Throughout the entire period of pregnancy, natural changes took place in the body: the child grew and developed, the uterus increased, all internal organs, heart and kidneys worked with a vengeance. All you had to do was keep your body healthy. Likewise during childbirth - everything happens by itself. You only need to help your body to cope with this task, and your child - to be born.
V Lately experts are of the opinion that the initiator of the onset of labor is the child, but most likely it is a combination of signals from the body of the mother, child and placenta.
Over the past months, the child has grown, and there is little room for him in his mother's tummy. The amount of amniotic fluid decreased, the placenta began to age, the child began to receive less nutrients and oxygen. These circumstances cause stress in the child, and therefore his body begins to produce the stress hormone cortisol. At this time, the amount of estrogens, hormones that prepare the uterus for childbirth, increases in the mother's body. Under their influence, the cervix shortens and softens, and the contractions of the uterus become more regular.
The onset of labor is not always clear and definite, especially if a woman is giving birth for the first time. But even women giving birth to their second or third child are not always able to determine with certainty the exact onset of labor. Therefore, more and more approaching the expected date of birth, with the appearance of some new sensations, a pregnant woman asks the question: is this childbirth or not? How to distinguish the actual onset of labor from the usual precursors, or, as doctors say, false contractions?
Changes in the mother's body - a few days before delivery:
At the very end of pregnancy, changes occur in the body, preparing the female body for the upcoming event.Some changes are more noticeable, others less.
Diarrhea (single loose stools). A few days before childbirth, a substance is actively produced in the body that stimulates uterine contractions at the beginning of labor. This substance - prostaglandin - triggers the stimulation mechanism for smooth masculature, including the intestines. This is often the cause of loose stools.
Discharge of the mucous plug. This lump of dense mucus forms early in pregnancy. The function of the plug is to protect the unborn child from infection during the entire period. In preparation for childbirth, the cervix softens, begins to expand, and mucus comes out. Often this lump is stained with blood and is brownish or brownish in color. Many women are afraid that due to inexperience they will not notice the cork coming off.
Indeed, this process sometimes goes unnoticed, especially if a woman follows a very calm lifestyle. If you do not notice it moving away, you should not worry about this. In this case, you should focus on the contractions and their duration.
Increased number of Braxton Hicks contractions. Doctors call these contractions false, or harbingers. However, these are real contractions, only they do not speak of the beginning of labor, but of preparation for it. Such contractions are manifested by pulling, sometimes spasmodic pains in the lower abdomen. But unlike labor pains, the pain does not intensify, and the pains pass when the woman changes her body position, starts walking, or takes a warm bath. These contractions are irregular, their frequency does not increase, and they are felt only in the lower abdomen.
All these signs indicate that soon you will go to the hospital. Plan your days before childbirth in such a way that you will not be away long and far from home. During this period, it is best to make the last preparations for sending to the hospital: collect things and the necessary documents. Likewise, you can do some hygiene beforehand, such as shaving your pubic hair. Sometimes this intimate procedure is much more pleasant to do at home on your own or with the help of your husband.
If you feel the need for a lighter menu, you can switch to diet food, giving up flour products and meat, replacing it with fish, consume more fiber, so that prenatal cleansing procedures in the body are easier to go through.
Some women feel energized during this period. But not the most the best way start a general cleaning right now. In the last days or days before childbirth, try to sleep more in order to gain strength and energy for a future event. You can go for a walk in the nearest park. If you feel contractions, take a bath for 15-20 minutes to relax the muscles of the uterus and the whole body, and at the same time check if labor begins. If the contractions have stopped, it means that these are just precursors. Last days can be really tinged with anxiety and painful anticipation, but they are not your best companions. Be calm and patient, because no one in the world has remained pregnant for life. So please be patient - everything goes on as usual.
The interval between preparation and onset of labor:
Contractions are difficult to distinguish at first, like pinching or pain during menstruation. Listen to your feelings. Often, due to the beginning of contractions of the uterus, a woman more often and stronger than usual, there is a desire to empty the bladder. If these are really prenatal contractions, then after a while they will become more frequent, more regular and rhythmic, and their duration and soreness will intensify. Some women in labor feel as if contractions are like waves that originate in the middle of the back, run into the hips and connect in the abdomen. Many people have the feeling that a tight belt is wrapped around the abdomen, which loosens a little when the contraction passes.At the beginning of labor pains, in no case should you take painkillers and self-medicate. If the sensations are really painful, it is better to relax as much as possible and even more so not to panic. It should be noted that during contractions, the pain dulls if you start to actively move. Therefore, at such moments it is better not to take a horizontal position, not to lie on the bed. Walk around the apartment, and if your husband or girlfriend is next to you, you can even walk a little down the street. And all this time, mark the duration of the contraction on the watch with the second hand. If the rhythm of the contractions is not "miscalculated", take a warm bath or shower. After them, the contractions usually become more rhythmic.
In past centuries in Russia, in order to facilitate and accelerate childbirth, a woman in labor was instructed to step over various objects: a rocker, a shovel, a poker, her husband's pants, through her husband himself, through a bag, etc. with a bundle of salt. If the village was too large, the woman walked around the house.
If your contractions start in the middle of the night, try to sleep. During sleep, the cervix continues to open gradually. Sitting on your back usually slows down the progress of labor, so sit on your side and roll from one side to the other every hour. If you can't sleep, don't lie in bed; instead, do something easy. Make sandwiches for your husband, check if everything is ready to go to the hospital. Most importantly, do everything calmly, without much zeal and fuss, take your time, breathe deeply and evenly, slightly slowing down the pace during the fight.
If you are certain that labor is starting, you can have a light snack. Avoid rich, fatty and heavy foods. Now you need products that will give strength and energy. This can be broth, croutons, fruit juice, nuts, or dried fruit. Meat, milk and any fatty foods are not recommended - heavy food will only increase the burden on the body during the onset of childbirth. In addition, if anesthesia is unexpectedly needed, a full stomach will create complications. And light food will give you strength and a little relaxation.
Before going to the hospital:
If you have an outpouring of amniotic fluid, immediately go to the hospital without waiting for the onset of contractions. The outpouring of water is a natural process, indicating the onset of labor.It is also time to go to the hospital if you observe the following signs:
contractions have become regular and appear every 5-10 minutes, that is, 12-15 contractions occur per hour;
each contraction lasts about a minute;
contractions do not go away when you change position;
it is no longer possible to ignore the contractions - you feel that the pain has spread to the lower back and hips.
Along with these sensations, you may feel the need to leave for some quiet, secluded place. It was not without reason that it was previously believed that a woman in labor is, as it were, between two worlds. This is due to the fact that a woman's self-awareness during childbirth changes intensively - she really plunges into a special state of consciousness. A woman's feelings are concentrated on what is happening to her, and she seems to go inside herself.
Before leaving home, try to take a shower, put a sanitary napkin in your panties, trim your nails, and rinse the nail polish and makeup off your face. If you do not want to do an enema in the hospital (if it is required in this institution), do it yourself before leaving. Just remember and be prepared for the fact that uterine spasms may intensify, and labor, thus, accelerates. At the hospital, you will be asked to remove all jewelry: rings, earrings, etc., so it is better to leave them at home right away.
When calling the car, consider the time of day (day or night) and the distance to the maternity hospital. Do not drive yourself. Decide in advance who will be lucky and plan your route to the hospital. In the car, take a reclining position, making yourself as comfortable as possible. For convenience, take a couple of small pillows with you, and put an oilcloth on the seat in case of amniotic fluid discharge. Go to the hospital calmly, take a pre-prepared bag with you. If you find out in the hospital that you have forgotten something, do not worry: your family will bring everything you need a little later.
Also remember that the first birth is usually slower, and the subsequent birth is a little faster, and for some women, everything happens at all rapidly. Consider these features when you plan your departure to the hospital.
What to do when you arrive at the hospital?
Most women do not know how they will be greeted at the hospital - friendly or dry, indifferent or joyful. Therefore, do not think about how you will be received in terms of cordiality or hospitality. Everywhere they are greeted in different ways, and the mood of a particular midwife or nurse depends on the character of the person or on any circumstances. It doesn't matter at all to you.At the front desk, you need to change into a bathrobe and slippers. You can bring everything with you, if the conditions of the maternity hospital allow it, but in some institutions it is customary to give birth exclusively in "government" underwear. While you are changing your clothes, the nurse will record all of your details. To do this, you will be asked for documents: a passport, an insurance policy and an exchange card (generic certificate). You should be weighed, measured the growth and volume of the outer dimensions of the pelvis, examined the skin for the presence of infectious and fungal diseases, and also measured the temperature and examined the throat.
If all goes well, you can give birth in the healthy women ward. In the event that you arrived at the hospital by ambulance and you do not have a preliminary agreement with a specific doctor, you will have a conversation with the doctor on duty. He will familiarize himself with your exchange card, find out how the pregnancy went, whether you were sick with anything during this period, whether there were any complications. Be sure to tell your doctor or midwife about when the contractions started, how often they recur, whether the water left, when the last time you ate, and what kind of food.
The doctor will then do an internal vaginal examination to find out the dilatation and condition of the cervix and to see if labor has actually begun. Also, the doctor will determine the height of the child's head and its position, find out the strength of the contractions, listen to the child's heartbeat. An examination is also necessary in order to preliminarily understand how the childbirth will proceed.
During the conversation, a good, experienced doctor will definitely tell you how the birth is going so that you are not afraid or nervous; will tell you how to behave correctly. If for some reason the doctor does not start this conversation with you, do not hesitate - ask him about it yourself. You can also ask your midwife for this information and advice.
After the examination, the doctor will draw up a plan for the management of labor. Ask for details of this plan; find out what you do not understand, as well as the need for certain procedures; express your wishes, which, if possible, should be taken into account. Now the most important thing for you is the health and safety of you and your child. If labor is normal and labor is not rapid, the doctor will perform an examination and vaginal examination only from time to time.
How to behave in the hospital - courtesy rules?
Regardless of whether you deliberately chose this hospital or came here by accident, accept the rules and traditions of the hospital. All months of pregnancy, what was happening inside you, you perceived as a miracle - the miracle of the birth and development of a new person. And now, when this miracle is about to be born, you do perceive yourself, if not the center of the universe, then at least the unofficial navel of the earth. And you think that everyone around and the staff in the hospital should treat you the same way and greet you accordingly. While your expectations are entirely fair and reasonable, the real situation is often different.The attitude towards a woman in labor is indifferent and even cool. As a result, the woman gets upset, nervous, it is already hard for her to relax and tune in to the right wave to fully prepare for childbirth. Therefore, in advance, do not put yourself in dependence on someone else's mood, do not interrupt your mood for childbirth. And instead of being isolated or offended, it is better to try to establish warm, friendly relations with people who will be by your side during childbirth. After all, these people also expect a kind and friendly attitude from their patients.
And although you are now really in a special position, this does not exempt you from tactful behavior:
Be courteous to nursing staff and other women in labor.
In a conversation with a doctor, stick to the golden mean - talk about the main thing. Don't be too verbose when describing your pregnancy, but don't forget to include important points.
Do not argue or argue with your doctor. If you have any fundamental wishes regarding your childbirth, express them and try to calmly come to an optimal solution. But it is better to resolve this issue in advance - to discuss all the points of interest with the doctor and include them in the contract.
Don't be silent if something bothers you. Such false modesty is fraught with complications during childbirth, for which the doctor will hardly be grateful to you.
You may wonder how certain rules can be changed, but you have no right to dictate them. Therefore, in order not to become a victim of conditions that you do not like, the best thing you can do is to find out all the information that interests you in advance.
Hygiene procedures before childbirth in the hospital:
Until recently, in all maternity hospitals, women were given an enema and shaved their pubis before giving birth. Why are these procedures carried out and what is the attitude towards them now? The enema was thought to reduce the risk of contamination during childbirth due to involuntary bowel movements, reducing the stress that the baby's head stumbles upon as it passes through the birth canal.Now there is no such categorical opinion on this matter anymore: in some maternity hospitals they continue to use an enema as a mandatory procedure, in others this practice has been abandoned. If during the day before childbirth the woman had normal bowel movements, and during internal examination no solid feces are felt, there is no danger of blockage of the birth canal.
And yet there are arguments for carrying out this procedure. First, during childbirth, involuntary bowel movements can occur. Although the sterile pads discarded with feces will protect the newborn from contamination, it will add an unpleasant moment to the birth process.
If the enema is given on the eve of the birth, you will most likely be spared this event, which disrupts the general atmosphere of labor. If you do not want to do an enema in the hospital, perform this procedure shortly before leaving for the hospital.
Secondly, when an enema is given at the beginning of labor, it further stimulates the contraction of the uterus, which increases the overall tone of labor.
Another prenatal procedure is controversial in many women - shaving pubic and perineal hair. It was believed that the hair in this area collects various bacteria that can infect a baby during childbirth. Now, many doctors find these fears exaggerated and do not always insist on shaving. Therefore, instead of shaving, the perineal area is washed with a special bacteriological liquid to prevent and reduce the risk of infection.
On the other hand, there are also arguments for this procedure. Firstly, after childbirth, doctors examine the woman's perineum to make sure it is intact, there are no ruptures, including in the cervical region. This is easier to do when the perineum is free of hair. Secondly, if there is a need to sew up gaps, even the smallest ones, this should be done on a clean surface of the skin - this is the golden medical rule.
Therefore, if the doctors in your hospital recommend a shaving procedure, listen to them and try to make their work easier on your part. You can remove hair from the crotch and anus, leaving it on the pubis. Find out in advance information regarding these procedures at the hospital and agree on the option that suits you.
Towards the end of pregnancy, women, especially those preparing to become a mother for the first time, are afraid not to notice that childbirth is beginning. There are a number of signs that indicate this. But especially suspicious pregnant women are ready to interpret any malaise or change in the body as the beginning of labor. That is why it is so important to monitor your well-being and the behavior of your baby. This will help prepare for an important event and arrive at the hospital on time.
Content:
Physiological signs of close childbirth
As a rule, changes in the body before childbirth are associated with changes in the hormonal background of a woman, the readiness of the uterus for childbirth, maturation of the placenta and the maturity of the fetus. Harbingers of childbirth with a normal pregnancy appear at 38-39 weeks, but in some women they may occur earlier. Primiparas begin to notice signs of labor a few days before, even weeks before, while women expecting a second and subsequent babies may experience familiar symptoms in just a few hours.
"Abdominal ptosis"
On this basis, in the old days, grandmothers predicted a speedy birth. Sign is based on changes in the body that occur at the end of pregnancy. With a cephalic presentation, shortly before childbirth, the head of the fetus drops lower, rises into the small pelvis, as doctors say. Accordingly, the upper part of the uterus also descends and no longer puts pressure on the stomach, lungs and other organs. It is not always possible to independently notice that the stomach has dropped, but the woman feels how it has become easier to breathe, the shortness of breath when walking and climbing stairs ceases to torment, heartburn passes if she pestered in recent months.
When lowering the abdomen before childbirth, the navel protrudes even more, and the skin on the abdomen stretches more. It is at this stage that the rapid appearance of stretch marks is possible.
Frequent urination, change in the nature of bowel movements
This is also a physiologically explainable sign. The lowered head of the child presses on the bladder with greater force, as a result of which it cannot fill to its full volume, and the urge to urinate occurs much more often. The woman notices that, although she began to go to the toilet more often, the volume of urine excreted has significantly decreased.
The strong pressure of the pregnant uterus on the intestines provokes constipation. Shortly before childbirth, there is a sharp increase in the hormone oxytocin, which, on the contrary, causes loosening of the stool. If frequent constipation is abruptly replaced by diarrhea, this sign indicates an impending birth.
Drawing pains in the lower back and lower abdomen
Before giving birth, for a more comfortable movement of the child through the birth canal, the ligaments are stretched, the cartilage softens, the pelvic bones gradually move apart, which causes discomfort, and in some women, quite tangible pain. At this time, gait and posture change. Many women also experience pubic pain caused by fetal pressure on the pelvic bones.
Increased discharge
White semi-liquid discharge before childbirth signals the imminent discharge of the mucous plug. Some pregnant women worry that amniotic fluid is leaking. In fact, water leakage is not as common as it seems. It is observed when the rupture of the fetal bladder occurs not at the uterine pharynx, but at one of the walls of the uterus. If there is any doubt about the nature of the discharge, then it is worth visiting a doctor. With the help of a special test, he will determine the presence of amniotic fluid in the secretions.
Changes in the cervix
The gynecologist will tell you about changes in the cervix at the next weekly examination. The cervix is shortened and is 1-2 centimeters, the uterine pharynx begins to open. It is then that doctors talk about opening the cervix by 1 or 2 fingers.
At this time, the membranes are close, they are available for all kinds of infections, so the intimate hygiene should be more careful. Mandatory toilet of the genitals and change of linen twice a day. It is not necessary to use soap every time for washing: it dries out the mucous membrane. You can use a decoction of chamomile. You cannot take baths at this time; they should be replaced with a warm shower.
Discharge of the mucous plug
During pregnancy, the uterine pharynx is closed with a so-called mucous plug, which holds the baby and does not allow infection to enter. Abundant discharge in the form of a clot of mucus indicates that the plug has come off, and the cervix will open soon. In some women, the opening occurs gradually, in others, childbirth begins immediately after the plug comes off.
The plug can come off 2 weeks before delivery. Sometimes the plug does not come out entirely, but in parts, so it is not always recognized. You can guess that this is it by the nature of the discharge: transparent, dense, possibly streaked with blood.
Changes in the nature of fetal movements
Many pregnant women at 38-39 weeks notice a decrease in the number of fetal movements. Its movement is difficult and not so intense, since it becomes cramped in the uterus before childbirth.
Video: Harbingers of the approaching birth
There are also psychological precursors of childbirth associated with a change in the hormonal background of a woman. Of course, such signs are very subjective and it can be quite difficult to draw conclusions based only on them.
Mood swings
Frequent mood swings, unreasonable tearfulness, irritability are associated with an increase in the hormone oxytocin before childbirth. A couple of days after the baby is born, this mood will remain. With the restoration of the balance of hormones, the psychological state also stabilizes.
Nesting instinct
A few days before giving birth, the woman has an irresistible desire to prepare the apartment for the appearance of the baby. This is expressed in the fact that she takes out and puts the baby's things into place, fills the crib, ironing the linen, and finds a place for a bath. In general, he arranges everything so that the child and the mother herself are comfortable. Some women may have an irresistible desire to start repairs in the apartment, to get rid of all that is superfluous.
Video: How the nesting instinct in pregnant women is explained
Reliable signs of close childbirth
If before that the signs did not manifest themselves clearly, the woman was based on the words of the doctor and her own feelings and sensations, then reliable signs indicate that childbirth will begin in the next day:
- Uterine tone. The uterus shrinks, "turns to stone", which is felt well if you put your hand on your stomach. It occurs, as a rule, already in the initial stages of contractions and promotes the baby's progress to the uterine pharynx during childbirth.
- Contractions. The first phase, latent, is characterized by sipping on the lower abdomen. Many women confuse contractions in this phase with false contractions. However, they gradually intensify, the gap between them becomes shorter. This is already an active phase. At this time, you should go to the hospital.
- Discharge of amniotic fluid. If the waters have moved away, this does not mean that the child will immediately be born. Often, the water leaves at the very beginning of labor, when the cervix is not yet open. Then the doctors talk about the anhydrous period, and the mother's card will definitely indicate how long it lasted. It happens, on the contrary, when the cervix is fully dilated, the fetal bladder remains intact. In this case, it is pierced so that the child can safely pass through the birth canal.
Important to remember: If the water has gone outside the maternity ward, you should immediately go there. A long anhydrous period can lead to infection of the fetus, birth injuries. You need to try to remember the color and smell, as well as the presence of foreign impurities (for example, blood, meconium) in the amniotic fluid and, upon arrival at the hospital, tell the doctor about everything. By the nature of the amniotic fluid, he will conclude about the condition of the child.
Signs of premature labor
Premature delivery is considered to be between 28 and 36 weeks of gestation. They can occur for various reasons, proceed both rapidly and gradually. Premature labor usually begins suddenly, but some signs may indicate them:
- a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen;
- frequent finding of the uterus in good shape;
- abrupt drooping of the abdomen;
- a feeling of pressure on the pelvic bones;
- growing pains of a cramping nature.
If one or more signs of labor are found, an urgent need to consult a doctor. In most cases, preterm labor can be stopped.
It is not always easy for a pregnant woman to determine the onset of the labor process, but there are certain signs that indicate the imminent birth of a baby.
In the last weeks of pregnancy, women are impatient and increasingly ask the question: "When will the baby be born?" Determining the exact date of delivery can be quite difficult, because sometimes childbirth begins at 38, 40, or even 42 weeks. If a woman closely monitors the changes taking place in her body, then, of course, she will notice signs of the onset of labor.
The emotional state on the eve of the birth of a baby in women can be different: some feel overexcited, are on the verge of a breakdown, others, on the contrary, say that they experienced a feeling of calm and peace before childbirth.
Most pregnant women, on the eve of childbirth, wake up the so-called " nest instinct". The woman begins to prepare for the appearance of a new resident in the house: she washes, cleans, cleans. But most importantly, do not overdo it, otherwise childbirth can take you by surprise. Also, do not overwork in the last weeks of pregnancy, take care of the strength that you need during childbirth.
What happens to the body, or symptoms of the onset of labor
Full-term pregnancy is considered after 38 weeks - the woman's body begins to prepare for the upcoming birth. In the blood of a pregnant woman, the level of hormones that are responsible for carrying a pregnancy decreases and the level of hormones that stimulate labor is significantly increased.
Labor begins when the concentration of certain hormones is at its maximum. Naturally, hormonal changes affect the physical and psychological state of the pregnant woman. There are quite a few signs of the onset of labor, but a woman does not necessarily observe all of them. The presence of at least a few signs in the aggregate may indicate the onset of labor.
Shortly before the day of birth, the baby's head enters the pelvic ring more tightly, in this regard the belly of a pregnant woman is lowered ... Many pregnant women note that it becomes easier to breathe and to be in a sitting position, heartburn passes, and obstetricians record the prolapse of the fundus. Ptosis of the head can occur a couple of weeks before giving birth or just the day before.
Before giving birth, a pregnant woman is increasingly experiencing , which can be quite intense and long-lasting. Thus, the body, as it were, trains, preparing for the upcoming labor. The retention of fluid in the body of a pregnant woman in the last days before childbirth decreases, and, therefore, a woman can lose a little weight, edema disappears.
Also, preparing the body for childbirth may be accompanied by loose stools ... Often in primiparous and multiparous women, a sign of the onset of labor is nausea, diarrhea and even vomiting. The number of urges to urinate often increases, so the body cleans up in preparation for childbirth. These signs often precede the onset of labor and may persist even when the cervix is opened.
Some women feel lower back pain , others feel the pressure of the baby in the lower abdomen. Also, expectant mothers may note that their baby has become less active, indeed, it is becoming more and more difficult for an older baby to move in a small space. This symptom appears several days before delivery.
In primiparas, labor begins, as a rule, with not too intense contractions, which can intensify during the day or even more. In this case, you should be patient and wait for the contractions to become constant.
Many women find that being in a relaxed home environment makes labor easier and makes labor quick and easy. Primiparous women can allow themselves to stay at home as long as possible, in the event that their water has not yet departed. With the second and subsequent childbirth, you should not delay with a trip to the maternity ward, since childbirth can be sudden.
Contractions repeated at intervals of 10-15 minutes and lasting at least a minute are the most accurate sign of the onset of labor. When a woman experiences such contractions, she needs to go to the hospital.
Women who give birth for the first time may consider false contractions a sign of the onset of labor. They are quite painful, but they stop after a while. False contractions may resume after a few days. This workout is very important for a woman's body, thanks to false contractions, the cervix prepares to open at the right time.
The main signs of incipient labor
Throughout pregnancy, the cervical canal is tightly closed and filled with special mucus that protects the baby from various infections. Exit of the mucous plug is a sign that the cervix is ripe and ready for childbirth. The plug can come off a couple of weeks before giving birth, or it can come out right at the beginning of labor.
It is almost impossible not to notice the passage of the plug, this may be the case if the mucus comes out along with the amniotic fluid or during childbirth.
The second main sign of the onset of labor is considered contractions ... It can be difficult for primiparous women to distinguish false contractions from real ones. However, it is worth noting that real contractions do not go away, but, on the contrary, become more frequent, their intensity grows, bringing the woman more and more anxiety. Contractions often resemble recurrent bouts of pain. It is not uncommon for a woman to experience pain in the lower back, rectum, calves, and hips during labor.
The main sign of the onset of labor is the development of contractions. They increase in intensity and become longer, and the interval between contractions begins to decrease.
Often a sign of the onset of labor is chills who accompanies a woman during contractions and attempts. Do not worry - this is a completely normal reaction of the body.
Outpouring of amniotic fluid - another of the signs of incipient labor. Ideally, the outpouring should occur shortly before the onset of attempts, in other words, at a time when the cervix is already sufficiently open. But sometimes the waters are poured out much earlier, they can leave even before the start of the labor. It is worth noting that there are times when contractions do not come after the water has left. Then stimulation of labor in the hospital is prescribed with the help of medicines.
If you have lost water, you should immediately go to the maternity ward, since the child cannot be without water for a long time, the longer this interval, the greater the likelihood of complications.
There are situations when the doctor independently opens the fetal bladder so that the birth process is accelerated. Considerable attention is paid to the color of the effluent; the liquid should be light or slightly yellowish. Green amniotic fluid indicates that the baby was experiencing a lack of oxygen in the womb.
It is worth noting that the signs of the onset of labor in multiparous women and women giving birth for the first time are the same. The only difference is that second births tend to be more rapid. Therefore, when the first signs of the onset of labor appear, a woman who has given birth earlier should immediately go to the maternity ward.
Many women worry that they will miss the start of labor or will not be able to understand in time that it is time for labor. All of these fears are unfounded. Even if you haven't paid for early symptoms the beginning of labor, then the discharge of the mucous plug, the outpouring of amniotic fluid and contractions are simply impossible not to notice!
What if you have signs of labor onset?
It is imperative to keep all the necessary documents at the ready so as not to look for them at the last moment. It is also worth considering in advance how you will get to the hospital, negotiate with relatives if someone plans to accompany you. Try to foresee everything so that the onset of labor does not catch you by surprise. The main thing at the beginning of labor is not to panic and try to relax, ease the contractions. Do not try to get behind the wheel, if you have signs of the onset of labor, it is better to call a taxi or an ambulance.
If the expected date of birth has approached, and signs of the onset of labor still do not appear, you should consult a doctor to undergo the necessary examinations and make sure that everything is in order with the child. If signs of prolonged pregnancy are found, the doctor will decide on how the delivery will take place.
It is worth remembering that childbirth is a unique process; it can start ahead of time or completely unexpectedly. That is why every woman, starting from the 38th week of pregnancy, should be attentive to all the changes that occur in her body, so as not to miss the moment of the onset of labor.
Easy delivery and health to you and your baby!
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How does labor start? How to distinguish false contractions from real ones? When does the "plug" come off? Why does my back hurt? Experienced sibmoms share their observations, and Nelly Mikhailovna AGAMYAN, obstetrician-gynecologist, chief physician of the network of the MC "Ultrasound Studio" in Novosibirsk, tells what symptoms can signal an impending birth at 37-40 weeks of gestation.
- Abdominal prolapse on the eve of childbirth
- Weight loss and bowel cleansing
- Passage of the mucous plug before childbirth
- Painful sensations
- Nesting instinct
- Change in how you feel mood
- Is there a lack of forerunners?
Abdominal prolapse before childbirth
If you look into your exchange card, you will see there the numbers marked during visits to the doctor with the mark VSDM (the height of the fundus of the uterus). These measurements help the doctor monitor the dynamics of the baby's development - during pregnancyas it grows, the uterus rises higher, reaches its highest point at about 37 weeks, and then begins to decline. This is because the child goes to a "low start" and begins to move closer to the "exit". Its head (subject to cephalic presentation) moves to the cervix and is located in the pelvic area.
Sibm experience:
Sweetmama
- My belly sank 2 days before giving birth.
Herringbone
- At 24 weeks my baby was already low. At 37 weeks, the head was already inserted into the pelvis. The doctors were all worried that I would sneeze, for example, and immediately give birth. Aha, of course! She gave birth at 39 weeks 3 days, and that had to be done, because the bladder was flat.
- 5 days before giving birth, I felt an increase in heaviness in the abdomen, I thought that my head had dropped after reading books. Something hard pressed. On examination the next day, head drooping was confirmed.
Abdominal prolapse before childbirth. Expert commentary
The height of the fundus of the uterus increases by about 1 cm per week throughout pregnancy. This figure reaches 37-40 cm by 37 weeks of gestation, and a couple of weeks before giving birth, the belly drops by 2-3 cm.This can happen literally in a few hours. The fact is that on the eve of childbirth, the lower segment of the uterus stretches and becomes softer. Because of this, the fetus sinks lower and is pressed against the base of the small pelvis.
37-40 weeks of pregnancy is accompanied by the following sensations:
- relief of breathing (the uterus is no longer squeezing the chest so hard);
- pulling pains in the lower abdomen associated with the fact that the uterus and the fetus are pressing with all their weight on the lower abdominal cavity;
- low motor activity of the baby - movements at 37-40 weeks of pregnancy, if the belly has dropped, are not so noticeable: this is due to the fact that the baby has already taken a stable position before childbirth and cannot turn, but only move the legs and arms.
Weight loss and bowel cleansing before childbirth
Many pregnant women are surprised to find that the weight, which is known to grow by leaps and bounds in the last trimester, unexpectedly decreases by 1-1.5 kg after 37-39 weeks. Weight loss is especially noticeable if severe edema was observed during pregnancy. Do not be afraid - this is an absolutely natural process and another sign that a meeting with your baby is not far off.
Sibm experience:
Nika
- 2 days before giving birth, I started to feel nauseous (I even vomited with Polinka, but I just vomited with Lesha) and (sorry for the detail) the stool was liquid 3-4 days before the birth. The body was cleared.
MaMashka and BABY M.
- I woke up at 4 in the morning and realized that my stomach ached. Well, the real is indigestion. I went, sorry, to the toilet, strained ... And only when my stomach was relieved, I realized that something was wrong. Timed the time - contractions every 7 minutes go like a clock.
Lucier
- I did not feel the abdominal prolapse, but ... loose stools of 4-5 days before childbirth! And also the tummy ached, pulled somehow. And then the waters left in the morning, and gave birth in the evening.
Tamiri
- The first sign of the approaching birth was, sorry, diarrhea: about 4 hours before the birth. Then they flushed me water, and after a couple of hours I gave birth. Everything!
Weight loss and bowel cleansing. Expert commentary
Before childbirth, the body gets rid of excess fluid, which leads to a little weight loss. This happens in order to thicken blood and, in the future, reduce its loss during childbirth. In addition, the additional fluid that was previously used to produce amniotic fluid is no longer required and the body gets rid of it. Often this process can be accompanied not only by increased urination at 37 weeks of gestation, but also by nausea or diarrhea.
False (training) contractions
One of the most important signs that your uterus is preparing itself for the upcoming event is the appearance of "harbinger" contractions. They are usually not painful and feel more like intense muscle tension. The abdomen at this moment seems to "stiffen" and shrink, and then gradually relaxes. The main sign by which such contractions can be distinguished from true ones is their irregularity. They occur at random unequal intervals - the uterus contracts several times a day, then a couple of times a week. Most often, pregnant women note the appearance of such training contractions in the morning or evening.
Sibm experience:
Margarita
- 3 days before the birth, in the morning there were false contractions - I even woke up from them. They were not strong, but rhythmic, at intervals of 10 minutes, 2 hours each. Another interesting phenomenon - during the week before childbirth, when driving a car, when jumping on bumps, I, apparently, in the cervical region, had a strong feeling of cramps. Apparently, this is how the neck opened.
e-Katherine
- My training fights have begun in 2 weeks. The interval reached 10 minutes, and after 1-2 minutes they stopped. I started to write down the time every time. So on the day of birth: in the morning I woke up from pain, well, I think, again training ... I went to the shower ... And then I realized that after a shower it is easier (and usually after a shower, training contractions go away) does not become that I got caught five times while I was washing ...
- On the eve of the birth itself, everything was as usual, but a week before that I had false contractions.
False (training) contractions. Expert commentary
At 37-40 weeks of gestation, training contractions are the most main feature approaching birth. They differ from prenatal contractions by their irregularity and low intensity. These are the training tensions of the uterus, which can appear several times a week, and sometimes every day. Such contractions help the cervix to flatten and soften it, preparing for the upcoming labor.
Discharge of the mucous plug on the eve of childbirth
Another harbinger early birth there may be a discharge of a mucous plug - a jelly-like mass that is secreted by the membranes of the cervix during pregnancy. This "plug" fills the cervix and protects the birth canal and fetus from infection ascending. On the eve of childbirth, the cervix begins to soften, open slightly, and as a result, the cork (in the form of colorless, yellowish, or slightly pinkish mucus) can move away before the onset of labor - sometimes this can happen in a week, or even two. An important point: after loosening the plug, you should refrain from visiting the pool, swimming in ponds and even taking a bath, as this increases the risk of getting into ... Better to confine yourself to a shower.
Sibm experience:
- On July 10, in the evening, the plug came off without any preliminary symptoms. 11 in the morning, water began to leak, by lunchtime small contractions began, at the direction of the midwife I arrived at the maternity hospital at 7 pm, all this time I kept in touch with her by phone. She gave birth on July 12 at 12.20. The PDR was on July 29th.
Sweetmama
- The cork completely went away in 1 day (the first half of it went away in 2 weeks).
- My plug came out gradually, it was similar to the result of a lingering rhinitis, with blood streaks.
Departure of the cork. Expert commentary
Mucous discharge can signal the passage of the plug, which protects the uterus and the fetus from external infections. During preparation for childbirth, the cork liquefies and begins to flow out. It should be borne in mind that this symptom is individual, for some, the cork leaves a week before childbirth, and for someone with the onset of labor. Sometimes this discharge can be confused with amniotic fluid. In this case, it is worth remembering that the latter leak constantly and intensify with a slight cough. If you still have doubts, it is best to see your doctor immediately for an amnio test. ”
Painful sensations before childbirth
In the last weeks before childbirth, many pregnant women begin to complain of pulling and aching pains in the lumbar region and in the lower abdomen. This is another sign that the body is intensively preparing for childbirth: the pelvic ligaments begin to soften and stretch, and blood flow to the pelvic organs increases. The sensations are specific, a little reminiscent of menstrual pains, but the realization that at this moment the baby is preparing to open the “exit” greatly facilitates the experience of unpleasant sensations.
Sibm experience
Natalika
- On the eve of childbirth, my back was pulling, my stomach was "felt" and there was a feeling as if my son's head was already at the exit. The next day in the delivery room, I was surprised for a long time that this is exactly what the first hours of labor looked like.
Nata K.
- My back ached for about a week before giving birth. Sometimes there were false contractions, also for about a week. But, in general, everything was as usual. I drove until the last day. I went on Sunday and gave birth on Monday. But! Somewhere inside I felt that I would give birth before the PDD, and so it happened.
- The back ached terribly. Pulled his stomach. And most importantly, an unrelenting feeling of anxiety.
- And the day before my back hurt so much that I climbed the walls. The cork did not come off.
Painful sensations before childbirth. Expert commentary
At 37-40 weeks of pregnancy, the expectant mother may have a stomach ache. The cause of pulling pains, as a rule, is not only abdominal prolapse. The fact is that closer to the onset of childbirth, a pregnant woman stretches and softens the joints of the pelvis, so that the baby is born more freely. In addition, it can stretch the muscles and ligaments, this is also the preparation of the pelvis for labor.
Nesting instinct on the eve of childbirth
On the eve of childbirth, many women receive from nature yet another "message" that the baby will be born very soon. There is an indomitable desire to cook him a cozy "nest" and future mom with great pleasure he chooses tiny socks and undershirts for a future son or daughter, embroiders diapers, knits a hat and a plaid, buys the softest and most beautiful bed linen for a crib, a comfortable stroller, a warm envelope, a lace blanket, a set of bibs and that glorious rattle! General cleaning (or even repairs) often becomes one more obligatory item of "nesting". Having arranged children's Corner Having bought things and "licked" the house, the woman sighs with relief: you can give birth. And ... it is at this moment that contractions often begin. - an incredibly happy time, because it reminds you that your dream of meeting your baby soon is about to come true!
Sibm experience
- Two days before giving birth, it became more active -both timesstarted large cleaning throughout the apartment, for which there was no strength for a long time. I noticed because I read here on the forum that this happens - preparing a nest. And there were no more precursors.
Ekaterina
- At 39 weeks 5 days I woke up with a terrible burst of strength and decided that it was just vital to rip out all the floors in the house. Then I realized that it would begin at night.
- I had no special feelings before giving birth, except that I, like a field mouse, dragged all the products from the store home, the last 10 days. Well, I could not walk past the store. I pick up a full bag and drag it, then I realize that I won't carry it, it's hard, so I catch a taxi. Twice I took a taxi home with string bags ...
Change in well-being and mood
All changes in a woman's body on the eve of childbirth are associated with hormonal changes. At the beginning of pregnancy, the main task of the body was to preserve and take care of the safety of the baby. The "boss" of this process was the hormone progesterone, which is produced by the placenta during pregnancy. By the end of the third trimester, the placenta begins to age and progesterone levels gradually decline. Now the first violin is played by the female sex hormones estrogens, the level of which increases with the aging of the placenta and the functional maturation of the baby. It is estrogens that are "responsible" for softening the cervix, stretching the ligaments and increasing the sensitivity of the uterus, contributing to its contraction. Such a hormonal "storm" can affect mood, causing sudden tears, or bursts of joy. In addition, in the last weeks before childbirth, a woman prepares for serious changes, fears the upcoming birth, in a word, leads a rich emotional life. Be aware of your changing moods, because these mood swings are also part of preparing for one of the most important meetings in life!
Sibm experience
Cheshire Cat
- The mood before childbirth changes in the direction that you want to kill everyone who even hints at the topic« well, when already» ... And in books, by the way, they often write that one of the signs of an approaching birth is hormonal changes, accompanied by changes in mood and a feeling that everything is tired, there is no strength, fatigue from a feeling of uncertainty, impatience - when it’s already giving birth, finally! Probably, there is something in this, you really expect childbirth, as a holiday. But when the contractions begin, there are no earlier tormenting fears, and one thought - well, thank you, Lord - began!
Change in well-being and mood. Expert commentary
A few days before giving birth, there may be changes in the well-being and mood of the expectant mother. Some are worried about tearfulness, quick mood swings, irritability, emotional uplift. In addition, severe sweating, chills, fever, and dizziness may appear. Such symptoms are caused by hormonal changes in the body of a pregnant woman on the eve of childbirth. It is important to understand that the harbingers of childbirth at 37-40 weeks are not yet the beginning of labor. However, if you feel these symptoms, you should not ignore them. Be sure to inform your doctor about them.
Did anyone have childbirth with a bang?
- My first childbirth began in the hospital. Before that, in a few days the cork came off - but, in my opinion, the doctor just picked it out. And then there was silence for several days, no signs of an approaching birth - right up to the first regular, slightly painful stretching in the tummy on the day of birth. It all started very smoothly, I had time to get used to the idea that today we were spending the night with my husband and a doctor in the maternity ward ...
Katik
- And I had no precursors, no tummy droop. Just at night at 3, contractions began, in a dream I could not understand why my stomach hurts, as with menstruation. At 6 I woke up, realized, measured - the interval between contractions is 5-7 minutes.
O_l_g_a
- I didn't have any special feelings. I ran, as usual, ate cherries well for the night ... in the morning I woke up from strong contractions.
- We were told at the courses that the primiparous most often does not really feel anything. Cork and water is by itself, and the onset of labor and other precursors in primiparous are most often weakly expressed. Although I understand that this is individual for everyone.
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Childbirth and maternity hospitals
If a pregnant woman is attentive to the signals of her body, she will never miss the harbingers of childbirth, as a sign of an imminent meeting with her beloved baby.
In the last weeks of pregnancy, a smooth change in the hormonal profile of a woman takes place. With the regular aging of the placenta, the amount of progesterone it produces decreases, and the relative amount of another female hormone, estrogen, on the contrary, increases. Progesterone "reigned" in the body throughout the entire period of gestation, ensuring the preservation of pregnancy, while the effects of estrogen are directed in the opposite direction, to prepare for childbirth. When the concentration of estrogen in the blood reaches a maximum, the receptors in the brain will perceive this as a signal for childbirth and labor will begin. Those changes that occur in the body of a pregnant woman under the influence of a change in hormones and prepare the birth canal for the birth of a baby are called precursors of childbirth. This is the logical final stage of pregnancy, which in obstetrics is often called the preparatory period of childbirth, the purpose of which is to ensure a gentle, as less traumatic as possible, fetal movement along the birth canal. According to the literary medical data, this process occurs at 38-39 weeks of pregnancy, but in many women, some of the precursors may appear a day or two before childbirth. If this is your second birth, the harbingers will probably begin a little later, closer to the time your baby is born.
9 harbingers of childbirth:
1. The popularly known sign of an imminent birth - "abdominal prolapse" - is absolutely correct and is based on anatomical changes at the end of pregnancy. If the baby is upside down, then during this period his head falls even lower and now it is a little more fixed. In medical terms, it is inserted into the small pelvis. The upper part of the uterus also descends and no longer compresses the lungs and stomach so much, so women rarely ignore this harbinger of childbirth, because it becomes a little easier for them to breathe. Sometimes there is a protrusion of the navel, the skin of the abdomen is even more stretched.
2. A slight increase in the amount of discharge from the genital tract as a result of the fact that the lower part of the fetal bladder exfoliated from the walls of the uterus. This sign of an imminent meeting with the baby sometimes suggests a possible leakage of amniotic fluid and is very worried about expectant mothers. To clarify the situation, you can use a special test for express diagnostics, which will reliably show whether the amniotic fluid is contained in the discharge.
3. Changes in the cervix. This does not affect the condition of women in any way, such anatomical precursors of imminent birth are noticeable only to the doctor during a vaginal examination, but, perhaps, pregnant women will be interested to learn about this process. If earlier the cervix, along which the baby will move during childbirth, was, figuratively speaking, a tube, about 4 cm long, with a narrow pinhole on both sides, now it looks different. On the inner side, where the baby's head is attached, it opens quite strongly, and the rest, its narrow part is now only 1-2 cm and still resembles a pipe, but with an enlarged hole, passable for one finger. The fetal membranes are now very close and easily accessible for infections, which is why a woman, towards the end of pregnancy, is not recommended to take a bath, limiting herself to a shower with the obligatory daily toilet of the genitals.
4. If you weigh yourself often, you can probably notice that in the last weeks of pregnancy, your weight has dropped sharply by 1-1.5 kg. This occurs as a result of a decrease in tissue edema. Pay attention to the legs - if before the elastic from the socks left a pronounced mark on them, but now it is not so noticeable - childbirth is just around the corner and it's time to start mentally preparing for a meeting with the baby.
5. Isolation of the mucous plug. This harbinger of childbirth is probably the most famous and shrouded in myths. It is very important to understand what a mucous plug is. This is a collection of mucus, usually slightly denser than daily vaginal discharge, colorless or with slight streaks of blood, with a volume of about 2-3 ml. If you notice a bloody or profuse watery discharge, see your doctor, it can be a dangerous symptom.
6. Change in posture. As a result of the prolapse of the uterus, the center of gravity shifts. The woman takes on a characteristic proud look, and her head is usually thrown back a little, and her gait becomes "duck".
7. Increase in the frequency of urination and loosening of the stool, which occur as a result of compression of the pelvic organs by the fetal bladder. It should be noted that, according to some experts, stool liquefaction occurs under the influence of sufficiently high, close to peak concentrations of estrogen, therefore this symptom can be considered a harbinger of imminent birth, in contrast to the previous ones, which can last for weeks.
8. The appearance or intensification of "training" contractions. Unlike true contractions, these contractions are irregular, painless, and of varying duration. Thus, the muscles of the uterus, which will soon have a lot of work, get ready, so to speak, warm up, train.
9. Discomfort in the lower abdomen and back. This does not mean acute pain, but pulling and aching sensations, as a result of a natural sprain. In that case. If this is not the first, but the second birth, harbingers of this nature may not bother you.
Harbingers of childbirth in primiparous
Since the described symptoms are for the most part subjective, that is, they are felt by a woman, pregnant women without childbirth experience more often interpret the precursors as a malaise. A special role is played by the fact that the precursors of childbirth in primiparous are usually smoother. They can begin two weeks or a week before childbirth and therefore serve as a very conditional time guide. It is important to know the fundamental differences between false and real contractions, since for a woman unfamiliar with the sensations of labor, a training fight may seem strong enough and cause excitement. It is worth noting that the harbingers of childbirth in primiparous often go unnoticed at all or include 2-3 of the listed signs.
Harbingers of childbirth in multiparous
The anatomical difference between women who have already given birth is that their cervix has a wider lumen and responds faster to hormonal stimuli. Therefore, some precursors of childbirth in multiparous are more pronounced and begin more early dates... So, there are observations that the mucous plug in women who give birth again is more voluminous, like liquid discharge, which intensifies by the end of the gestation period. Training contractions during the second pregnancy begin to disturb earlier, however, most likely, this is due to the fact that the woman clearly differentiates them. It should be noted that in the second and subsequent times, not only the generic process itself occurs more rapidly, but the time between precursors and childbirth is often reduced. Sometimes the precursors of childbirth in multiparous appear a day or two before childbirth. Typically, abdominal prolapse in these women usually occurs not 1-2 weeks before childbirth, but almost immediately before them. Listen carefully to your well-being throughout pregnancy, if you are about to have a second birth, the harbingers can be interpreted as a signal to collect bags in the hospital and prepare for contractions.
