Physiological readiness of the body expectant mother estrogen, the female sex hormone, provides for childbirth. The hormone progesterone was involved in maintaining the pregnancy for nine months, but immediately before the birth, its production decreases, and estrogens begin to be produced more actively. They increase the elasticity of tissues and the patency of the birth canal, and immediately before childbirth set the impulse for the onset of contractions.

Important in the process of preparing the body for childbirth are also hormone-like substances prostaglandins, which are responsible for the contraction of the muscle tissue of the uterus. In the last 3-4 weeks of pregnancy, their concentration increases dramatically. Thanks to one of the types of prostaglandins, the cervix "ripens", and their other type stimulates the onset of labor.

Another factor in readiness for childbirth: the child is “ripe” and ready to be born.

These parameters can be assessed using rather complex studies in a hospital setting, but more often doctors resort to assessing external manifestations of readiness.

Will you give birth soon?

Expectant mothers can guess that they will give birth soon, according to the so-called harbingers of childbirth: the stomach drops, body weight decreases slightly, urination becomes more frequent, training contractions begin, etc.

But the appearance of precursors does not always indicate the physiological readiness of the body for childbirth. How is it defined? For this, various methods of medical diagnostics are used. Let's dwell on them in more detail.

1.Determining the "maturity" of the cervix- the main criterion for the readiness of a pregnant woman for childbirth. Throughout pregnancy, the cervix reliably protected the baby from external influences and possible infections, but the uterus prepares before birth to let the baby through. The cervix, “ripe” for childbirth, becomes looser, it flattens and shortens, sometimes a slight opening of 1–2 cm appears. The readiness of the cervix for childbirth is determined by the gynecologist during a vaginal examination. Its maturity is assessed on the following grounds:

• the length of the cervix should be halved compared to its usual size;
• the cervix is ​​located in the center of the vaginal vault;
• the cervix softens significantly;
• the cervical canal, which connects the uterine cavity to the vagina, should open to a diameter of approximately 2 cm and be passable by one finger of an adult.

For the correspondence of each feature to the desired parameters, a score is set from 0 to 2 points, and their sum characterizes the maturity of the cervix: from 0 to 2 - an immature cervix, from 3 to 4 - insufficiently mature, from 5 points - a mature cervix.

2.fetal ultrasound. Based on data on the maturity of the fetus, the number amniotic fluid and the state of the placenta, the doctor judges the readiness of the baby for childbirth. Sometimes it happens that the expected date of birth is approaching, but according to ultrasound, the fetus has not yet matured and is not ready for childbirth. In such cases, they wait until the child "ripes".

Preparing the cervix: what to do if the uterus is "not ripe"

According to statistics, in 16.5% of primiparous women and 3.5% of multiparous women, the uterus does not open in the volume necessary for childbirth. If there are concomitant diseases, for example, obesity, diabetes, then these figures increase. Under the influence of such diseases, the sensitivity of tissue receptors to hormones changes, the general hormonal background is distorted, which means that the biomechanism of childbirth also changes.

What are the possible causes of unpreparedness for childbirth?

Hormonal imbalance. If the body of a pregnant woman does not produce enough of the hormone estrogen, which is responsible for preparing for childbirth, then the cervix does not “ripen”, which may be caused by ovarian dysfunction or disorders of fat metabolism.

Organic changes in the uterus. These can be benign tumors (fibroids), scars on the uterus, etc. Negatively affects the elasticity of the uterus and age (over 35 years).

More rare causes: scars on the cervix, anemia, post-term pregnancy, advanced gynecological infections and inflammation, leading to inelasticity of the birth canal (for example, chlamydia, gonorrhea, transferred before pregnancy). The birth canal can also be inelastic due to hereditary characteristics or lack of vitamins.

What is the danger of the unpreparedness of the birth canal for childbirth?

In this case, internal ruptures and ruptures of the woman's perineum, fetal injuries, premature rupture of amniotic fluid are likely. If the fetus is fully mature, but the uterus does not open, even surgery may be required. The unpreparedness of the birth canal can lead to the fact that the birth is delayed, oxygen starvation of the fetus develops, which means that there is a risk to his life and health. In these cases, doctors decide on a caesarean section.

How to prepare the cervix for childbirth?

Diet before childbirth

In the last 3-4 weeks of pregnancy, the expectant mother needs to enrich her diet with foods containing fiber and polyunsaturated fatty acids ( olive oil, butter pumpkin seeds). At least 1 tablespoon of oil per day is enough. This will help increase the elasticity of the tissues of the birth canal. To increase the elasticity of the cervix, you can also drink a glass every morning on an empty stomach. boiled water with 1 tablespoon of honey dissolved in it (if the expectant mother is not allergic to honey). To increase the elasticity of tissues, experts recommend eating more plant foods - vegetables and fruits.

Sex during pregnancy

An effective non-drug way to soften the cervix is ​​regular sex (starting from the 36th week of pregnancy). The fact is that male sperm contains prostaglandins, which are so necessary for preparing for childbirth, which help the cervix to “ripen”. It is this method that gynecologists primarily “prescribe” to a future mother in the last stages of pregnancy, if an examination of the cervix shows that it has not yet “ripened”. Of course, this method can only be recommended if there are no contraindications, for example, a threat premature birth and placenta previa.

Cleansing the birth canal

Cleansing (sanation) of the birth canal is carried out from the 36th week of pregnancy and helps to reduce the risk of infection in the nose, mouth, ears of the child during childbirth. This procedure also prevents the development of inflammation of the vagina and reduces the likelihood of cracks and ruptures of the mucosa. Sanitation of the birth canal is not prescribed for all pregnant women, but only in cases where the doctor detects dysbacteriosis, thrush, or genital tract infections in a smear.

Sanitation is carried out using various antiseptic suppositories that are inserted into the vagina, and drugs are also used to restore the vaginal microflora. Both those and others are prescribed by a doctor, taking into account the duration of pregnancy and contraindications.

Gymnastics during pregnancy

Gymnastics for pregnant women can be attributed to one of the ways to prepare the birth canal for childbirth. Various exercises have been developed to stretch the muscles and ligaments of the perineum. Their essence is to prepare a pregnant woman for a long, but at the same time comfortable stay in a position with legs wide apart. It is important to note the following:

• any exercise should be done under the supervision and supervision of a doctor physiotherapy exercises and in classes for pregnant women, and not on their own;
• gymnastics for stretching the muscles of the perineum- this is a set of exercises for the gradual preparation for childbirth; doing it in the last 2-3 weeks before childbirth is unlikely to give a tangible result. Therefore, it is certainly necessary to prepare the perineum for childbirth, but in advance, at least from 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Intervention is indispensable: medical preparation of the uterus for childbirth

The intervention of doctors in the process of preparing the body of the expectant mother for childbirth is required if:

• at the 38th–39th week of pregnancy, the doctor during the examination finds out that the uterus has not “ripe” before childbirth;
• if an emergency vaginal delivery is required (i.e., doctors cause the onset of labor) at an earlier date (29-38 weeks of pregnancy). Such a need arises when the results of ultrasound, Doppler or CTG studies give doctors a reason to suspect a fetal growth retardation or a deviation in its development; when diagnosed hemolytic disease fetus; revealed a violation of the mother's kidneys or preeclampsia.

With an “immature” cervix, doctors either prescribe hormone therapy or use mechanical methods to prepare the cervix for childbirth: using a Foley catheter or kelp algae.

Hormonal preparation. As we have already mentioned, prostaglandins are responsible for the readiness of the cervix for childbirth, and if their concentration in the body is insufficient, then the cervix does not “ripen” on time. To avoid this and accelerate maturation, gels or suppositories based on prostaglandins and estrogens are introduced into it.

mechanical impact. The cervix can be dilated mechanically. To do this, kelp is introduced into it (sticks with algae), where they, absorbing liquid, stretch it from the inside. Like kelp, the Foley catheter mechanically stretches the cervix - a tube with an inflatable ball at the end, into which water is poured so that it expands and presses on the walls of the cervix.

IMPORTANT! Using mechanical methods preparing the uterus for childbirth, there is a risk of infectious complications, allergic reactions and rupture of the fetal bladder. Their use is also quite painful for a pregnant woman. Therefore, doctors prescribe them only if there are good reasons - namely, if the fetus is completely ready for childbirth, the cervix is ​​not ripe and there are no contraindications (prematurity, scars on the uterus and cervix, oxygen starvation of the fetus).

Readiness for childbirth is a rather subjective concept. Gynecologists evaluate this indicator based on their experience and qualifications. Therefore, even if a pregnant woman is told at the 38th week that the cervix is ​​“not ripe” and not ready, this is not a reason to be upset. Firstly, before childbirth there is still some time left for the body to prepare for them. Secondly, you need to consult a doctor and listen to his recommendations, tune in to the best and do everything in your power to prepare the birth canal for a wonderful event - the birth of a child.

Childbirth is a physiological process during which the fetus, placenta with membranes and amniotic fluid are expelled from the uterus through the birth canal. Physiologically, childbirth (occurs on average 280 days (or 40 weeks) after the onset of pregnancy, when the fetus becomes mature and fully capable of independent existence.

The fetus is reliably protected by the mother's body from dangers environment. It is in conditions of constant temperature, humidity, sufficient and uniform supply of nutrients. All this allows you to complete its development in the mother's body. The more a woman in labor is afraid of the upcoming birth, the more difficult it will be for her to pull herself together at the most critical moment. Scientists have proven that labor pains are often the result of just such thoughts.

A pregnant woman needs to learn how to relax the muscles of her body with the help of special exercises. But not every woman can do it. Some people have this skill by nature. There is a trend: the higher the level of education of a woman and the more her psyche is shaken, the more difficult it will be for childbirth. That is why it is very important that the pregnancy takes place as much as possible. calm environment.

Pregnant women are mainly concerned with two issues: "Does it hurt?" and "How do you know when it starts?" The first question can be answered in the affirmative. Yes, it will hurt, especially in the first few hours, but still tolerable. The second question is more important, but how to answer it when you are either already going to the maternity hospital, or are there?!

There are several signs of an approaching birth. For example, two days before giving birth, a woman may feel an overwhelming urge to clean her house or defrost her fridge. Ironically, but in this way nature makes her understand that she is ready for the birth of a child. Another indicator that the lady is approaching the cherished date can be a constant and intensifying state of some excitement. But it's well-founded:

she sleeps a little and not very well;

she was tired of being the object of a biological experiment;

she feels overwhelmed, knows that there is no way out of this state at the moment, and begins to realize, much easier when the child is inside than when he is already born.

The forerunner of the approaching birth is the departure of the waters. As soon as this happens, you should immediately call the hospital. Those who choose to get to the hospital on their own should never try to drive on the way to the hospital. If it seems that the contractions are not so strong and the woman can drive the car, she still should not drive, because the situation during childbirth changes very quickly. Women in this state are like drunks: it seems to them that they are doing everything right and are fully responsible for their actions, but in fact they rarely own the situation.

Main advice one thing to give to women who are about to give birth is to try to stand in the shower before leaving, because it will be a long time before the opportunity again presents itself. You can not take a bath if the lady is sure that the water has already departed: you can bring the infection into the uterus.

Before you go to the hospital, you should take care of what to take with you. First, the clothes should be comfortable: something spacious. A blouse or dress should "breathe" and absorb moisture. Shoes should be in low-heeled shoes, thereby a woman will be able to protect herself and her baby from unforeseen injuries. Secondly, it is better to leave your jewelry at home. Thirdly, you need to bring slippers with you. Slippers should be washable and comfortable. It is better that they are flat, because after childbirth, women do not quickly regain their balance, and their legs need rest.

Sometimes after giving birth, lips dry up terribly. The body will be severely dehydrated due to the large loss of fluid, and in addition, doctors do not allow to drink during labor and childbirth, so as not to cause nausea. It is worth taking a lip balm with you. It will prevent your lips from drying out and prevent them from cracking. You can also take a comb and the necessary cosmetics with you. It is obligatory to have a passport, an insurance policy and an exchange card for a pregnant woman. In addition to your belongings, you need to take a dowry for the child. The baby will certainly need a vest, diapers, booties and a blanket.
Now you can safely go to the hospital.

Childbirth, as a rule, is carried out in a hospital, where all conditions are created for the provision of qualified assistance. Obstetric care is provided in the maternity wards of urban and rural hospitals.
Childbirth is conducted by a doctor. Only in small institutions, a midwife is entrusted with conducting a normal birth, who calls a doctor if any complications arise.

It is important to choose a clinic whose doctors can be completely trusted, and whose medical staff is not satisfactory. In some medical institutions, the presence of the husband during childbirth is now allowed. This is a great opportunity for a woman to feel confident, and a man, seeing what his wife has to endure, begins to treat her and the unborn child with more warmth, understanding, tenderness and affection. Women in labor usually come to the maternity hospital at the beginning of the period of cervical dilatation with an exchange card in their hands, in which the consultation doctor has entered the necessary data on the course of pregnancy.

In the prenatal room, the anamnestic data are specified, an additional examination of the woman in labor is carried out (the physique, constitution, shape of the abdomen, sacral rhombus, etc. are assessed) and a detailed obstetric examination. Be sure to determine the blood type, Rh factor, produce a study of urine and morphological picture of the blood. Based on these data, an obstetric diagnosis is made.

The mother is put to bed. It is allowed to get up only when the waters have not broken, not very strong and not very frequent contractions, and subject to fixing the head to the entrance to the pelvis. In the absence of any of these phenomena, the woman in labor lies in bed on her back or on her side in the most convenient position for her. This helps to flex the head and lower it into the pelvis. It is recommended to lie on your back in a position close to sitting.

The doctor carefully monitors the condition of the woman in labor. He inquires about her well-being (degree of pain, fatigue, dizziness, headache, visual disturbances, etc.), listens to the heart sounds of the fetus. The pulse of the woman in labor is systematically examined. Body temperature is measured 2-3 times a day. It is recommended to count contractions.

During the opening period, external obstetric and vaginal examinations are performed. The external genital organs of the woman in labor are washed with a disinfectant solution at least 1 time in 5 hours, and also every time after urination and defecation.
Childbirth is accompanied by a large expenditure of energy, so the woman in labor needs good nutrition. Easily digestible food (jelly, egg broth, semolina, bun, dairy products, sweet tea, etc.) are given in small portions. Often, women in labor refuse to eat. In such cases, it is necessary to explain the harm of fasting and the importance of timely eating. It is very important for a woman in labor to remain calm, cheerful and confident in the successful outcome of childbirth.

In the period of disclosure, labor anesthesia is used. All modern methods anesthesia of childbirth can be divided into two groups: 1) psychoprophylactic preparation for childbirth; 2) methods of anesthesia with the help of pharmacological agents. The method of verbal influence by suggestion (hypnosis) adjoins the first group. The second group includes the use of analgesic, neuroplegic, psychotropic drugs, regional and conduction anesthesia. Painkillers are administered orally, through the lungs (inhalation), rectum, subcutaneously, intravenously, etc.

Anesthesia with the help of pharmacological agents requires particularly careful monitoring of the condition of the woman in labor, the heartbeat of the fetus and the nature of labor. If there are any violations, the administration of painkillers is stopped. Tecodin, lidol, isopromedol, baralgin, etc. are used to anesthetize childbirth.

During the period of exile, the woman in labor is placed on a special bed. Maternity beds have a more or less complex design: they are higher than usual, and the height is adjusted according to need. The woman in labor lies on the delivery bed in a comfortable position for her on her back. By the end of the period of exile, the woman in labor lies on her back, her legs are bent at the hip and knee joints. The head end of the bed is raised; the high position of the upper body facilitates attempts, which contributes to an easier passage of the presenting part of the fetus through the birth canal.

If the birth is not on the delivery bed, an additional pillow should be placed under the head and shoulders of the woman in labor. In time for attempts, the woman in labor should, with her feet bent at the knees, rest against the bed, holding the edges of the bed with her hands.
More recently, a new method of giving birth to a child has appeared in medicine - sitting. This is very convenient for the child himself, as well as for the day of the birth, since in this position she experiences much less pain.

How convenient is this method? Scientists have proven that in the prone position, the uterus of a woman in labor is not sufficiently open for the birth of a child. And in a sitting position, this happens much faster and more painlessly. Unfortunately, this method is not widely used in our country Unfortunately, not everything new in our medicine can be trusted. There is conflicting opinion regarding water birth. It is believed that this has a beneficial effect on the condition of women in labor at the time of childbirth, but the danger is great. First, the composition of water and fruit liquid are different. Secondly, it is very difficult to comply with all disinfection measures. And thirdly, it is not always possible to quickly remove the child from the water, which leads to adverse consequences.

How to give birth?
Nature always warns the expectant mother about the approach of childbirth by the beginning of contractions. A woman who goes into labor with strong contractions can expect to have a baby sooner than a woman who has mild pain. A woman with a wide pelvis will also have a faster delivery. One of the most important factors is the number of births for a woman. The very first births last the longest. On average, the duration of all births is about ten hours. At the same time, the longest ones last no more than 24 hours, and the shortest - only three to four hours.

A woman can judge the approach of childbirth by a number of the following harbingers.
1. 2-3 weeks before delivery, the bottom of the uterus descends; in this regard, the woman becomes easier to breathe.
2. The presenting part of the fetus also descends in primiparas; the head of the child is pressed tightly against the entrance to the pelvis or even enters it with a small segment. On the eve of childbirth, the uterus is located along the axis of the pelvis, strongly softened throughout, including the area of ​​​​the internal pharynx, the vaginal part. In multiparous, the cervical canal passes a finger. The secretion of the glands of the mucous membrane of the canal of the sheikh of the uterus increases.
Z. Before childbirth, there is often a discharge from the vagina of a stretching, mucous secretion of the glands of the cervix.
4. At the end of pregnancy, many women begin to feel, taking on the character of pulling pains in the sacrum and lower abdomen before childbirth. Precursor contractions differ from labor contractions: they are weak, short, not regular, do not lead to smoothing of the uterine cervix, opening of the pharynx and the formation of a fetal bladder.
5. Body weight before childbirth goes down. This is due to the removal of water from the body.
The most striking harbingers of childbirth are irregular contractions of the uterus and the discharge of cervical mucus (mucus plug) from the vagina. The onset of labor is characterized by the onset of painful contractions of the uterine muscles, first at regular intervals of 10-15 minutes and then at shorter intervals. These contractions are called contractions.

When contractions begin, you should not panic, even if they began in the middle of the night or far from the maternity hospital. Without wasting time on fuss and fears, you need to calmly pack up and go to the maternity hospital.
The farther from the hospital is a woman, the earlier you should hit the road. If there were any deviations from the normal course of pregnancy, then the doctor of the antenatal clinic should recommend early hospitalization before signs of childbirth appear.

Sometimes, before the onset of contractions, the fetal membranes rupture. At the same time, a certain amount of light liquid flows out of the vagina. In such cases we are talking about prenatal rupture of amniotic fluid. This is not very good, because the barrier in front of the uterine cavity, where the baby is located, disappears, and, therefore, there is a risk of microbes entering the uterus and infecting the fetus. A woman who has had an outpouring of water should be taken to the hospital as soon as possible.

Childbirth is the process of passage of a child through the birth canal. A woman's body prepares for childbirth throughout pregnancy. Hormones appear in the blood, the action of which on the uterus leads to its muscle contractions, as a result of which the cervix opens and the baby moves down, B soft tissues birth canal, metabolic processes change, tissues become more elastic and extensible. even the cartilages that connect the bones of the pelvis become less rigid, and the birth canal becomes a little more spacious. Childbirth is always accompanied by the loss of a certain amount of blood, but since during pregnancy the volume of blood in a woman's body increases by almost 1.5 times, this blood loss is practically imperceptible for her.

In childbirth, three periods are distinguished: the first is the period of disclosure, the second is the period of exile, the third is the subsequent period.
The opening period begins with the first regular contractions and ends with the complete opening of the external os of the cervix.

The period of exile begins from the moment the cervix is ​​fully dilated and ends with the birth of the child.
The afterbirth period begins from the moment the child is born and ends with the expulsion of the placenta.
And now let's talk about this in more detail.

1. Disclosure period.
By the beginning of childbirth, the uterus occupies almost the entire abdominal cavity, stretches the abdominal wall, deviates one of the side surfaces to the right or left and anteriorly.
In the first stage of labor, there is a gradual smoothing of the cervix, the opening of the pharynx of the cervical canal to a degree sufficient to expel the fetus from the uterine cavity, and to establish the head in the pelvic inlet.
During this period, the woman feels contractions. Due to contractions, the cervix opens, which is necessary to push the fetus and placenta out of the uterine cavity. Contractions occur involuntarily, the woman in labor cannot control them at will. Each fight develops in a certain sequence:
uterine contractions gradually increase, reach the highest degree, then the muscles relax and turn into a labor pause. When examining by hand, you can see how the uterus thickens, becomes hard, then gradually relaxes.
At the beginning of childbirth, each contraction lasts 10-15 s, by the end of them - an average of 1 / min. Pauses between contractions at the beginning of labor last 10-15 minutes, then shorten; by the end of the period of expulsion of the fetus, contractions occur after 2-3 minutes and even more often. During contractions, intrauterine pressure increases in a woman in labor.
It is very important to remember that the woman in labor must, from the very beginning, have full confidence in the doctor and midwife in charge of the birth and follow their instructions completely. When contractions begin, a woman needs to breathe deeply, and in the interval between contractions, relax as much as possible.

2. The period of exile.
It is the most critical for the child. After the outflow of water, the contractions stop for a while. The walls of the uterus become thicker and more closely in contact with the fetus. Usually at the end of pregnancy before childbirth, the baby turns upside down in the uterus, but sometimes it can remain in a different position - head up. In the first case, he is born head first, and in the second, the buttocks and legs come out first.

A woman in exile should help a child. At the moment of the onset of the next fight, which is the most important component of the expelling forces, it is necessary to take a deep breath with a full chest, close your mouth and push with all your might. It is very important to follow the doctor's instructions exactly. If you start pushing too early and without control, you can feel tired early, labor will be delayed, and you will suffer.

The second component of the expelling forces are attempts - contraction of the striated muscles of the abdominal press and diaphragm. Attempts occur reflexively due to irritation by the presenting part of the fetus of the nerve elements embedded in the cervix. There are attempts involuntarily, but you can regulate them (strengthen or slow down), and play a role only in the period of expulsion of the fetus and in the postpartum period. During labor, the intra-abdominal pressure rises.

When a child is born, he starts screaming, which means that he takes the first breath in his life. The cry of a newborn is his breath. As soon as the baby is born, the umbilical cord, through which he was connected to the uterus, is clamped and cut. The baby no longer needs to be connected to the mother's body - because now he receives oxygen through his own lungs, and he will be breast-fed or bottle-fed.

3. The subsequent period.
A few minutes after the birth of the child, the period of the birth of the placenta and fetal membranes begins. There is such an expression: "born in a shirt", so they say about happy person. If during childbirth there was no rupture of the membranes, which is extremely rare, then the child is born in a dense shell - a “shirt”. If you do not free him from it, he will not be able to start breathing on his own and may die. In the afterbirth period, the placenta and membranes are separated from the walls of the uterus and the exfoliated placenta is expelled from the uterus through the birth canal.

A few minutes after the birth of the child, subsequent contractions begin. During subsequent contractions, the entire uterine musculature is reduced, including the area of ​​\u200b\u200battachment of the placenta, which is called the placental membrane. The placenta does not have the ability to contract, so it is shifted from the narrowing of the attachment site. With each contraction, the placental area decreases, the placenta forms folds that protrude into the uterine cavity, and, finally, exfoliate from its wall. The placenta exfoliates in the so-called spongy (spongy) layer.

Violation of the connection between the placenta and the uterine wall is accompanied by rupture of the uteroplacental vessels in the area of ​​​​the separated placenta. The blood that has poured out of the vessels accumulates between the placenta and the uterus and contributes to the further separation of the placenta from the place of attachment. Separation of the placenta from the uterine wall occurs either from its center or from its edge.

The placenta exits the lower genital tract with the lower edge forward; the location of the membranes is preserved in the form in which they were in the uterus (introductory - inside, decidual - outside). Separation of the placenta in another way is less common.
The expulsion of the afterbirth, separated from the walls of the uterus, in addition to contractions, is facilitated by attempts. Reflex contraction of the abdominal muscles occurs as a result of the displacement of the separated placenta into the lower segment of the uterus and into the vagina and irritation of the receptors of these sections of the birth canal. In the process of separation of the placenta, the severity of the placenta itself and the resulting retroplacental hematoma are of auxiliary importance.

In normal childbirth, separation of the placenta from the uterine wall is observed only in the third stage of labor. In the first and second stages of labor, placental abruption does not occur, despite strong contractions and the addition of attempts during the period of fetal expulsion. This is explained by the fact that the place of attachment of the placenta during the period of disclosure and expulsion is reduced less than other parts of the uterus; Separation of the placenta is also prevented by intrauterine pressure.

The subsequent period is characterized by the release of blood from the uteroplacental vessels, the integrity of which is violated during placental abruption. In the normal course of the succession period, blood loss is 100-300 ml, an average of 250 ml. This blood loss is physiological and natural, it does not negative influence on the woman's body. After expulsion of the placenta, the uterus enters a state of prolonged contraction, the contracted uterine fibers and bundles compress the lumen of the gaping vessels, and therefore the bleeding stops.

Usually, fetal membranes with a placenta are born after the birth of a child. When the baby is already in the hands of the obstetrician, the muscles close the blood vessels and the bleeding stops. The doctor carefully examines the placenta and membranes. In the event that there is doubt that the placenta or membranes have been completely discharged, a manual check of the uterine cavity is performed. This manipulation is performed under anesthesia. It is also checked whether there have been ruptures of the soft tissues of the birth canal during childbirth, and, if necessary, sutures are applied.

In severe cases when natural childbirth impossible for a number of reasons, appoint the so-called cesarean section. This operation should not be feared, especially if a woman trusts the competence of her doctor, otherwise it should not be.

Pregnancy and childbirth are important processes for every woman that require careful preparation. None of the doctors divides pregnancy and childbirth into two different events, since they are deeply interconnected - one state smoothly passes into another. That is, childbirth is the final stage of pregnancy. Therefore, every woman should know how to prepare for childbirth, even in the process of bearing a baby.

There is no doubt that childbirth requires special preparation. This process is absolutely unpredictable, requiring, first of all, active participation and initiative from the woman in labor. So how do you prepare for childbirth?

Psychological readiness for childbirth is just as important as physical. Trained muscles of the perineum and the basics of breathing exercises are not yet a guaranteed success for the upcoming birth. No less important is the awareness of the woman in the process that is happening to her, thanks to which she will be able to control her behavior during childbirth, relax in time and breathe properly, which will positively affect not only her, but also the condition of the child.

And it is present in every woman. Primiparas are afraid of the unknown and stories about the birth of girlfriends and relatives, multiparous are worried about the failures that took place in previous births or during pregnancy. Psychological readiness for childbirth will help to avoid this fear.

Experts have proven that a woman who has undergone psychoprophylactic training before childbirth is easier to cope with pain during pregnancy, interacts more actively with medical personnel, and the condition of their newborns is better compared to other women in labor.

Psychologists distinguish 3 levels of psychological readiness for childbirth.

Low level

A woman experiences the following feelings:

• strong excitement;
• panic fear for their own health and the baby;
• expectation of suffering and pain in childbirth;
• aggressive attitude towards the father of the child, less often - towards the baby himself;
• unwillingness to listen to doctors.

The negative emotions that guide such a woman are wrong. Urgent help is needed from a psychologist who will tell you how to prepare for childbirth from a psychological point of view. Serious work is required on the moral state of the future woman in labor.

Middle level

It is determined by the following signs:

• optimistic attitude towards childbirth;
• gnawing doubts and self-doubt;
• experiencing the failures of strangers, fears of unverified information, etc.

Psychological assistance in this case consists not only in teaching how to prepare for childbirth, but also in supporting loved ones of the woman in labor. The goal is to cope with uncertainty and look optimistically at the process of childbearing.

High level

It means that:

• a woman is positively disposed to bearing a child and giving birth;
• knows how to prepare for easy childbirth: studies, does self-massage, etc.;
• ready to help your baby in childbirth as much as possible;
• actively cooperates with medical personnel;
• dominated positive emotions in a mood;
• plans .

A high level of psychological readiness means that a woman is perfectly prepared for childbirth and must maintain this attitude until they occur.

Physical training

Physical training allows you to keep the shape of the expectant mother, which will make it easier to endure childbirth.

It consists of the following aspects:

• Motor activity and hardening. Both of these factors are necessary for every pregnant woman. In the absence of contraindications, it is recommended to walk more often on fresh air, reasonably alternating activity and rest. The rhythm of loads is selected individually for the well-being and condition of the expectant mother.
• . Physical exercises are selected for each woman individually, depending on the nature of the pregnancy, the duration and the presence of complications. How to prepare the body for childbirth with the help of gymnastics for expectant mothers, a specialist will tell you. If a woman is engaged at home, then it is important that someone is nearby.

If the expectant mother has previously been involved in sports, then in the absence of contraindications, she can continue her classes by choosing the optimal and appropriate physical activity. After 36 weeks of pregnancy, it is better to refuse classes or minimize them, as there is a risk of developing premature birth.

1. Take up swimming. During classes in the pool, the expectant mother strengthens all the muscles of her body - perineum, legs, abs, back. The body becomes more flexible and resilient. Breathing functions improve, stretching increases. In general, water has a pronounced relaxing effect on the entire body, as a result of which the preparation for childbirth is more efficient.
2. Do a massage. It is included in the complex of exercises for the physical preparation of the body for childbirth. For expectant mothers, there are some peculiarities of massage - without active influences and kneading in the abdomen. Massage helps eliminate back pain, relieve muscle tension and lower extremities. Also includes self-massage. intimate zone with special oils. The preparation of the perineum avoids excessive stretching and tearing of tissues in this area, and facilitates the process of the child's passage through the birth canal. How to prepare the uterus and perineum for childbirth, you should check with the gynecologist in more detail.
3. Learn to breathe properly. at the right pace in childbirth allows you to minimize pain during contractions and facilitate the very process of giving birth. Breathing exercises should be practiced regularly, starting from the 2nd trimester.
4. In the last weeks of pregnancy, the cervix should be prepared for childbirth to minimize the chance of complications, cracks, and ruptures.

Cervical preparation

It is impossible to accelerate the maturation of the cervix with the help of any training or muscle influences. Cervical preparation can be done medically or at home. Let's consider these options.

Medical preparation, aimed at preparing the uterus for childbirth, is as follows:

• the use of vaginal, and Kolposeptin;
• a drug that is safe for the unborn child;
• mifepristone, which is a potent drug and therefore less frequently prescribed.

How to prepare the cervix for childbirth at home:

• Regular intimate relationships in the absence of contraindications for the expectant mother. Frequent sexual intercourse effectively softens the cervix, and the vagina becomes elastic, and therefore more prepared for the upcoming stretch. Due to this, the onset of labor is naturally stimulated.
• Massage of the nipples, as a result of which oxytocin is produced - a hormone that provokes labor.
• Evening primrose oil also helps ripen the cervix, but you can buy it only with the permission of a doctor. It is rich in fatty acids that help soften the cervix and prepare for childbirth.

Methods of preparation for childbirth

Any method of preparing a woman for childbirth includes three important aspects:

• correct breathing;
• the ability to relax;
• positive thinking.

Modern methods of preparing for childbirth are similar and different at the same time. Every woman can choose what is closer to her.

So, we are preparing for childbirth using the following methods.

Grantley Dick-Read technique

This concept was developed over a hundred years ago by midwife Margaret Gamper and physician Grantley Dick-Read. The basis of their methodology is the achievement of a mild birth process with the necessary preparation for it.

Grantley Dick-Read argued that every woman is able to control the physical stress and pain that occurs during childbirth on her own. To achieve this, it is enough to strictly observe the main principles of independent childbirth.

For this, it is important for a woman preparing to become a mother to overcome her fear of the inevitability of pain and suffering, since it is fear that causes physical tension, which increases pain.

But not only the position of self-persuasion underlies this technique. Grantley Dick-Read offered his patients methods of deep relaxation, which also played a great role in childbirth. This technique is described in most detail in the book "Childbirth without fear", which every expectant mother can get acquainted with.

Lamaz technique

This technique became popular in the 1950s. Its founder was Ferdinand Lamaze. According to many doctors, this technique is more like training - a woman learns the same techniques for a long time, which are worked out to perfection, which allows her not to be distracted by physical discomfort during childbirth and keep the process under control.

Lamaze took Pavlov's theory of reflexes as the basis of his method. As for women, most of them believe that following the Lamaze method really gives a tangible result in childbirth. The main techniques of the Lamaz technique are meditation, breathing and relaxation. All of them can be practiced alone or with a partner.

Robert Bradley school methodology

As in the previous case, this technique became known in the middle of the last century. Despite this, it remains relevant today and tells how and when to prepare for childbirth.

Unlike the Lamaze method, the concept of this theory was the task of listening to your own feelings during the birth process and learning to actively interact with the body. Robert Bradley in his methodology developed a special balanced diet and a mandatory set of physical and spiritual exercises.

The author of the methodology believes that a thorough step-by-step approach to his theory will allow the expectant mother to realize that physiologically normal processes occur in her body during pregnancy and childbirth. Also, the task of the technique is to increase the level of confidence and calmness of a woman.

Joint preparation for childbirth with a partner and partner childbirth - Robert Bradley is campaigning for this. Before the advent of this theory, childbirth was considered an exclusively individual matter and about partnership childbirth nothing was known.

Sheila Kitsinger Method

You can get acquainted with the methodology of this author in the book "The Experience of Childbirth". Sheila Kitsinger sees the preparation for childbirth as an indispensable combination of the following factors: breathing technique, massage, self-control and sacred experience, based on the social, personal and sexual peak in the life of a pregnant woman.

The author of the methodology believes that with the help of childbearing, a woman is revealed as a person, while the level of her social significance and her own self-esteem increase. Such an attitude is necessary in preparation for childbirth, only in this case they will become favorable and successful for the woman in labor and her child, as well as for all her relatives.

Michel Auden's technique

According to the founder of this technique, childbirth is a process saturated with the deepest intuition. In order for them to be most successful, the woman in labor must learn the power of emancipation, she must follow her emotions and nature. To achieve this, it is important to observe certain subtleties.

Michel Auden suggested that women during pregnancy explore their talents, discover their new opportunities. It can be dancing, singing, drawing and other creativity. A woman should choose her own position during childbirth. According to the author of the technique, vertical births are the most suitable for women in labor.

Hypno- childbirth

The basis of this technique is the practical activity of ancient yoga. With its help, future mothers can learn self-hypnosis, self-hypnosis, the basics of meditation, positive thinking and much more.

What do you need to buy?

Approximately 2-3 weeks before giving birth, every woman begins to pack bags, thinking about what might be useful to her in the hospital. On average, within the walls of this medical institution, women in labor spend from 5 to 10 days, which means that you should not go there empty-handed. So, what should you buy for the expectant mother and her baby?

Early preparation for childbirth increases the chances of giving birth quickly, avoiding tears and pain. If the expectant mother knows everything about her body, without ceasing to take care of it, recovery after bearing a child will take a minimum period of time. For an important day, you need not only to prepare mentally, but also pay attention to the readiness of the body.

In contact with

Classmates

You need to learn how to prepare for childbirth long before the most important and responsible day. Already in the body there are many changes, at all stages it is important to support it. From about 36 weeks, enhanced training begins. If you take all the necessary measures, the body will experience less stress. Reducing the load helps to quickly return to normal after the baby is born.

Proper preparation should be carried out only under the supervision of an obstetrician-gynecologist who has been in charge of the entire pregnancy and knows the characteristics of the body and all possible risks.

A visit to the pregnancy center, where regular classes are held, can ensure proper preparation. It covers not only the issues of childbirth, but also the preparatory stage. Psychological training will be much more effective. Special physical education for safety should be carried out only according to programs. A consultant for breastfeeding talk about the importance of breast preparation and subsequent feeding.

Fitball exercises

What do you need to know?

Not all gynecologists leading a pregnancy can tell you everything you need to know about preparing for childbirth without ruptures and complications. Therefore, you will have to rely on your efforts or take courses that are aimed at this. They will give basic information on how to prepare the body for childbirth.

What you need to know:

1. How to prepare the cervix and perineum for the birth of a child.
2. What to do to reduce pain during the process.
3. How to prepare yourself mentally.
4. Why do we need physical exercise and how to make them.
5. How to reduce the appearance of stretch marks on the chest and protect yourself from cracks.
6. When to go to the hospital, and what to take with you.

How to prepare the cervix?

From 36-37 weeks you need to know how to prepare the cervix for childbirth. If she is not ready in the hospital, doctors use medications. But you can help the body yourself.

Preparation of the cervix for childbirth at home:

1. in the last weeks of pregnancy is sometimes prohibited. But if during the examination the gynecologist notices the unpreparedness of the cervix, and the date of birth is closer, this good way preparation.
2. Help in the preparation of infusions of strawberries and raspberry leaves. They should be used only after the permission of the doctor.
3. The list of preparations includes evening primrose oil.
4. Kegel exercises should be done regularly. This has a positive effect on the condition of the cervix and the preparation of the perineum.
5. If necessary, the diet should include fatty acids in large quantities.

Application of Weleda oil

The body itself begins to actively prepare for childbirth. The elasticity of the cervix and perineum is growing rapidly. But sometimes that's not enough. Therefore, from the 36th week it is recommended to use Weleda oil.

Weleda Prenatal Oil is a 100% organic product. In its composition natural oils almond, wheat germ, sage and rose. Vitamins of groups B, A, E increase the elasticity and softness of the skin. Blood circulation improves, hydration appears. Thanks to the use of the product, you can not only avoid cracks and breaks, but also restore the skin faster.

Oil to prepare for childbirth is used for massage daily. It is important to consult with your doctor. The threat of premature birth is a contraindication for use. The duration of the procedure does not exceed 7 minutes. Before starting the massage, it is advisable to take a warm relaxing shower. The agent is applied to the skin of the perineum and labia.

How to mentally prepare?

How to prepare yourself for childbirth physically, it becomes clear with the help of a variety of sources. But even if you read a book about moral preparation, in practice it can be more and more difficult. No one, except the mother herself, can influence her inner fears and psychological readiness for the birth of a child. You can take the advice of experts, but you will have to cope with uncertainty on your own.

How to mentally prepare for childbirth:

1. The mood spoils the fear of pain. All the stories of acquaintances are often exaggerated. Everyone's pain threshold is different. Therefore, there is a chance that everything will not be so scary. It must be remembered that the pain experienced by a woman during childbirth, the body is able to withstand. To get rid of fear, you need to prepare the body physically. Then there will be confidence that the procedures performed will reduce pain.
2. The second mistake is the fear of wrong actions. The choice of a maternity hospital and a conversation with the doctor who will take delivery can give confidence. This option is available in private clinics. After meeting, it will become clear that a specialist will be nearby, and all actions will be controlled. Self-preparation will help overcome fear. On the later dates you need to find out how the birth goes, what should be the actions.

Psychoprophylactic training

The best way to get rid of fear is to know what you have to go through. Confidence in the ability to control the situation helps to tune in positively. It will help to acquire psychoprophylactic preparation for childbirth, consisting of 10 stages:

1. The study of the structure of the body of a woman. At this stage, it is important to understand how the mother and fetus are connected and interact, as well as how the child develops.
2. At the second stage, it is necessary to consecrate the mechanism of childbirth as a whole. Understand how the actions of a woman help a child be born.
3. The third stage consists of learning how to breathe during contractions and how to reduce pain.
4. At the fourth stage, attention is paid to the actions of a woman during attempts. Concentrate on the distribution of women's forces.
5. Next, you need to discuss what happens immediately after childbirth, what changes the body is going through.
6. The sixth lesson is dedicated to preparing the breast for the process.
7. Then you need to pay attention to the topic of child care.
8. At the eighth stage, you need to learn how to restore women Health after childbirth.
9. Next, it is important to pay attention to the psycho-emotional mood. If necessary psychological preparation giving birth more time.
10. The tenth stage provides for the repetition and consolidation of all material.

Yoga helps a lot

Many books have been written about how to prepare for childbirth psychologically. You can choose the training that you like the most. Gynecologists recommend paying attention to the method of Lamaz, Nikolaev and Velvovsky.

Childbirth without breaks and incisions

Previously, they did not know how to prepare the uterus and body for childbirth due to the lack of sources of information. One could only dream of childbirth without injuries. Now expectant mothers have tons of information and ways to help the body.

The basis of preparation for childbirth without ruptures and incisions is an increase in the elasticity of the skin of the perineum. It is also important to pay attention to the muscles of the whole body so that the birth goes faster.

What can I do to make childbirth pain-free?

Childbirth is a long process. For a long time, a woman can remain unattended by a doctor, so you will have to take care of reducing pain yourself. There are many ways to influence the level of pain. You need to learn how to prepare for childbirth without pain in advance so that the information is remembered as best as possible.

Ways to relieve pain:

1. You need to calm down and overcome fear. Experiences lead to muscle tension, this interferes with labor and makes the process more painful.
2. To ease the wait - you need to move. This will help you take your mind off the sensations and find a comfortable position.
3. It is advisable to find a comfortable position in which you can periodically stand or lie down to rest.
4. Birth massage also helps relieve pain. But to influence certain points, you need to practice at home in advance.
5. If possible, take a warm shower. Water is relaxing. It is strictly forbidden to wash when the waters have already receded.
6. Proper breathing helps reduce pain.

How to prepare the perineum?

To avoid tears and cracks, you need to know how to prepare the perineum for childbirth. The process consists of several stages. It is necessary to increase the elasticity of the skin from 36 weeks.

Preparing the perineum for childbirth:

1. At week 35, fatty and fried foods should be excluded from the diet. It is recommended to use kefir and oils more often to increase elasticity.
2. At week 36, active preparation begins. It consists in massaging the perineum to increase elasticity. For this thumbs inserted into the vagina and make movements to the sides. They should be pressing, but neat. The process should not take more than 2 minutes. For greater effectiveness, you need to use Weleda oil.

How to prepare your vagina for childbirth safely:

1. Begin to practice massage no more than once a week.
2. At week 37, the frequency increases to once every three days.
3. Only from 38 weeks are daily procedures allowed.

Physical exercises for muscles and body

Classes in preparatory courses are not complete without physical exercises to prepare for childbirth. In the process of birth, not only the perineum is involved, but the whole body. To freely push the fetus, you need to have prepared muscles.

The body must be ready for a large expenditure of energy and physical activity. Therefore, pregnant women are not recommended to adhere to bed rest for 9 months.

Preparation for childbirth through physical exercises for pregnant women is practiced in many countries. Such sports sections do not remain without visitors. But the process must take place strictly under the supervision of a specialist.

How to prepare your muscles and body for childbirth:

1. The main part of the preparation is the physical exercises themselves. This is a complex consisting of simple actions that can be done in late pregnancy. In this case, the muscles are involved, stretched and strengthened.
2. Breathing exercises are an integral part of the preparation. They not only teach, but also strengthen the lungs. This will allow you to get enough oxygen at a difficult moment.
3. Massage is an important part of the complex. The procedure helps to improve blood circulation, make the skin more elastic, muscles strong.

Useful knee-elbow position using fitball

How to prepare the body for childbirth with physical exercises:

1. It is necessary to squat down, stand in this position for 15 seconds.
2. You need to stand up straight, slightly bend your knees. Make movements of the pelvis in different directions. The shoulders remain in the same position. Strengthens the pelvis and lower back.
3. You need to get on all fours, bend your back like a cat and straighten up again. The action is repeated at least 10 times. This is useful for the lower back, and also helps to normalize the functioning of the abdominal organs.

Should I prep my chest?

Pregnant women have never thought about how to prepare their breasts for childbirth. The preparatory period consisted of buying clothes, furniture and hygiene products for the child. The health of the mother was given very little attention. Therefore, stretch marks and problems with feeding are a common thing. If you make an effort to prepare the mammary glands, you can reduce the appearance of stretch marks, make the feeding process more comfortable.

Preparing for the birth of the body is not complete without breast care. How to do it right:

1. On the recent months pregnancy should avoid sunlight. This will prepare the breast skin, helping to reduce the chance of cracking.
2. The skin should be rubbed with warm water and then with a towel. This will increase the elasticity of the skin and help avoid stretch marks.
3. It is useful to wipe the nipples with cologne. This will make them rougher and the pain will not be felt as much during feeding. For the same purpose, circles of terry towel are cut out and attached to the bra cups.
4. To correct the shape of the breast, massage and a breast pump are used. This should be done if the nipples are flat. The breast pump and massage corrective movements will help you reshape for comfortable feeding.
5. The chest must be (except for the nipples) lubricated with oils or a greasy cream. This will soften the skin and stretch marks will be less.

The duration of pregnancy is 38 weeks. counted 280 days. When calculating, ovulation is taken into account, which normally occurs on days 14-16 of the cycle. The error is due to its shift. Also, the gestational age is set taking into account the condition and stage of development of the fetus.

The bag to the hospital must be collected in advance. The list of necessary things does not change, so you need to take care of the collection a month before the appointed day. It is advisable to take a list at the maternity hospital, which must be selected in advance. Some things are issued or, conversely, required, unlike other institutions.

What should be in the bag:

1. Documents and medical card.
2. Clothing for the baby according to the season.
3. Clothes for mom. You need to consider the size and season.
4. Hygiene accessories.
5. Mobile phone, charger.
6. Those who accompany a woman for childbirth must also have documents.

Any woman is afraid to miss the moment when you need to go to the hospital. It's not uncommon for worried expectant mothers to rush to the doctors after their first contraction. The mistake is also made by those who wait for the last moment, because someone said that childbirth is a long process. If the leading gynecologist did not explain when to worry, you need to rely on other sources.

There is no doctor who will see much earlier, or will wait longer than usual.

When to go to the hospital:

1. Contractions became regular. It is important not to confuse with false contractions. The interval between each contraction should be the same and gradually decrease. And the time of the fight itself will increase. After the first pain sensation, you need to start the countdown. You need to go to the maternity hospital when the contractions disturb you every 5-7 minutes.
2. The amniotic fluid has receded. This is a signal that you should go immediately. They can only leak a little, or completely pour out. Normally, there is 1.5 liters of liquid inside. If a large number has departed, you need to call ambulance. This is a big threat to the health and life of the child.
3. There were "smearing" discharge.
4. The waters are colored pink or green.
5. The uterus is tense between each contraction. Disturbed by strong or, conversely, sluggish movements of the child.
6. Increased pressure, darkening in the eyes.

It is important to remember that the second birth is faster than the first, multiparous people need to get to the maternity hospital a little earlier.

Conclusion

1. Preparation for childbirth helps to reduce pain, avoid tears and cracks.
2. To make it easier to transfer the process, the expectant mother needs to take preparatory courses or take time on her own. But the advice of a doctor cannot be ruled out.
3. Attention should be paid not only to physical, but also to psychological preparation.

In contact with

Preparation of a pregnant woman for childbirth begins long before the onset of the ninth month. From the moment of conception to hospitalization, it is necessary to learn how to properly "tune" your body, thereby facilitating the entire outcome of pregnancy - childbirth. All effective and useful tips from professionals, experienced mothers and obstetricians are used. How not to become a hostage to the fear of childbirth and wait with pleasure for the birth of the most precious little man?

Pregnancy is not only pleasant pushes from inside the baby, languid expectation, enjoyment of one’s “special” status, but also active preparation of the expectant mother for the most important day in her life and the child - childbirth.

The well-being and ease of the process of the birth of a child depends on how thoroughly the woman in labor and her relatives approached such a process. Preparing for childbirth is a set of processes that will help the uterus and the whole body to better adapt during a period of difficult physical activity.

The whole process of birth is a complex and very difficult physical activity for mother and baby. The woman's body knows how and when to respond to any "signals" of the child and each individual organ, but in any case, it is important to prepare the body to respond to contractions and attempts "correctly", involving all its reserve forces in this process.

How to prepare for childbirth: the period before conception

In fact, preparing for childbirth and all you need to know about such a process is complex event, which does not begin exclusively at the moment when the pregnant girl finds out about her situation. Indeed, during this period, changes are already taking place that provoke your hormonal and reproductive system.

Preparation for the birth of a child takes place long before it appears in the world. The first preparatory stage is the family planning period. Before getting pregnant, ideally, you need to examine your body, eliminate possible problems, prepare mentally, after all. After all, wanting does not mean giving birth without pain and complications. In many ways, childbirth without breaks and incisions is not an accident and luck, it is a whole complex of body events that was carried out even before conception.

How to properly prepare for childbirth even before the onset of conception, and what is such preparation? It must be remembered that preparing the body for childbirth before pregnancy is:

1. Quit smoking and alcohol. Complete elimination of nicotine from a woman's body occurs 3 years, but if you do not take such harmful substances a year before pregnancy, this reduces the risk of ruptures and bleeding after childbirth.
2. Healthy sex life. irregular sex, frequent change partners - this is harmful not only for pregnant women, but also for girls who plan to raise a healthy and beautiful child.
3. Calorie control. Eating the right food is not starvation, it is a complete diet with the necessary amount of all useful macro and microelements, vitamins, fats, proteins. A positive and uncomplicated pregnancy is greatly influenced by exhaustion, or vice versa - obesity. Proper nutrition is a supply of useful vitamins and elements for the development of a full-fledged and healthy child in every sense.
4. Emotional mood. The most important thing for a woman is to be mentally prepared for motherhood. “It’s necessary, it’s time, it’s necessary, mom will say” - this is all that a woman who wants to give birth to a healthy child and enjoy motherhood should not have. Only full awareness and harmony of body and soul will help the body bear and give birth to a baby.

Preparing pregnant women for childbirth: important points

Conscious motherhood is the emotional, physiological and psychological readiness of a woman to become the most important person in her child's life. Preparing the body for childbirth, and at the same time remain as attractive as ever, is a whole art. In addition to preparing the birth canal, uterus and the whole body, you need to understand the importance of exercises for women in labor, the relevance of moderate physical activity. Therefore, proper preparation is a quick and safe birth for mother and child.

Planned childbirth: how to prepare correctly?

Planned childbirth and preparation for them is the most the best way for a woman: she knows where to go, who will take delivery, and how the whole process will go. Therefore, in order to be ready for the start of delivery, it is first worth clarifying the following points:

1. Choice of maternity home. Beforehand, coordinate all the questions with your obstetrician: which maternity hospital will you be taken to in case of hospitalization in an ambulance, what is the reputation of the institution, what kind of doctors are there. You can pre-visit the maternity ward (not earlier than 36 weeks). As a rule, employees of the maternity hospital even allow you to see the conditions, the wards (in the absence of women in labor).
2. Generic "disturbing bag". The entire package of documents (passport, outpatient book), diapers, undershirts and all the necessary list provided by the leading obstetrician must be ready and collected.
3. Money. If you are planning to give birth in a private maternity ward, it is important to clarify how much the birth can cost you. But, even in the case when childbirth is planned at the place of registration, money should also be available even for the most elementary: taxi, first aid, medicines if necessary.
4. Transportation of the mother. It is necessary to agree on how you will get to the hospital: planned or urgently at the start of contractions. In any case, it is necessary to clarify such a moment as a free spare transport that can deliver a woman in labor at the right time of the day and night.

These are important organizational points that must be agreed upon before the start of labor. Among other things, it is worth remembering that planned childbirth and the preparation of the body increase the rapid outcome of the process of the appearance of the baby. And in order to prevent such unpleasant consequences as tears, incisions, section and bleeding, it is necessary:

• prepare for childbirth - exercises for pregnant women;
• in women in labor who are expected to have a large fetus, additional research should be carried out, if necessary, stimulation ahead of time;
• so that there are no gaps during childbirth, you need to do special intimate exercises (preparation of the cervix);
• prevention of stretch marks (stretch marks on the abdomen, chest, thighs) - frequent lubrication (oiling) of the skin.

Women in labor who are preparing for childbirth approach the onset of labor from the moment of conception or long before it, they know everything about childbirth, moreover, they are mentally and physically ready. Improving labor activity on your own at home is a feasible task for every pregnant woman.

Preparing the cervix for childbirth

The most painful part of childbirth is the opening of the cervix. The closed pharynx of the uterine cavity at the beginning of labor activity gradually opens (from one finger on palpation to 10 cm). In the process of such an expansion, the cervix is ​​“erased” before childbirth, the cork is peeled off, and water is discharged (before the onset of childbirth, in about 2-3 weeks). After that, the most painful thing begins - the contraction of the uterus, which is ready to push the baby out.

In some women in labor (especially primiparas), this process lasts longer for the reason that the uterus did not previously know such processes, and the moment of opening is slower. The faster the opening of the cervix, the easier and faster the baby appears. Therefore, the main task of a pregnant woman is to prepare the cervix for childbirth long before their onset.

Nature took care of the woman in labor during childbirth: the release of hormones, which occurs starting from the 36th week of pregnancy, erases the cervix, increases its elasticity, which reduces the risk of ruptures. However, this requires a complete and proper nutrition, a healthy body.

Although nature itself took care of the hormonal preparation of the uterus before childbirth, the woman in labor should still carry out some auxiliary procedures that will facilitate labor. There are several methods of such preparation: from massage to intimate exercises. The choice of preparation method depends on the desire of the woman in labor and her time, which she is ready to devote to such preparatory procedures.

Preparation of the perineum for childbirth - oiling

Preparing the perineum for childbirth is also an extremely necessary procedure, because the small and large outer labia may not stretch to the required size, and the obstetrician will make an incision in the perineum.

To carry out such an intimate procedure to prepare for childbirth, you need to buy linseed and peach oil in a pharmacy, mix them in equal parts. After bathing, instead of a cream, apply the composition of oils to the perineum. Do not be zealous: an increased amount of oil is also not needed.

Interesting!

There is an opinion that if a baby is born on early term or prematurely, and his weight is below 3 kg, then the mother endures childbirth easily, without breaks. In fact, the perineum is not ready for stretching until 37 weeks, and therefore the woman in labor runs the risk of tearing even with a baby weighing 2.5 kg.

Additionally, such oiling should be carried out in places where stretch marks can form: hips, sides at the waist, thighs and chest. All manipulations should be carried out only after bathing, rub and wait a bit until the oil is absorbed. You will be surprised how quickly the skin absorbs the oily mixture.

Preparation of the perineum for childbirth - intimate gymnastics

You can also prepare the perineum for childbirth with the help of intimate gymnastics, which no one will see except the woman in labor. For exercises, you need to take the "lotus" position, relaxing the back muscles completely. To do this, you can lean your back on a soft sofa.

Then you need to shrink the vagina, in such a way as during the waiting period for urination. So do 50 times in one exercise. The number of gymnastics per day depends on the desire of the pregnant woman. Only the muscles of the vagina and buttocks should work. The back and abdomen are completely relaxed.

The second option is an exercise during urination. At the moment when a pregnant woman urinates, it is necessary to delay urination several times. At such a moment, the muscles of the vagina are involved, training takes place before childbirth.

Physical preparation for childbirth

To understand how to properly and effectively prepare the body for childbirth, you need to use all your strengths and resources. It is unlikely that you will get and see the results right away, but when labor activity occurs, your body will “say” you a big thank you. As practice shows, childbirth in women who have carried out proper preparation before childbirth endure pain more easily, and childbirth itself lasts a few hours less, since the cervix is ​​elastic and trained.

Exercises to prepare for childbirth

To facilitate labor pains, professionals have developed special exercises to prepare for childbirth, which help to improve the effectiveness of contractions without haughty pain.

#1 - Kegel exercises before childbirth

For proper preparation for childbirth without gaps, you can use the Kegel method. To do this, it is necessary to periodically compress the muscles of the vagina and anus to the most possible strength. Do this at any convenient time: before going to bed, in the bathroom, when you are preparing to eat. The more exercise you do, the better for you.

No. 2 - charging pregnant women

To prevent damage to childbirth without ruptures, gymnastics from ruptures will help. To do this, you need to take the pose of a dog on a stable surface. First put a pillow on the floor, which will be a kind of insurance. Then lift and try to align one leg, then the other. After - arching the back like a cat's "arc". And so alternate several times.

#3 - water vagina training

A simple exercise that can be done with every bath. It is important to pre-steam the body well, but remember that a hot bath is contraindicated. Before you get out of the bath, gently lie on your back, leaning your feet forward. Then stand as on toes, stretching your legs as much as possible. So 5-10 exercises. After such gymnastics, do Kegel exercises initially in a lying position, and then sitting.

Psychological preparation for childbirth

Psychological readiness for childbirth is perhaps the most important aspect that helps to spend the baby's birthday as comfortably as possible. Of course, the pain during childbirth is very strong, and only those who have never experienced such pain can say that you can enjoy such a process. But, simplifying labor activity and preparing mentally is already half the battle.

You can learn a lot of information, go to seminars for expectant mothers and do Kegel exercises every day. But, all this preparation comes to naught if the woman in labor begins to panic in the first minutes of childbirth. In moments of fear, panic and tears, all the muscles of a pregnant woman are compressed, the access of oxygen to the baby is blocked, and therefore such a process as childbirth only becomes more complicated.

It will hurt, but you need to understand that without this pain you cannot enjoy motherhood. You just need to be able to approach this issue thoroughly, not forgetting about proper breathing, moral rest between contractions and the doctor's recommendations. And if you prepared your body for childbirth in advance, then the whole process will pass as quickly as possible.