Harbinger
Childbirth rarely begins suddenly - a wise organism must "warn" mom (for 2-4 weeks) that the moment X is just around the corner. The hormonal background is changing: the progesterone "guarding" pregnancy is inferior to the palm tree of estrogen and oxytocin, which are gradually preparing the birth canal for the forthcoming work. The fact that the process has already gone, they say precursors of childbirth.
Abdominal abscess (decrease in the height of the bottom of the uterus): It makes mommy easier to breathe, but you have to run to the toilet more often (because of the pressure of the uterus on the bladder). This symptom is especially pronounced in primiparous women who can boast a good tone of the anterior abdominal wall and uterus, but "twice mother" can not notice anything of this.
False contractions at the first sign that labor has begun is periodic contractions of the uterus (when it becomes solid, like a pebble), a peculiar preparation of the organism for the forthcoming birth. From the real they are irregular and painless.
Departure of the mucous plug (cervical mucus that closes the entrance to the uterus) happens with blood, this is normal. It can happen in a week, and a few days, and a few hours before delivery. This is a signal that the cervix is actively preparing. However, it is often not an occasion to go to the hospital (unless accompanied by single fights). Emotional instability is directly related to neuroendocrine processes occurring in the body. Apathy can suddenly be replaced by a stormy activity, the instinct of "nest" is clearly manifested: Mom removes in the house, at the last moment runs to buy a dowry for crumbs ... In general, with might and main prepares for the meeting of the baby!
Changing appetite: there is something very reluctant ... Even if the entire pregnancy was all weaved "for two." Decreased body weight as a result of lack of appetite. Before giving birth, a woman can lose some weight - 1-2 kg. So the body naturally prepares for childbirth.
The presence of all precursors at once is not necessary at all - two or three signs are enough to understand: soon!
Consult the doctor if ... The motor activity of the fetus has changed dramatically.
Normally, before birth, it is somewhat reduced (the child is large, he is in the womb closely). And yet listen to yourself and the crumb - who knows best his individual "regime"? If the kid suddenly became too active, maybe he lacks oxygen, if he has been quiet for a long time (more than 6 hours during the day) - definitely something is wrong. It is better to be safe - to undergo additional examinations: cardiotocography, ultrasound. There were bright spotting from the vagina. This may be due to the threat of premature birth or placental pathology (detachment, presentation). Any strain or movement can increase bleeding, so immediately call an ambulance!
Do not take chances!
It is desirable to go to the hospital in advance if the woman is at risk:
- a scar on the uterus (repeated cesarean);
- a large fruit;
- pelvic presentation;
- twins;
- pathological course of pregnancy;
-placenta adherence (when it closes the exit from the uterus);
- chronic extragenital (not associated with the genital area) disease.
Scripts with an "error"
Outflow of amniotic fluid. Yes, doctors think this is a violation of the correct scenario - normally the outflow occurs with full disclosure of the cervix. The reasons are very different: increased uterine tone, infection of membranes, polyhydramnios, multiple pregnancies, etc. And sometimes it is just an individual feature of a woman, repeated from birth to childbirth. To understand that it's water is easy: the flow of liquid, pouring in suddenly, with nothing you will not confuse. And if the waters are only leaking? It is important to know that the outflow can not be stopped by muscle effort (like urination), and the water itself is odorless, more often transparent (greenish - a sign of trouble, the baby does not have enough oxygen, it's urgent in the hospital!).
What to do?
Contact a doctor and be under his supervision. Ideally, the fetus should be born within the next 24 hours, otherwise the probability of infection increases (it is possible, antibacterial therapy will be needed) at the first signs that labor has begun. The first 12 hours of doctors just watching a woman and waiting for the start of regular bouts. Generic activity is in no hurry? Then it will need to be stimulated with intravenous oxytocin.
Preliminarily pain. Another wrong variant of the onset of labor. This is the name of irregular painful contractions of the uterus, which, unlike contractions, do not lead to the opening of the uterus. It turns out ineffective and exhausting "work", from which a woman quickly gets tired, therefore, the tribal activity that has arisen after may be weak.
Being at home, a woman can take a pill "No-shpy" and lie down. Did not help? Then to the hospital: first of all, the doctor will figure out whether the fights are ineffective, then offer a small "medication sleep", which will allow the woman to gain strength and fully engage in generic activities.
All according to plan
Normally, labor begins with labor. It is not difficult to learn them: they are rhythmic regular contractions of the uterus musculature, which are felt as pressure in the abdomen and lower back (similar to pain during menstruation). The first bouts are repeated every 20-25 minutes (duration 10-15 seconds), but gradually the interval between them is reduced, and the intensity increases. The cervix gradually opens, preparing to release the baby. Congratulations - you are in the first period of birth! By the way, almost all this time you can spend at home, in a familiar atmosphere, not nervous - especially if you give birth for the first time. In the hospital it's time, when the periods between contractions were reduced to 10 minutes, with each wave lasting about 20 seconds. However, it does not prevent them from hurrying - the period of cervical dilatation is twice as fast.
Began! What to do?
Keep track of the duration of fights and the intervals between them.
Move, look for positions that relieve pain. Try to walk around, stand on all fours, ride a big ball.
Regularly empty the bladder - this stimulates contractions.
To be engaged in hygienic procedures - provided that the fetal bladder is intact.
You can not!
Take painkillers - they are more likely to harm than help.
Yes (prevent vomiting during childbirth). To panic (your mood influences a condition of the kid).
We give birth!
The first period of childbirth (during which a woman comes to the hospital) ends with a full disclosure of the cervix - up to 10 - 11 cm. In primiparas, its duration is 12-14 hours, the mothers with experience - 5-6.
The second period is much shorter: 30-40 minutes for "newcomer", 15-20 - for "seasoned". The cervix is ready to skip the child, and it starts to move along the birth canal (not in advance, but adjusting to the mother's "convolutions", making a series of translational and rotational movements). At this stage, attempts are added to the fights (cuts not only the muscles of the uterus, but also the diaphragm, the abdominal and skeletal muscles of the parturient woman), thanks to which all the "enterprise" is completed. Here it is, the long-awaited moment!
The third period of birth. Remained the smallest - the birth of the afterbirth (this placenta, membranes, umbilical cord and posterior amniotic fluid). Completely nebolno and not for long (up to 30 minutes)!
In obstetrics today, it is common to reduce this process with the injection of oxytocin (which stimulates uterine contraction and reduces postpartum hemorrhage). Then they examine him (there is nothing left in the uterus cavity). If necessary, the woman is stitched, and then put the baby to the chest. Another two hours (the early postpartum period), the mother and baby will be under the supervision of doctors. And then you can rest!
How long, how short?
The duration of childbirth is affected by a number of factors:
- the age of the parturient woman (in the primiparous 35-40 years - longer, due to decreased elasticity of the genitals);
- The weight of the child (large, more than 4 kg, to give birth more difficult);
- frequency and strength of contractions (individual indicator);
- feature of the presentation of the fetus (with the head - the easiest).