! It's hard enough not to compare the size of my belly to another pregnant woman’s,” said in an Instagram post, as she awaits the arrival of her first child with her husband Perry Choi.
Kris gets it. It's tempting to peek at other baby bumps and do a little size check. But guess what? It's time to shut that comparison. Kris is all about embracing the beauty of each pregnancy journey, no matter how different it may look.
“Comparison is toxic! There is no competition here! Everytime comparison starts to creep in, I remind myself that every pregnant woman's body is unique and should be celebrated,” she added.
"Every time comparison starts to creep in, I remind myself that every pregnant woman's body is unique and should be celebrated!" —Kris Bernal
Kris added that while pregnancy is hard, especially in tropical Philippines where weather can be cruel for mamas-to-be, she’s still savoring the experience.
“As long as my baby's healthy, I don't mind getting bigger, rounder, heavier each day… [the] baby seems happy inside,” she added.
In a previous social media post, Kris shared her insights that most mothers can relate to.
“No one mentioned it. In 9 whole months, not one person said you’re about to meet someone entirely new, and it’s not your baby. It’s going to be you,” said Kris.
READ ALSO: Kris Bernal Surprised To Find Out Baby's Gender, 'Hindi Pala Totoo Yung Mga Haka-Haka!'
Tips on how to progress labor safely
In Kris' post about her baby taking her sweet time inside her belly, she asked her followers for tips on how she can progress her labor. For first-time moms, these tips would help to decrease the chances of delivering via Caesarean section.
While some netizens shared their experiences, like having pregnancy sex and drinking pineapple juice, here are the science-based and expert-proven ways to speed up labor, according to Very Well Family.
1. Keep moving
Standing, walking, and squatting during labor can utilize gravity to aid in cervical pressure and help the baby descend into the pelvis. Being upright and moving often leads to shorter labors, reduced pain, and greater satisfaction with the birth experience. Swaying, rocking, or dancing can also provide pain relief.
READ ALSO: 4 Kadalasang Dahilan Ng Prolonged Labor At Posibleng Solusyon
2. Stimulate your breasts
According to an article by Parents.com, there are no consistent scientific facts yet that prove sex helps speed up labor. However, it is a fact stimulating the breasts releases oxytocin, which triggers contractions. This can be done through manual stimulation or using a breast pump. Showering with water hitting the chest can also encourage oxytocin flow.
3. Apply safe pressure techniques
Massage and acupressure, especially targeted at specific points, can accelerate stalled labor by promoting oxytocin release. Professionals or trained support people can assist with these techniques.
READ ALSO: Why Is My Labor Taking Too Long? 3 Things To Know About Prolonged Labor
4. Change positions
Changing positions can help if the baby's positioning is hindering labor progress. Using a birthing ball, rocking chair, or peanut ball can help if done safely. Even shifting from side to side or sitting up with help can be beneficial, especially for those with epidurals.
5. Consider a change of scenery
A change in environment provides distraction from labor discomfort and mental stress. Walking around the hospital nursery or spending time outdoors can offer a new and fresh perspective.
This story originally appeared on Cosmo.ph. *Minor edits have been made by the SmartParenting.com.ph editors.
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