When to prepare for childbirth. Preparing for childbirth the cervix, breasts and muscles

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 while still carrying 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 herself. So, how to properly prepare for childbirth?

Psychological readiness for childbirth is as important as physical readiness. Trained perineal muscles and the basics of breathing exercises are not yet a guaranteed success for the upcoming birth. Equally important is a woman’s awareness of 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 correctly, which will have a positive effect not only on her, but also on the condition of the child.

And it is present in every woman. Primiparas are afraid of the unknown and stories about the births of friends and relatives, multiparas are worried about failures that occurred in previous births or during pregnancy. Psychological preparedness for childbirth will help you avoid this fear.

Experts have proven that women who have undergone psychoprophylactic training before childbirth cope more easily with pain during pregnancy, interact more actively with medical staff, and the condition of their newborn children is better compared to other women in labor.

Psychologists distinguish 3 levels of psychological readiness for childbirth.

Low level

The woman experiences the following feelings:

strong excitement;
panic fear for one’s own health and that of the baby;
anticipation of suffering and pain during childbirth;
aggressive attitude towards the child's father, less often - towards the baby himself;
unwillingness to listen to doctors.

The negative emotions guiding such a woman are wrong. You need urgent help from a psychologist who can tell you how to prepare for childbirth from a psychological point of view. Serious work is required on the moral state of the expectant mother in labor.

Average level

Determined by the following criteria:

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

Psychological help in this case consists not only of teaching how to prepare for childbirth, but also of supporting the woman’s loved ones. The goal is to cope with uncertainty and take an optimistic view of the childbearing process.

High level

It means that:

the woman is positive about bearing a child and giving birth;
knows how to prepare for an easy birth: studies, does self-massage, etc.;
ready to help my baby as much as possible during childbirth;
actively cooperates with medical staff;
positive emotions predominate in the mood;
plans

High level psychological readiness means that a woman is perfectly prepared for childbirth and must maintain this attitude until it occurs.

Physical training

Physical training allows the expectant mother to stay in shape, which will help her endure childbirth more easily.

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 take walks in the fresh air more often, wisely alternating activity and rest. The rhythm of the loads is selected individually according to the well-being and condition of the expectant mother.
. Physical exercises are selected individually for each woman, depending on the nature of pregnancy, duration and presence of complications. A specialist will tell you how to prepare the body for childbirth with the help of gymnastics for expectant mothers. If a woman works out at home, then it is important that someone is nearby.

If future mom If she has previously been involved in sports, then in the absence of contraindications she can continue exercising, choosing the optimal and suitable physical activity. After the 36th week of pregnancy, it is better to stop exercising or reduce it to a minimum, as there is a risk of premature birth.

Go swimming. While exercising in the pool, the expectant mother strengthens all the muscles of her body - the perineum, legs, abs, back. The body becomes more flexible and resilient. Breathing functions improve and stretching increases. In general, water has a pronounced relaxing effect on the entire body, as a result of which preparation for childbirth is more effective.
Get a massage. It is part of a set of exercises to physically prepare the body for childbirth. For expectant mothers, massage has its own peculiarities - without active influences and kneading in the abdominal area. Massage helps eliminate lower back pain, relieve muscle tension and lower limbs. This also includes self-massage. intimate area using special oils. Preparing the perineum allows you to avoid excessive stretching and tearing of tissue in this area, making it easier for the baby to pass through the birth canal. How to prepare the uterus and perineum for childbirth is worth checking with your gynecologist in more detail.
Learn proper breathing. at the right pace during labor allows you to minimize pain during contractions and facilitate the process of giving birth to a child. Breathing exercises should be practiced regularly, starting from the 2nd trimester.
In the last weeks of pregnancy, you should prepare the cervix for childbirth to minimize the likelihood of complications, cracks and ruptures.

Cervical preparation

It is impossible to accelerate the ripening of the cervix with the help of any training or muscular effects. Cervical preparation can be done with medication or at home. Let's consider these options.

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

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

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, which means it is more prepared for the upcoming stretching. Thanks to this, the onset of labor is naturally stimulated.
Nipple massage results in the production of oxytocin, a hormone that induces labor.
Evening primrose oil also promotes cervical ripening, but can only be purchased with a doctor's permission. It is rich in fatty acids that help the cervix soften and prepare for childbirth.

Methods of preparation for childbirth

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

correct breathing;
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 closest to her.

So, we prepare for childbirth using the following techniques.

Grantley Dick-Read technique

This concept was developed more than a hundred years ago by midwife Margaret Gamper and doctor Grantley Dick-Read. Their technique is based on achieving a soft birth process with the necessary preparation for it.

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

To do 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 it is not only the position of self-persuasion that underlies this technique. Grantly Dick-Read offered his patients deep relaxation techniques that also played great importance in childbirth. This technique is described in more detail in the book “Childbirth without Fear,” which every expectant mother can get acquainted with.

Lamaze technique

This technique became popular in the 50s of the last century. 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 practiced to perfection, which allows her not to be distracted by physical discomfort during childbirth and keep the process under control.

Lamaze took the teaching of Pavlov’s reflexes as the basis for his method. As for women, most of them believe that following the Lamaze method really gives tangible results during childbirth. The main techniques of the Lamaze method are meditation, breathing and relaxation. All of them can be practiced alone or together 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 technique, the concept of this theory was the task of listening to one’s 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 method believes that a careful 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 objective 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 advocates for this. Before the advent of this theory, childbirth was considered an exclusively individual matter and nothing was known about partner childbirth.

Sheila Kitsinger's Method

You can get acquainted with the method of this author in the book “The Childbirth Experience”. Sheila Kitsinger views 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 childbirth, a woman is revealed as an individual, while the level of her social significance and her own self-esteem increases. Such an attitude is necessary when preparing for childbirth; only in this case will it become favorable and successful for the woman in labor and her child, as well as for all her loved ones.

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 Oden suggested that women explore their talents during pregnancy and discover their new capabilities. This could be dancing, singing, drawing and other creative activities. The woman must choose her own position during childbirth. According to the author of the technique, vertical birth is the most suitable for women in labor.

Hypnobirthing

This technique is based on the practical activities of ancient yoga. With its help, expectant mothers can master 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 her bags, thinking about what might be useful to her in the maternity hospital. On average, within the walls of this medical institution women in labor spend from 5 to 10 days, which means that you don’t need to go there empty-handed. So, what should you buy for the expectant mother and her baby?

Preparing a pregnant woman for childbirth begins long before the ninth month. From the moment of conception until 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. How not to become hostage to the fear of childbirth and wait with pleasure for the birth of the most precious little person?

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

The well-being and ease of the process of bringing a child into the world depends on how thoroughly the mother and her relatives approached this process. Preparing for childbirth is a set of processes that will help the uterus and the entire body adapt better during a period of difficult physical activity.

The entire birth process is a complex and very difficult physical activity for mother and baby. A woman’s body knows how and when to respond to any “signals” from 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 everything you need to know about such a process is a complex event that does not begin exclusively at the moment when a pregnant girl finds out about her situation. After all, during this period, changes are already occurring that are provoked by your hormonal and reproductive system.

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

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

Quitting smoking and alcohol. Complete elimination of nicotine from a woman’s body occurs within 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.
Healthy sex life. Irregular sex and frequent changes of partners are harmful not only for pregnant women, but also for girls who plan to raise a healthy and beautiful child.
Calorie control. Eating the right food is not starvation, it is a complete diet with the required amount of all useful macro and microelements, vitamins, fats, proteins. A positive and uncomplicated pregnancy is greatly influenced by exhaustion or, on the contrary, obesity. Proper nutrition is a supply of useful vitamins and elements for the development of a full-fledged and healthy child in every sense.
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” - these are all the things that a woman who wants to give birth to a healthy child and enjoy motherhood should not have. Only complete 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 a woman’s emotional, physiological and psychological readiness to become the most important person in her child’s life. Preparing the body for childbirth and still remaining as attractive is an 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 and the relevance of moderate physical activity. Therefore, proper preparation means a quick and safe birth for mother and child.

Planned childbirth: how to prepare correctly?

Planned childbirth and preparation for it are the most the best option for a woman: she knows where to go, who will deliver the baby, and approximately how the whole process will go. Therefore, in order to be prepared for the start of delivery, it is worth clarifying the following points in advance:

Choosing a maternity hospital. Pre-coordinate all questions with your obstetrician: which maternity hospital you will be taken to if you are hospitalized in an emergency, what is the reputation of the institution, what kind of doctors are there. You can visit the maternity ward first (not earlier than 36 weeks). As a rule, maternity hospital workers even allow you to look at the conditions and wards (in the absence of women in labor).
Generic “alarm bag”. The entire package of documents (passport, outpatient book), diapers, undershirts and the entire necessary list, which is provided by the leading obstetrician, must be prepared and collected.
Money. If you are planning to give birth in a private maternity ward, it is important to find out approximately how much the birth may cost you. But even in the case when the birth is planned at the place of registration, there should also be money for even the most basic things: taxi, first aid, medicines if necessary.
Transportation of a woman in labor. 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 point as free spare transport that can deliver the woman in labor at the right time of day or night.

These are important organizational issues, which must be agreed upon before labor begins. Among other things, it is worth remembering that planned childbirth and preparation of the body increases the rapid outcome of the process of the birth of the baby. And in order to prevent such unpleasant consequences as ruptures, cuts, sections 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, and, if necessary, stimulation ahead of schedule;
to avoid ruptures during childbirth, you need to do special intimate exercises (preparing the cervix);
prevention of sprains (stretch marks on the abdomen, chest, thighs) - frequent lubrication (oiling) of the skin.

Women in labor who are preparing for childbirth approach the beginning of labor thoroughly from the moment of conception or long before its onset, they know everything about childbirth, moreover, they are ready mentally and physically. Improving labor 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 os of the uterine cavity gradually opens at the onset of labor (from one finger on palpation to 10 cm). In the process of such expansion, the cervix is “erased” before birth, the plug is detached, and the water breaks (before the onset of labor, about 2-3 weeks). After this, the most painful thing begins - the contraction of the uterus, which is ready to push the child out.

For some women in labor (especially firstborns), this process lasts longer for the reason that the uterus has not previously known such processes, and the moment of opening occurs more slowly. The faster the cervix opens, the easier and faster the baby appears. Therefore, the main task of a pregnant woman is to prepare the cervix for childbirth long before it occurs.

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 rupture. However, this requires a complete and proper nutrition, healthy body.

Although nature independently took care of the hormonal preparation of the uterus before childbirth, the mother in labor still needs to 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 the time she is willing to devote to such preparatory procedures.

Preparing the perineum for childbirth - oiling

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

To carry out such an intimate procedure for preparation before childbirth, you need to buy flaxseed and Peach oil at the pharmacy, mix them in equal parts. After bathing, instead of cream, it is necessary to apply the composition of oils to the perineum. Don’t be overzealous: an increased amount of oil is also not necessary.

Interesting!

There is an opinion that if a baby is born on early or premature, and its weight is below 3 kg, then the mother endures childbirth easily, without ruptures. In fact, the perineum is not ready to stretch until the 37th week, and therefore the woman in labor risks rupture even with a baby weighing 2.5 kg.

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

Preparing the perineum for childbirth - intimate gymnastics

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

Then you need to tighten the vagina, in the same way as when waiting to urinate. Do this 50 times per exercise. The number of gymnastics per day depends on the wishes of the pregnant woman. Only the muscles of the vagina and buttocks should work. The back and stomach are completely relaxed.

The second option is to exercise during urination. When a pregnant woman urinates, it is necessary to hold urination several times. At this moment, the vaginal muscles are activated and training occurs before childbirth.

Physical preparation for childbirth

To understand how to properly and effectively prepare the body for childbirth, you need to use all your strength and resources. It is unlikely that you will get and see the results right away, but when labor begins, your body will thank you very much. As practice shows, women who have undergone proper preparation before childbirth endure pain more easily, and the birth itself lasts several hours less, since the cervix is elastic and trained.

Exercises to prepare for childbirth

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

#1 – Kegel exercises before childbirth

To properly prepare for childbirth without tearing, you can use the Kegel method. To do this, it is necessary to periodically squeeze the muscles of the vagina and anus to the greatest possible strength. Do this at any convenient time: before bed, in the bathroom, when preparing to eat. The more exercise you do, the better it is for you.

No. 2 – exercises for pregnant women

To prevent damage to childbirth without ruptures, gymnastics against ruptures will help. To do this, you need to take a dog pose on a stable surface. First place a pillow on the floor, which will act as a kind of insurance. Then lift and try to straighten one leg, then the other. Afterwards – arching the back like a cat’s “arc”. And so alternate several times.

No. 3 – vaginal training in water

A simple exercise that can be done every time you take a bath. It is important to steam your body thoroughly beforehand, but remember that a hot bath is contraindicated. Before leaving the bath, gently lie on your back, leaning your feet forward. Then stand on your 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 while sitting.

Psychological preparation for childbirth

Psychological readiness for childbirth is perhaps the most important aspect that helps to spend your baby’s birthday as comfortable as possible. Of course, the pain during childbirth is very strong; only someone who has never experienced such pain can say that you can enjoy such a process. But, simplifying labor and preparing mentally is already half the success.

You can study 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 labor. In moments of fear, panic and tears, all the muscles of a pregnant woman contract, the access of oxygen to the baby is blocked, and therefore the process of 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, mental rest in the intervals between contractions and the doctor’s recommendations. And if you prepared your body for childbirth in advance, then the whole process will go as quickly as possible.

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The body's readiness for childbirth

In the last 1.5-2 weeks of pregnancy, the woman’s body prepares for the upcoming birth. This preparation covers all organs and systems, starting with the centers of higher nervous activity and ending with the executive organ - the uterus. The dominant of pregnancy is replaced by the dominant of childbirth, and the uterus turns from a receptacle for the fetus into an expelling organ.

The readiness of a woman’s body for childbirth is characterized by a number of signs, the appearance of which indicates the possibility of labor beginning in the near future. The most pronounced changes occur in the genitals. In contrast to assessing the state of the central nervous system or hormonal status, which requires the involvement of special, as a rule, complex methods Research and diagnosis of the condition of the reproductive system is carried out using conventional clinical methods of examining a pregnant woman and simple tests. These include: determination of the “maturity” of the cervix, oxytocin test, mammary test, cytological examination of vaginal smears.

Preparing for childbirth

You have gone through everything and all you have to do is meet your child and bring him home, where you have prepared a cozy corner for him and where everyone has been waiting for him for so long. You have read a lot of books, attended courses, consulted with friends and doctors, surfed the Internet, you know all the theoretical parts about childbirth. You are a little afraid of forgetting all this and mixing it up at the most important moment. Therefore, take the text below simply as a cheat sheet, because complete information is in books, courses, and other places. And this is a cheat sheet for the last minute, so as not to rummage through a bunch of texts. As the basis for this cheat sheet, I took the summary of an “experienced mother in childbirth”, given on one of the “folk” sites, so if you see familiar words, don’t be surprised. And once again - you know all this very well. But if you still have fear and uncertainty, then this article can help you.

What you can do at home to prepare for childbirth and the hospital if you are going to one

Preparing the cervix for childbirth, softening the cervix

From 36 weeks - regular sex life without a condom. Sperm softens the cervix, preparing it for childbirth. This is why a condom is necessary during pregnancy itself.
- From 34 weeks evening primrose oil in capsules - 1 per day, from 36 weeks - 2, from 39 - 3 capsules per day. Drink.

Preparing the skin of the perineum for stretching during childbirth and preventing ruptures and cuts of the perineum (episiotomy)

Massage the skin of the perineum using vegetable oil (regular, olive, wheat germ). Before the massage itself, warm up the skin (with a warm heating pad or a warm bath). Dry and massage the dry skin between the anus and vagina with your hands from the outside, rubbing oil into it, pulling the lower vaginal vault down and to the sides. From 34 weeks - 2 times a week, from 38 - every day

Exercises to stretch the muscles and ligaments of the perineum:

Standing sideways to the back of a chair, rest your hands on it and move your leg to the side as high as is comfortable - 6-10 times for each leg.
- With the same emphasis, lift the leg bent at the knee towards the tummy.
- With your legs spread wide, slowly squat down and hold in this position for a few seconds, you can use some spring. Slowly rise and relax. Can be repeated 3-5 times.
- Squat down, straighten one leg and put it to the side. Shift your weight from one leg to the other several times in a row. Extending your arms forward will help you maintain your balance.

Everyday poses.

- “Tailor’s pose” - in a sitting position, cross your legs in front of you.
- “Butterfly” - sitting, connect the heels and pull them towards the perineum. You don’t have to move your legs, just staying in this position, but most likely the “wings” will start dancing on their own. This is great and won’t stop us from watching TV, reading or peeling potatoes.
- “On your heels” - kneel down, bringing them tightly together, and smoothly sit back on your heels.
- “Frog” - being in the “on your heels” position, spread your legs and sit on the floor between your heels.
- in the “squatting” position: you can just sit on your haunches, minding your own business, or you can (should!) wash the floor while squatting!
- You can walk “in single file” - from the kitchen to the room

Choose positions that are comfortable for you and change the position as soon as it begins to tire you.

Preparing nipples for feeding

Prevention of cracked nipples and mastitis

Contrast shower, massaging nipples.
- Terry towel (rub gently).
- Air baths (walk more with an open chest).
- Gently pulling out the nipples, forming an elongated shape - with your hands (your own) and with the help of your husband.
- Ice cubes from oak bark decoction.

There is no need to try too hard in advance, because nipple stimulation causes uterine contractions.

Preparing for the maternity hospital

What to discuss with your doctor in advance:

How to give birth (how much do you insist on natural childbirth, if there are relative indications for cesarean). Discuss the conditions under which the doctor considers surgery necessary and come to an agreement.

When to give birth (if cesarean section is being discussed) - planned or start naturally.

When to go to the maternity hospital (when contractions begin, your water breaks, contractions will occur at certain intervals - at what intervals).

What anesthesia to use and in what case (for caesarean - general or epidural, for natural childbirth - standard medicated sleep, pain relief, at your request, for the doctor’s reasons, no pain relief without serious indications - as you want)

Presence of relatives at the birth. Husband, mother, girlfriend, assistant, what should they take with them (change, change of clothes, food, drink), what will they be allowed, will they be able to give you a massage, hold your hand at any time, i.e. interfere with the staff, pick up the baby first, cut the umbilical cord.

Stimulation of contractions - administration of oxytocin - and puncture of the amniotic sac. Under what conditions does the doctor insist on carrying it out, discuss it so that it is not done prophylactically if you do not want to.

Episiotomy (do you insist that it should not be done without emergency indications, or are you interested in everything being faster and easier, because it is done precisely for this purpose, like the previous point).

It is imperative to insist on suturing with anesthesia; this is the most painful procedure in childbirth.
- Putting the baby to the breast and the first actions with him. When to cut the umbilical cord - immediately or after the pulsation stops (for Rhesus incompatibility is prohibited) and for whom. First, wash the baby and weigh it or place it on your chest first. For how long should you put it, how long will they take it away for washing, weighing and putting eye drops in it, where, when will they return it - as you want!

There are no ideal standards for everyone, maybe you will be the first to want to sleep peacefully alone. If they take you to the nursery, should you supplement the feeding there, should you supplement it with the formula that you bring or the one that is there, is it possible to use donor milk - all this will be discussed. If you are determined to feed on demand when housed separately, discuss having them immediately brought to you and not supplemented with feeding. Is it possible to dress a child in home clothes?

Vaccinations. Hepatitis - should it be done in the maternity hospital? If yes - only imported vaccine - buy it and bring it.
- If you have a negative Rh factor, buy and bring anti-Rhesus D-immunoglobulin, discuss its administration within 72 hours after birth, the sooner the better.

What to take to the maternity hospital?

passport;
exchange card;
contract for childbirth;
mobile phone and charger;
watch;
robe;
nightgown with ties at the front (it’s convenient to use a regular one) men's shirt.) 2-3 pieces;
slippers (according to the requirements of some maternity hospitals, they must be washable. If not, then a second pair for the shower);
underpants;
Super gaskets;
anti-varicose socks/stockings/elastic bandages;
socks;
toothpaste and brush, comb, cream, toilet. paper, napkins, sponge, baby soap, unscented antiperspirant (children are often allergic to their mother’s deodorant and cream, and not at all to what she ate);
two towels;
plate, cup, spoon;
hygienic lipstick! (lips will dry out during childbirth);
hair clips, loose elastic bands;
bras (special model, or soft knitted one, in which you can easily release the breasts);
cream for cracked nipples - bepanten or lanolin;
disposable bra pads;
breast pump, if the maternity hospital does not rent it or you do not want:
bottled water, tea leaves, sugar, chewing gum;
thermos with drink (rosehip infusion);
a second thermos with contracting and hemostatic herbs;
food: dried fruits, fruits, cookies;
small electric kettle;
paper, pen, book, player (or tape recorder to listen to with your child), cassettes with your favorite music;
camera;
a blanket if it’s winter;
night light - if only overhead lighting is provided in the wards;
Disposable diapers. You should not buy more than two packs in advance (in the first days in the maternity hospital, about 10 diapers can be used per day), since there may be a negative skin reaction to one or another model, and you can also choose the size only according to the child. Even if the maternity hospital offers their own diapers, it is better to immediately use the brand you plan to use so that you don’t have to change it later;
Non-alcohol wet cleaning wipes;
The rompers are light - if the rules of the maternity hospital allow, then it is convenient to immediately dress the baby in your own clothes;
replacement shoes for your husband if he is with you;
food for husband (bananas, sandwiches, water);
contact numbers of those who you may need - specialists in breastfeeding, the doctor who managed your pregnancy, pediatrician. It is better to agree with him and a breastfeeding specialist in advance so that you know who to call in case of problems in the maternity hospital.

How to prepare for childbirth

How to prepare for childbirth? This question is especially of concern to expectant mothers who are about to give birth for the first time. Preparing for childbirth in advance is very important. So that in the rush and bustle of leaving for the maternity hospital, you don’t forget anything. Preparing for childbirth is not just about packing a suitcase. Preparing for childbirth means choosing a maternity hospital, meeting with the doctor who will deliver the baby, and taking courses. Both the expectant mother and the future father need to prepare for childbirth. So that at the right moment he knows what to do when, what to take where and what to carry (carry) when and where.

About two or three weeks before the birth, check whether you have prepared everything for the birth for yourself and for the birth, for the baby. If you have already chosen a maternity hospital or agreed with your personal doctor, find out in more detail the list of things recommended in this maternity hospital for mother and baby. Some maternity hospitals indicate what you need to take with you, others give out all sick leave. Place the necessary things in small bags in advance: a small bag for the mother for childbirth, a small bag for the mother for discharge, a small bag for the baby to go to the maternity hospital and for discharge. Be sure to introduce these bags to your dad. Often, when we meet with mothers after childbirth, they tell how their husband, out of joy and excitement, mixed up everything, and instead of the third dress from the right, he brought the fifth one from the top, but it no longer fits - and the mood from the meeting was greatly spoiled.

Dear ladies, don’t overload your dads, take care of them too. What might you need in the maternity hospital?

documentation;
things that will be useful during childbirth;
things that may be needed after childbirth;
dowry for the baby in the maternity hospital;
things needed when discharged home.

Harbingers of childbirth

For most pregnant women, childbirth is preceded by so-called precursors, which usually appear 2 weeks before: the stomach drops and the woman becomes able to breathe easier; body weight is slightly reduced due to increased secretion of fluid from the body; the uterus quickly tenses up and hardens due to the increased excitability of its muscles. Before birth, the fetal head in primiparous women is pressed more tightly against the pelvic bones.

In the very last days before childbirth, thick, viscous mucus is released from the vagina, often mixed with blood (the mucus plug that filled the cervical canal is pushed out), diffuse pain appears in the sacrum, hips, and lower abdomen. Once these signs appear, you should not leave home for a long time, because... At any moment, regular contractions of the uterus - contractions - can begin, which will require the woman to be immediately sent to the maternity hospital.

Some women may experience leakage as soon as (or before) contractions begin. amniotic fluid- they are found on linen in the form of colorless spots. When this symptom appears, the pregnant woman must be hospitalized in a maternity hospital, because along with the water in the vagina, a loop of the umbilical cord or a fetal hand may fall out. In addition, prenatal rupture of water contributes to the penetration of infection into the uterus.

The onset of labor is considered to be the appearance of regular contractions. At first they are weak and do not cause the pregnant woman any particular concern, but gradually become more intense, lasting (30-40 seconds) and frequent - after 5-6 minutes.

In primiparous women, the duration of labor is on average from 15 to 20 hours, in multiparous women, the duration of labor is from 10 to 12 hours. The duration of labor is influenced by the woman’s age, the size of the fetus, the size of the pelvis, the activity of uterine contractions, etc. In primigravidas over 28-30 years of age, the duration of labor is longer.

There are three periods in childbirth. Duration of the first, most long period labor for primiparous women averages 13-18 hours, and for multiparous women the duration of the first stage of labor is 10-11 hours. In the first period, the lower pole of the amniotic sac wedges into the cervical canal, it opens, the amniotic sac ruptures and amniotic fluid flows out.

During the second stage of labor, the fetus moves through the birth canal. Attempts arise during this period. At this time, the midwife leading the birth begins to receive the newborn. With cephalic presentation, the head is born first. Following the head, the body is born. This ends the second stage of labor. In primiparous women, the duration of the second stage of labor is on average from 1 to 2 hours, and in multiparous women, the duration of this period of labor is from 30 minutes. up to 1 hour. Immediately after birth, the baby begins to breathe and cry. The umbilical cord connecting the newborn to the placenta is cut and ligated.

Contractions

The first rule is to sleep if possible. If it doesn’t work out, just rest. You can sacrifice all of the following and go unprepared, but not tired by the first hours of waiting, when you can and should calmly conserve your strength and rest. Now nothing is needed from you except to relax. But then you will need serious work, and you should not be exhausted by this time. This “later” can happen in a day! Sleep and rest while you have time. It is not for nothing that the strength of contractions increases gradually. Everything is thought out.

It is advisable to write down the duration and intervals between them, but not immediately, when they are rare and mild, and then when they no longer allow you to sleep.

If sleep and rest are in neither eye, then it is better not to lie, move and look for a position in which it is easier. Use poses and techniques learned in courses or read. Bring your husband to readiness, check massage techniques, breathing, etc. with him. Do not strain the muscles of the body, especially the face, or clench your teeth - this strains the muscles of the pelvic floor and the cervix and lengthens and makes the period of contractions more difficult. Tell your husband to remind you when you forget yourself and not let you shrink. You should not fight or experience contractions, but surrender to them, relaxing and drowning in them. This is not senseless pain, not a spasm, not a squeeze, not a contraction, although you feel it that way. This is the OPENING of the cervix, this is their ultimate goal, and this is what needs to be promoted. You open up, whether you want it or not, you will fight and hurt both of you, or you won’t fight and relax - in any case, you will open up. And since this is inevitable, if you do not fight the inevitable, but understand its meaning, it will be easier for you to understand the meaning of “relaxation in contractions.” Because it means "opening when opening."

Discharge of water.

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Bath

The bath relieves pain very well and helps you relax. Allows you to determine whether labor has actually begun. If these are preliminary contractions, then under the influence of the bath they will subside, but if labor has begun, then the bath, on the contrary, will somewhat stimulate the process. You can take a bath for no more than half an hour and only for early stage childbirth, when contractions last no more than 20 minutes, unless, of course, you are going to go to the maternity hospital. Those giving birth at home can also take a bath in the later stages of labor.

Showering is very helpful in relieving pain during contractions. It can be directed to the sacrum or lower back.

Even if the water has already broken, you can take a bath, but you need to clean it well and add filler: pure sea salt or Rotokan.

Enema

Prepare 3 liters of water. 2 for an enema, 1 just in case. No need to boil. Water temperature 30-32 degrees. You need to do an enema at long intervals, when contractions occur at intervals of 18-20 minutes. Water m.b. salted (a little sea salt) or acidified (1 tablespoon lemon juice per 3 liters). The enema must be done in a knee-elbow position.

Shaving

Regular men's shaving foam helps reduce the number of cuts and discomfort.

Drink, food

Stimulating and maintenance drinks. During childbirth and immediately after. Rosehip + 1 tsp. honey Fruits, dried fruits and crackers. Be sure to take it with you to the hospital.

Duration of labor

There are three periods in childbirth. The duration of the first, longest period of labor in primiparous women is on average 13-18 hours, and in multiparous women the duration of the first stage of labor is 10-11 hours. In the first period, the lower pole of the amniotic sac wedges into the cervical canal, it opens, the amniotic sac ruptures and amniotic fluid flows out.

After the baby is born, the third stage of labor begins, called postpartum. The duration of this period of labor is on average 30 minutes. During this period, the placenta separates from the walls of the uterus and the placenta is born. The placenta consists of the placenta, umbilical cord and membranes.

Start of labor

Contractions

The first rule is to sleep if possible. If not, just relax. You can sacrifice all of the following and go unprepared, but not tired by the first hours of waiting, when you can and should calmly conserve your strength and rest. Now nothing is needed from you except to relax. But then you will need serious work, and you should not be exhausted by this time. This “later” can happen in a day! Sleep and rest while you have time. It is not for nothing that the strength of contractions increases gradually. Everything is thought out. It is advisable to write down the duration and intervals between them, but not immediately, when they are rare and mild, and then when they no longer allow you to sleep.

If sleep and rest are in neither eye, then it is better not to lie, move and look for a position in which it is easier. Use poses and techniques learned in courses or read. Bring your husband to readiness, check massage techniques, breathing, etc. with him. Do not strain the muscles of the body, especially the face, or clench your teeth - this strains the muscles of the pelvic floor and the cervix and lengthens and makes the period of contractions more difficult. Tell your husband to remind you when you forget yourself and not let you shrink. You should not fight or experience contractions, but surrender to them, relaxing and drowning in them. This is not senseless pain, not a spasm, not a squeeze, not a contraction, although you feel it that way. This is the OPENING of the cervix, this is their ultimate goal, and this is what needs to be promoted. You open up, whether you want it or not, you will fight and hurt both of you, or you won’t fight and relax - in any case, you will open up. And since this is inevitable, if you do not fight the inevitable, but understand its meaning, the meaning of “relaxation in contractions” will be easier for you. Because it means "opening when opening."

Water breaking

The water can break at any time: at the beginning of labor, in the middle, or just before pushing. All this is within normal limits.

Transparent or whitish - normal

Green - the child is experiencing hypoxia and requires medical attention.

With small streaks of blood - part of the mucus plug, not dangerous

With bright blood - placental abruption, urgent hospitalization is required

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Course of labor

Childbirth is an unconditional reflex act aimed at expelling the fertilized egg from the uterine cavity once it reaches a certain degree of maturity. The gestational age must be at least 28 weeks, the fetal body weight must be at least 1000 g, and the height must be at least 35 cm.

During the birth act there are 3 periods: I - the period of opening; II - period of exile; III - succession period. A woman with the onset of labor is called a woman in labor, after the end of labor she is called a puerpera.

In the first stage of labor, contractions cause the cervix to open. Contractions are involuntary periodic contractions of the uterus. During contractions, the processes of contraction (contraction of each muscle fiber and each muscle layer) and retraction (displacement of muscle layers relative to each other) occur in the muscular wall of the uterus. During pauses between contractions, contraction is completely eliminated, and retraction is only partially eliminated.

The myometrium consists of two layers, different from a functional point of view. The outer layer is mainly represented by longitudinally located muscle fibers. This layer, powerful and active in the fundus and body of the uterus, fades away in the distal cervix. The inner layer contains predominantly circular muscle fibers. It is best expressed in the cervix and lower segment of the uterus. There are few circular muscle fibers in the fundus and body of the uterus. With the development of regular labor, coordinated contractions of the outer and inner layers of the myometrium are observed.

The primary source of stimulation of labor (pacemaker, pacemaker) is a more or less localized group of cells in the uterine wall. Most researchers believe that pacemakers are located in both tubal angles of the uterus. From here, electrical activity (a wave of contractions) spreads during contractions to the underlying parts of the uterus - to the body and lower segment. N. Alvarez and R. Caldeyro-Barcia (1952) called this propagation of the contraction wave from top to bottom a triple downward gradient. The strongest and most prolonged contractions of the uterus are observed in the fundus (fundal dominant). Subsequently, the wave of contraction spreads down to the body and cervix (first gradient). In the body and especially in the lower segment of the uterus, a decrease in the strength and duration of contraction is observed (second and third gradients).

Physiologically developing labor activity is characterized by reciprocity (interconnectedness) of the contractile activity of the uterine body, lower segment and cervix. Each contraction of the longitudinal muscles of the uterus is accompanied by active stretching (distraction) of the lower segment and cervix, which leads to the opening of the uterine pharynx. The normal course of labor is characterized by coordination (consistency) of uterine contractions. In addition to the vertical coordination of contractions (triple downward gradient, fundal dominance and reciprocity), there is horizontal coordination in the form of coordinated contractions of the right and left halves of the uterus. With coordinated contractions, there is a synchronicity in the onset of the phase of maximum contraction of the uterus in its various parts. The propagation time of the contraction wave, which covers the entire organ, is 15 s.

With well-expressed labor, the intensity of uterine contractions is usually 30 mm Hg. Art., and the frequency of contractions is at least two in 10 minutes. As labor progresses, the intensity and duration of contractions gradually increase, and the duration of the intervals between contractions decreases.

During each contraction, intrauterine pressure increases, which is transmitted to the fertilized egg, which takes the shape of the uterine cavity. Amniotic fluid rushes into the lower part of the amniotic sac, where one of the large parts of the fetus is located (head, pelvic end). As long as the membranes are intact, the uterus is a closed, fluid-filled ball.

During childbirth, due to the contraction of the longitudinally located muscles of the uterus and the reciprocally relaxing circular muscles, the lower segment of the uterus and the area of the internal os of the cervix are stretched. The upper part of the cervical canal gradually expands in a funnel-like manner, and during contractions the amniotic sac (the lower pole of the membranes with part of the amniotic fluid contained in them) rushes there. By irritating the nerve endings in the area of the internal pharynx, it helps to intensify contractions. Contractions of the muscle fibers of the body of the uterus, due to its ovoid shape, are directed upward not vertically, but tangentially to the circular muscles of the lower segment of the uterus and the cervical canal. This relationship and the action of the muscles of the fundus and body of the uterus on the opening of the cervical canal are so pronounced that the opening of the cervix occurs even with premature rupture of water (when the role of the amniotic sac in the opening of the cervix is completely excluded) and even with the transverse position of the fetus (when the presenting part is absent) .

During contractions, as a result of retraction, the above and underlying muscle layers seem to cross each other and gradually move upward. During pauses between contractions, they do not return completely to their place. Therefore, the upper part of the uterine body gradually thickens, and the area of the lower segment becomes thinner. The border between the upper part of the uterus (fundus, body), which contracts during labor, and the actively relaxing lower segment is called the contraction ring (border groove, border ridge); tiro can be determined after the outpouring of amniotic fluid during contractions. The lower segment of the uterus encloses the presenting part of the fetus with a ring that fits tightly to it - the internal zone of contact.

In this case, an external zone of contact is formed between the lower segment of the uterus and the bone ring (the head is fixed by the small segment at the entrance to the pelvis). Due to the presence of contact belts, the waters are divided into two unequal parts: the larger part, which is located above the contact belt, is “ back waters", and a smaller part located below the contact belt and filling the amniotic sac - the "anterior waters".

The mechanism of cervical dilatation in first and multiparous women is not the same. In primiparous women, the dilatation of the cervix begins from the side of the internal pharynx. When the internal os is fully opened, the cervix is smoothed out, the cervical canal is absent and the external os begins to open. Full dilatation of the cervix is considered to be such that the uterine cavity and vagina form a single birth tube. In multiparous women, the opening of the internal and external pharynx occurs simultaneously and in parallel with the shortening of the cervix.

When the uterine os opens completely or almost completely, the membranes rupture. This is facilitated by a complex of reasons: 1) increasing intrauterine pressure due to increased frequency and intensity of contractions; 2) an increase in overstretching of the membranes of the fetal bladder due to an increase in intrauterine pressure and a decrease in their resistance to rupture; 3) lack of support for the lower pole of the fetal bladder from the side of the cervix with full or almost complete dilatation. If the amniotic sac is opened when the cervix is not fully dilated, then the presenting part of the fetus plays the role of stimulating the receptors of the internal pharynx. In some cases, when the membranes are too dense, the fetal bladder does not open even when fully dilated. In these cases, it must be opened so as not to disrupt the physiological course of labor.

Full dilatation of the cervix indicates the end of the first stage of labor. The second stage of labor begins - the period of expulsion, during which the birth of the fetus occurs.

After the amniotic fluid is released, the contractions stop or weaken for a short time. The volume of the uterine cavity is significantly reduced, the walls of the uterus come into closer contact with the fetus. The contractions intensify again and contribute to the movement of the fetus through the birth canal, which began during the dilation period. The presenting part of the fetus approaches the pelvic floor and puts increasing pressure on it, in response to which attempts appear. Pushing differs from contractions in that the reflex involuntary contraction of the smooth muscles of the uterus is accompanied by a reflex contraction of the striated skeletal muscles of the abdominal press, diaphragm, and pelvic floor. The force of pushing can be voluntarily adjusted by the woman giving birth. The presenting part of the fetus stretches the genital slit and is born. Behind it, the entire body of the fetus is born and the posterior amniotic fluid flows out.

After the birth of the fetus, the third stage of labor begins - the successive period. At this time, the placenta and membranes are separated from the walls of the uterus and the placenta is born.

A few minutes after the birth of the fetus, contractions resume. With the very first contraction, the separation of the baby's place begins, occurring in the spongy layer of the falling membrane at the site of its attachment to the uterine wall (placental area). During subsequent contractions, the entire uterine musculature contracts, including the area of the placental area. The placenta does not have the ability to contract, and therefore it rises above the decreasing placental platform in the form of a fold or bump. The connection between the placenta and the placental site is disrupted, vascular rupture occurs, which leads to the formation of a retroplacental hematoma, which is an accumulation of blood between the placenta and the wall of the uterus. Retroplacental hematoma, together with uterine contractions, contributes to increasing and, finally, final placental abruption. The separated placenta is born from the uterine cavity by force and carries the membranes with it. The placenta emerges from the genital tract with the aqueous (amniotic) membrane on the outside. The maternal surface of the placenta faces the inside of the born placenta. This most common central path of placental abruption and birth of placenta is described by Schultz.

Another variant of placental abruption may be observed, when separation begins not from the center, but from the periphery. In this case, the spilled blood does not form a retroplacental hematoma, but, flowing down, peels off the membranes. With each subsequent contraction, more and more sections of the placenta peel off until it is completely separated from the wall of the uterus. In addition, the separation of the placenta is facilitated by its own weight. The placenta is born from the birth canal forward with the lower edge of the placenta (its maternal surface), and the amniotic membrane is inside - the separation of the placenta according to Duncan.

The birth of the placenta, separated from the walls of the uterus, is facilitated by efforts that occur when the placenta moves into the vagina and irritates the pelvic floor muscles.

Pain during childbirth. How to reduce pain during childbirth

Pain and childbirth are close together in the human consciousness. Many women are terrified of the pain that inevitably (from their point of view) accompanies childbirth. More sensible ladies prepare for childbirth in advance. The correct attitude towards pain in general, and pain during childbirth in particular, the ability to significantly regulate pain during childbirth, the absence of fear of pain during childbirth is the result of proper preparation for childbirth and competent training of the pregnant couple.

Psychologists who practice body-oriented therapy believe that pain is a powerful signal from our body, a means of its “communication” with our consciousness.

Sometimes we work so hard, eat poorly, don’t rest at all, smoke - in general, we get exhausted, and the body is forced to resort to a powerful weapon - pain. This is the positive function of pain: it is the only opportunity to “reach out” to us. When we are in pain, we finally stop and take a breath. Pain knocks you out of the daily bustle and forces you to turn to yourself.

It just so happens that pain is an indispensable companion of human birth. Now, with the help of modern medical science, it has been proven that childbirth is a test not only for the mother, but also for the baby. The baby sometimes experiences pain many times more pain moms. Therefore, during pregnancy it is necessary to thoroughly prepare for meeting pain. So that she becomes your ally, not your enemy.

But first you need to stop being afraid of labor pain, since fear often stops contractions that have begun. We are, of course, talking about physiological pain, not pathological pain, for which anesthesia and surgical intervention are necessary. Preparing for childbirth is primarily about relaxation. A relaxed woman is exclusively occupied with childbirth, her body follows the “beaten path”, following her instincts. During pregnancy, you need to learn to listen to the processes occurring inside your body, learn to respond correctly to changes, and “catch” the flow. In any manual you will find advice not to be nervous and to rest more often during pregnancy. But besides rest, it will help you how professional massage for pregnant women, as well as a relaxing massage for a loved one. What is it for?

While expecting a baby, it is important to remove the so-called muscle tension so as not to interfere with the woman’s body doing its main “work” - childbirth. Often massage also brings therapeutic benefits - the baby turns over and takes the correct position upside down. Massage will be your best assistant, both during contractions and at the beginning of pushing. But this is not just a massage, but a massage of the sacrum, an area in the lower spine. If your husband is present during the birth, he will be the one who will help you relieve stress. While you are in labor, before you go to the maternity hospital, while taking a shower, you can direct the stream to the sacral area. You will learn massage techniques at any parent school.

During childbirth, it is better to move actively, change positions, choose the one that is least uncomfortable; my birth, for example, was “standing”. During the last stage of labor, a woman withdraws into herself, tuning into signals coming from within. Meditation will help you acquire this skill.

It is known that the throat area during childbirth is associated with the cervix. A woman’s desire to scream is not just a spontaneous reaction to pain, but a strong instinct. The fact is that screaming relaxes the throat and cervix, thus helping the baby pass through the birth canal. But screaming can be destructive not only for others, but also for mother and baby. Therefore, it is better not to scream, but to SING. Singing during childbirth is a tradition of our great-great-grandmothers. The so-called supporting voice, which we city dwellers have lost, was successfully used as a powerful pain reliever.

Its effect increases if your husband or midwife sings with you, in case of home birth.

It's hard to relax when a bright white light blinds your eyes, and 5 other women in labor are moaning nearby. Therefore, if it is within your capabilities, bring the environment of the birth of your baby closer to home. After all, at home you feel protected, so dim lights, favorite things, home bathrobe will help you.

In pushing, the nature of the pain is somewhat different, not comparable to cramping pain. At the last stage, the pain should not be reduced or avoided, but “go towards it”, pushing where it hurts. Proper breathing will help here. By following at least some of these simple recommendations, you will find mutual language with your body. And it will answer you in childbirth - a hundredfold.

Self-anesthesia of labor

Let's start with the fact that painless and low-pain childbirth is not so rare. Many women in labor cross the threshold of the maternity hospital in the active phase of labor, when the opening of the cervix is already more than 2-3 cm, sometimes with almost complete opening of the cervix, that is, at the end of the 1st stage of labor, without experiencing strong pain. And some women, even during pushing, ask in bewilderment: “Doctor, when will it hurt me?” What is this: individual sensitivity? Or are there exceptions that just prove the rule? Let's try to understand the reasons for such individual sensitivity or, rather, insensitivity.

The suffering of women during normal, uncomplicated childbirth is contrary to the laws of nature. The fact is that pain is given to us as a defensive reaction in order to recognize the disease in time and save our life and health. Therefore, during childbirth, a sharp pain syndrome is a companion to certain complications that require qualified medical care. If the course of labor is favorable, when nothing threatens either the mother or the child, the appearance of pain is not justified.

The nature of labor pain

During contractions in the first stage of labor, irritation of the nerve endings of the body and cervix, blood vessels and ligaments occurs. In the second stage of labor - the period of expulsion of the fetus - the nerve endings of the perineum and external genitalia are predominantly irritated. Both those and other impulses, entering the central nervous system, are normally blocked and are not perceived as pain signals, that is, they remain below the pain threshold. In addition, there are additional protective “anti-pain” factors. Firstly, before childbirth, partial destruction of the nerve endings of the uterus occurs, and therefore its sensitivity decreases in comparison with the 1st and 2nd trimesters of pregnancy. And secondly, during childbirth, a powerful release of endorphins and enkephalins occurs in the body - “pleasure hormones”, natural painkillers, related in structure to narcotic analgesics.

But from generation to generation, women are passed on the fear of childbirth, recorded in the pages of the Old Testament. This fear has a real historical basis. After all, hundreds of years ago, in the absence of adequate obstetric care, many births were indeed very difficult, with dangerous complications and often ended in the death of the woman in labor. The fear of inevitable pain disrupts the harmony of relationships in the structures of the brain, sharply reducing the pain threshold, and therefore those painful stimuli that normally should not penetrate our consciousness begin to be perceived. This is the so-called psychogenic component of labor pain. As a result of the passage of pain impulses through the central nervous system, reflected pain occurs on the surface of the body: in the lower abdomen, in the lumbosacral region, in the upper third of the thighs and in the groin.

Down with the psychogenic factor!

What is the opposite of fear? Waiting for the holiday. Remember how, as a child, you waited for your next birthday or New Year How did your heart skip a beat in anticipation of fun and gifts? And how joyful it must be to expect a miracle, great happiness - meeting the most beloved and most beautiful person whom YOU will give to the world! Dreams come true, new facets of love, a new phase of merging with your loved one. I want to bring the sweet moment closer and, having plunged, drink it entirely, to the dregs. Dream about contractions, remember that pain can sometimes be very sweet.

What about women's curiosity? Of course, you’ve read and heard a lot about this, but it’s incredibly interesting to experience everything yourself, I wonder how it will happen to you. And even repeated births not similar to the previous ones.

In addition, childbirth is perhaps the only work and pleasure that is not available to a man. And although many future dads now strive to be present at the birth of their child, they still cannot feel it like a woman, because seeing and feeling are not the same thing.

Sometimes women want to go to the maternity hospital a few days before giving birth. This is not always justified. No maternity hospital, even the best one, can replace the warmth and comfort of your home. If the pregnancy proceeds without complications, and there are no indications for prenatal hospitalization, it is better to spend the last days before childbirth surrounded by loved ones, and not in the department of pathology of pregnant women, where you will inevitably be haunted by the burden of other people’s problems. It happens that a woman herself, going to the maternity hospital, cannot accurately determine whether she has begun labor. If, in this case, the doctor who examined you in the emergency department states that these are only harbingers of labor and invites you to return home, listen to his advice. The maternity ward is the place where you need to give birth, and not languish, empathizing with others.

And in conclusion

Childbirth is something that every pregnant woman waits for and fears at the same time. Especially if it is her first birth. Numerous stories from friends about how painful and terrible it is, do not increase self-confidence. The opinion of a mother or grandmother that childbirth is a simple matter is also not taken seriously. The closer the cherished day, the more doubts and nerves there are. There is only one way out: learn as much as possible about childbirth from specialists in advance.

They clearly hint that it will be time to hit the road very soon. Our expert Yulia DREMOVA, an obstetrician-gynecologist at the AVICENNA Medical Center, will tell you how to prepare for a trip to the maternity hospital, what hygiene procedures can be done at home and which ones are best left to specialists, and whether it is acceptable to go into labor with makeup and manicure.

Shaving before childbirth

There are legends about the rusty and dull razors with which stern midwives forcibly dehair “unshaven” women in labor. Jokes aside, but hair removal in the perineal area is a really important part of hygienic preparation for childbirth. Until recently, shaving before childbirth was an indispensable condition when a pregnant woman was admitted to the maternity hospital. Today, the expectant mother has the right to refuse this procedure if she has special considerations in this regard. However, it is unlikely that such a decision will delight medical personnel. Of course, no one will shave you against your will, but refusing this procedure can complicate the work of the doctor and obstetrician delivering the baby.

Why is hair removed before childbirth?

Firstly, hair removal is an important hygienic measure (since it removes a potentially favorable environment for bacterial growth).

Secondly, hair prevents the obstetrician from assessing the condition skin perineum during childbirth. Doctors evaluate the condition of extreme skin tension by color. If during the period of eruption of the head the skin turns white, then most likely a rupture cannot be avoided; an incision is necessary.

Finally, if the perineum is torn or cut during childbirth, the hair will interfere with suturing.

In a word, it is very desirable to remove hair before childbirth and, of course, it is more convenient to do it at home, the day before. This needs to be done especially carefully and carefully; if you are not confident in your abilities, you can ask someone close to you for help (many are helped out by their husbands) or even contact a specially trained depilation specialist.

Opinions of siblings

: While I was having contractions in the maternity hospital, I took a shower and shaved thoroughly and neatly there. And then, when they went down to the waiting room, the nurse said: “Oh, how wonderful everything is with you!” An enema, and forward... I can’t do it any other way. I'm ashamed you know...

: My beloved solved this problem for me! And why was I kicking so hard? He did everything very carefully, I couldn’t have done it at that moment! And to shave in the maternity hospital - well, no, they are in a hurry to take the pregnant woman to the prenatal room...

: When I gave birth for the first time, I was shaved in the hospital; it felt like they were scraping with a knife and the nurse was also grumbling that she had nothing else to do but shave all the women in labor.... Horror. So for the second birth I overcame myself and asked my husband. He did everything very carefully, even though I was shy.

: There is a film “Secrets of Shaving”, they tell you everything down to the smallest detail about how to shave correctly so as not to get hurt and avoid irritation. The film is male, of course, not on the female crotch, but what difference does it make to us? But after these secretions, no irritation or cuts.

Expert commentary

- Shaving the crotch- hygienic procedure required upon admission to the maternity hospital. Obstetrician-gynecologists do not have different opinions on this matter - this is an important stage in preparation for childbirth. However, a woman has the right to refuse if she has her own personal reasons.

Cleansing enema before childbirth

This, no joke, is a rather unpleasant thing even outside of childbirth, and with contractions it’s not a gift at all. But doctors believe: it is better to be patient and do an enema than not to do it and regret it.

Why do you need a cleansing enema before childbirth?

This issue sometimes causes controversy. It's all about female anatomy. It turns out that the nerves in our body are “connected” to the uterus, rectum and bladder through the common nerve plexus.

” When the uterus receives an impulse from the brain: “give birth,” and contracts, this also stimulates bowel movements over and over again and Bladder- in this way, nature itself takes care that overcrowded organs do not interfere with the uterus to perform its difficult work.

It is almost impossible to control such “care” during childbirth; there is nothing dangerous in this, but it can cause several unpleasant moments for the mother in labor. However, there is a more serious reason for performing a cleansing enema: an overcrowded intestine can impede the normal course of labor and prevent the baby’s head from lowering.

Important: An enema can only be done at the initial stage of labor; with full dilation and during pushing, an enema cannot be done!

Opinions of siblings

: An enema is a stimulating moment, useful primarily for those who have weak contractions. If you don’t do it, it’s okay, if something happens during childbirth, everything will be removed right away, the child will not come into contact. But the mother herself will most likely be embarrassed and distracted (I’ve heard about this). I don’t like this procedure myself, but I’ve always done it, and it seems even easier afterwards. They do it with cold water (not ice, of course, 20 degrees), a liter - one and a half. If at home, you don’t need a pear, but a large hanging one, like a heating pad (approx. Esmach mug), from which a hose comes. Having filled it, hang it above the level of the lower back and slowly pour it through the tip of the hose, lubricated with oil.

: I didn’t like the enema, but what can I do, it’s better with it than without it. She immediately intensified my contractions, which went unnoticed, so much so that I couldn’t hold water at all, so after that I thoroughly rinsed the bathtub, and the next day the nurses thoroughly rinsed the treatment room.
At home I did this: I squeezed out a little lemon into 1.5 liters of cool water (warm water is absorbed into the intestines) and poured it in, but little by little, little by little.

: I liked the enema. I didn’t have to push on the toilet - everything came out on its own, what kind of hemorrhoids? The enema was done very delicately. Before the birth there were no frequent bowel movements and intestinal lavage turned out to be very helpful. I would have been distracted during childbirth if something extra came into play.

: I liked the enema, in fact, even the position (sitting on the toilet) during contractions is very pleasant, and during childbirth you push so much that it would be unpleasant for me if my child, when born, plunged into a pile of not entirely pleasant substance, this is the first thing; and secondly, after giving birth, the worst thing is going to the toilet (it’s not painful, but scary), you just panic, so if you do an enema, you’ll put off this moment until the next day, and then it’s not so scary. The enema must be done with cold water, because if you do it with warm or hot water, the intestines will begin to absorb what you soften there, but you don’t need that!

Expert commentary

It will be better if a midwife gives you a cleansing enema in the maternity hospital, since this is a medical procedure that may have contraindications. A cleansing enema is contraindicated in all conditions that threaten the life of the mother and fetus: threatened uterine rupture, prolapse of umbilical cord loops, premature placental abruption, acute fetal hypoxia, as well as certain diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in a pregnant woman.

For childbirth with makeup?

“I want to meet a beautiful child,” many expectant mothers dream of meeting their baby for the first time, imagining the ideal picture. This means you need makeup, hair styling and manicure. Of course, an even complexion and a neat manicure in themselves create a positive attitude and cannot harm childbirth in any way... Or can they? Let's figure it out together.

We agree right away that dense and bright makeup during childbirth will not be very appropriate. In addition, it is simply inconvenient - childbirth is a slow process - bright makeup can float, smudge, in short, the result will be far from expected. On the other hand, a light, even tone will not be noticeable to an outside glance, and slightly penciled eyebrows and eyes will give you confidence if you are used to such a daily ritual (but it is better to choose a waterproof eyebrow pencil).

” Light makeup is an optional part of the program, but exists cosmetic product, without which childbirth can really be uncomfortable. This is hygienic lipstick. During childbirth, lips become very dry and colorless lipstick or lip balm will be very helpful.

The hairstyle also deserves special discussion. Like many things in the process of childbirth, everything depends on time - not every woman in labor even has time to wash her hair, let alone do her hair. An important point that not everyone knows about: before pushing, many midwives ask women in labor to remove elastic bands and hairpins from their hair, “so that nothing interferes with the birth of the baby.” If you are sure that you should not take into account signs, then you can style your hair in a soft ponytail or braid (the main thing is that the hairstyle does not interfere with lying comfortably). Or prepare yourself for childbirth with your hair down.

Special mention should also be made about manicure. During childbirth, there are different situations - and it is important for doctors to have all available methods to assess the condition of the woman in labor.

” In some cases, during childbirth, a test called pulse oximetry is used to determine the oxygen level in the blood. In order to do this, a special sensor is put on the finger, and long nails with dense coverage may interfere with this examination.

In addition, between the layer of varnish (and even more so, long-term gel) and the surface of the nail, pathogenic bacteria can settle, which you and your baby will have no use for at all even after childbirth. Therefore, in the last weeks of pregnancy, it is undesirable to apply an opaque coating to your nails, especially a long-term one.

Opinions of siblings

: I didn’t put on makeup on purpose, I thought suddenly there would be tears and you never know... it would smudge and it would be a funny picture. But I washed my hair.

: I can’t say that it was just makeup. But my lips were definitely painted, because it was winter, and they always crack in winter, I use balm, and it gives a little color. I even touched it up several times during the process. Well, I rarely go out without powder, and then I applied a layer, for sure. But there was no mascara, eye shadow or blush. I look good without them.

: Previously, makeup and painted nails were prohibited - based on the color of the skin and nails “in their natural form” determine the condition of a woman in labor in critical situations (bleeding, for example, or even worse). I don’t know how strict this is now, I don’t really wear makeup myself, much less in the maternity hospital.

: I went to the maternity hospital early, so I took with me everything that I considered necessary, and this was a curling iron, among other things. There was no makeup at the birth, but the eyebrows were trimmed and the hair was styled with a curling iron, not so much for the husband, who was present at the birth, but for the baby.