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How to recognize labor pains. Differences between false and "true" manifestations. What are contractions and why do they occur?

Exactly the third trimester is the most exciting. The expectant mother is worried about many issues related to the birth of a baby. Undoubtedly, the first place in this rating is occupied by how fights begin, how to distinguish them from training and what to do.

It is especially difficult for those women who are preparing to become a mother for the first time in their lives. There is no need to be afraid of this natural process, but it is worth studying the issue, in addition, there are special techniques that make it possible to alleviate the condition during labor.

What are contractions and why do they appear before childbirth

Contractions are involuntary rhythmic contractions of the uterus, whose task is to expel the fetus. Throughout the entire period of pregnancy, the neck is tightly closed. Before childbirth, when the baby is ready for birth, it begins to open. This happens precisely because of the contractions.

This process has 3 phases:

  • Initial (latent). Lasts up to 8 hours. Contractions last about 30-40 seconds each, and the interval between them is 4-5 minutes. Neck opening up to 3 cm.
  • Active. The duration of the contraction is about 1 minute, and the interval is shortened to 2-3 minutes. The neck opens another 3-4 cm.
  • Transient. The interval between contractions is reduced to 1 minute, the period of contractions lasts an average of 1.5 minutes, and the neck opening is 8-10 cm.

If the birth is not the first, then the duration of each phase is significantly reduced..

What are the sensations at the beginning of contractions

At the first sensations of the contraction may resemble menstrual pain. However, the painful sensations here are of a short-term nature, and after a few minutes they appear again. Over time the pain gets worse. It develops into a sharp one, and there is a feeling of grasping, which starts from the lower back and goes to the lower abdomen.

How to recognize contractions before childbirth and not confuse them with Braxton Higgs contractions

Already in the second trimester, many women may develop or have Brexton Higgs contractions. They prepare the body for the coming birth. You can feel them after a long walk or physical effort. Here on what grounds do they differ:

  • false contractions are not regular;
  • they practically do not cause discomfort and are painless;
  • don't get more intense;
  • the intervals between them can be up to 30 minutes.

Labor pains begin with mild pain, accompanied by tension in the abdomen. Their main feature is cyclicality: the pain grows, then weakens and stops altogether, and after a few minutes everything repeats. In this case, the intervals become shorter each time.

True fights may be accompanied by mucous discharge mixed with blood: this is how the cork begins to move away, protecting the entrance to the uterus from infections. but heavy bleeding is not acceptable and in this case it is necessary to urgently seek medical help.

In order not to get confused in sensations and to distinguish real contractions from false ones, be guided by the following signs:

  • increased pain with each contraction;
  • regularity of appearance;
  • shortening the time between contractions.

What to do if contractions have begun

First thing you need to calm down and take a comfortable position. You also need to try to discard anxious thoughts, take a pen and a piece of paper and record the time intervals between contractions and their duration.

If the interval between contractions is more than 20 minutes, there is still time until the baby is born. You can have time to take a warm shower, collect your bag. At intervals between contractions less than 5 minutes you need to urgently go to the hospital.

How much pain during labor is

It is difficult to say how much pain it will be for you before giving birth. Each woman has her own pain threshold. The psychological attitude also plays a significant role: if you are positive and think not about the next fight, but about an imminent meeting with a baby, then the pain will be less acute.

How to make contractions easier

Contractions are a natural process and cannot be influenced. However, simple steps will help.

reduce pain:

  • Relax. When muscles are tense, it interferes with the natural process, and therefore the pain increases. Try to get rid of the anxiety and immediately feel a little relief. If it doesn't work, you can try to sleep.
  • Correct breathing. Your baby needs oxygen now. It also helps to relax the abdominal muscles.
  • Get into a comfortable position. Find a position where the pain is less pronounced. As a rule, this is a pose on all fours or knees. Also, you can jump on a gymnastic ball.
  • Lumbar massage- Another way to alleviate the condition.
  • Take a warm bath or shower.
There are also safe ways to provoke contractions, if the baby is too late:
  • move more and be upright;
  • sex (male sperm softens the cervix, and orgasm causes uterine contractions);
  • massage of the nipples of the breast (the hormone oxytocin is released, which causes uterine contractions);

Video

A short video will help you even better understand and present the process of contractions. The specialist will tell you how to recognize and what to do immediately after they appear.

Walking down the street, I often see expectant mothers, they are so funny and important with their tummies, some have more or less. Their appearance is always pleasing to the eye, because a new life is growing in the tummies! I look at pregnant women with a smile and quiet emotion, not willingly remembering myself in the same position. True, it was a long time ago, back in the last century. But I remember everything so well, as if it was only yesterday, all my worries and concerns: how contractions begin in pregnant women, how the birth itself will pass, how to feed the baby and how to swaddle it, but you never know reasons for concern ...

What are contractions and how do they start in pregnant women?

Contractions are regular and involuntary contractions of the uterus aimed at expelling the fetus from the mother's womb, their appearance indicates the onset of labor. This process involves complex biochemical processes. Towards the end of pregnancy, the baby's pituitary gland and placenta begin to produce special substances that provoke the onset of contractions, dilatation of the cervix up to 12 cm (full dilatation) and an increase in intrauterine pressure. This leads to the fact that the fetal bladder ruptures, and the amniotic fluid leaves. This should be the case with normal childbirth.

If a woman is a firstborn, the period of contractions takes about 12 hours, in case of repeated births, this period of time is reduced by 4-5 hours. Gradually contractions of the diaphragm and abdominal muscles join the contractions. Contractions are not an arbitrary process, a woman cannot influence their frequency and strength, unlike attempts. To a certain extent, she can control attempts, if necessary, to delay or intensify them. It is difficult, but possible. But this should be done only under the clear commands of the medical staff, otherwise you can harm yourself and the baby.

How to understand that contractions have begun in a pregnant girl?

Feelings during contractions are different for each woman. Most often, she feels the first shocks in the lumbar region, then they go to the stomach and take on the character of girdle pain. Less often, such sensations arise in the uterus itself. Personally, I had the impression that the bones of the pelvis and sacrum were stretched, but the pain was quite bearable. Each woman endures this individually. Those who have painful menstruation withstand the contractions easily. You should not be afraid of them in panic.

How do false contractions differ from true ones?

False ones appear after the 20th week of pregnancy, and even then not in everyone. The woman feels that the uterus is stiff, but there is no pain. Such contractions of the uterus last no more than 1 minute and can be repeated after 4-5 hours. A short walk and a warm bath relieve these sensations. The nature of the occurrence of false contractions is not completely clear.

How do real contractions start during pregnancy?

True contractions occur at precise intervals. At the beginning, it is about 30 minutes or more. Fights last, no more than 5-10 seconds. Gradually, their interval decreases, and the duration increases. The pain becomes more intense, reaching a maximum before the onset of pushing.

Code to go to the hospital?

If the birth is for the first time, then you can sit at home until the interval between contractions is 5-7 minutes. If the pain intensifies, but there is no clear interval between contractions, then it is better to call an ambulance.

Repeated childbirth - do not hesitate and go to the hospital with the onset of regular contractions, it is not uncommon for such births to be rapid.

If there is an outpouring of amniotic fluid, but there are no contractions, then you need to call an ambulance and go to the hospital urgently and no matter what week of pregnancy it happened! Measures are needed to prevent infection of the fetus.

In the case when the contractions began earlier, then this is already a pathology, regardless of the duration and intensity of the contractions, the woman must urgently go to the hospital.

Whatever the contractions, and whatever you feel, know this is the hard work of both, but you account for 70%. And the result of this work will be a long-awaited meeting!

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The last trimester of pregnancy is the most exciting period for a woman. The closer the delivery is, the more questions arise. The most relevant of them relate to how contractions begin before childbirth, what sensations arise during this, whether pain is felt.

It is this process that is most afraid of the fair sex, in whom pregnancy is the first. You really shouldn't be nervous about this. With negative emotions, the pain can feel intense. The less you think about it and the fear of contractions, the easier the birth will be.

Yes, and there are special techniques to reduce pain in this natural process.

A woman carrying a baby under her heart can be misled by false (training) contractions. They can start from the 20th week of pregnancy. False contractions before childbirth cause slight discomfort, but are irregular, short-lived, and in most cases practically painless. A warm bath or walking can help relieve uterine tension and discomfort. It is important to remember that the bath temperature should be between 36 and 38 degrees.

True contractions are the main harbinger of childbirth. How are contractions before childbirth and what are they like? Every woman experiences contractions differently. It depends on the physiological characteristics of the pregnant woman and on the position of the baby in the tummy. For example, some may feel weak aching pain in the lumbar region, which after a certain period of time spread to the abdomen and pelvis, encircling the woman.

Others note that the sensation of labor is comparable to the discomfort that occurs during menstruation. The pain intensifies afterwards. During contractions, it may seem that uterus turns to stone... This can be well seen if you put your hand on your stomach.

All of the above signs can be characteristic of false contractions of the uterus. Then how to recognize real contractions before childbirth? There are general signs of this natural process by which every pregnant woman can determine that she is about to start labor:

  • regularity of occurrence;
  • gradual increase in frequency;
  • increased pain over time.

In the beginning, a pregnant woman may feel labor pains over a long period of time. The pain is not strong. In the future, the intervals between contractions gradually decrease, the pain of this natural process increases.

Based on the general signs of contractions before childbirth, it is possible to distinguish 3 phases process:

  • initial (latent, hidden);
  • active;
  • transitional.

initial stage on average it lasts about 7-8 hours. The duration of the contraction can be 30-45 seconds, the interval between them is about 5 minutes. During this period, the cervix opens up to 0-3 cm.

During active phase lasting 3 to 5 hours, contractions can last up to 60 seconds. The frequency of labor contractions during childbirth is 2-4 minutes. The cervix opens 3-7 cm.

Transition phase(deceleration phase) is the shortest. A woman can stay in it for 0.5-1.5 hours. The contractions get longer. They now last for 70-90 seconds. The interval between contractions also becomes shorter compared to other phases. After about 0.5-1 minutes, the woman in the position will feel the contractions of the uterus. The neck of this organ opens up to 7-10 cm.

Contractions in a second birth are also divided into three phases, but the total duration of each is shorter than in a first birth.

What if the contractions start?

If contractions occur, a pregnant woman should calm down, because vanity is not the best helper. Desirable take a comfortable position in a chair, on a chair or on a bed and start recording the intervals between contractions and their duration. It is desirable to record all this data. You don't need to think about what is more painful: contractions or childbirth. Fear will make the pain seem unbearable.

If the contractions do not last long and the duration between them is long (20-30 minutes), then it is too early for the baby to be born. The woman has time to collect the necessary things, call an ambulance... At this time, with the help of loved ones, you can take a warm shower. In case of contractions, the intervals between which are 5-7 minutes, it is already necessary to go to the hospital.

A trip to a medical facility should not be postponed, despite the fact that the initial phase of contractions can last several hours. Amniotic fluid can leave earlier, and at this time it is already desirable to be under the supervision of an obstetrician-gynecologist. When the waters drain in no case should you take a warm or hot bath, because this may increase the likelihood of developing infectious complications, bleeding, embolism,.

How to induce contractions and childbirth?

For many women, labor begins at 37-40 weeks. However, there are cases when pregnancy lasts 41, 42 and even 43 weeks. Representatives of the fair sex in such situations are already beginning to worry, get nervous, because they really want to see their baby faster, but he still does not want to be born. Yes, and there are cases when the child died at this time in the mother's tummy, and the contractions did not start.

The death of a child can occur due to the fact that the placenta begins to age. Oxygen and nutrients may no longer be enough for your baby. How to induce contractions and childbirth is a question that worries expectant mothers carrying a child longer than the date of the expected birth, which was calculated by the doctor.

In order to prevent the occurrence of negative consequences, contractions and childbirth can be caused. However, this decision must be made by only a doctor... If there are no pathologies, and the amniotic fluid is clean, then there is no need to stimulate the birth process. Everything has its time. If any deviations are found, then the doctor will certainly suggest stimulation of contractions and childbirth... You shouldn't refuse it.

Contractions can be triggered on your own. For example, it is recommended to be more upright, walk, move, but it is not necessary to provoke the appearance of fatigue, stress, since this will not be beneficial.

Feelings of contractions before childbirth may occur because of sex... Semen contains prostaglandins, which prepare the cervix for childbirth by softening it. Sexual arousal, orgasm tone up the body and cause uterine contractions.

You can call contractions with breast nipple massage... It can be started from the 37th week of pregnancy. During the massage, the body releases the hormone oxytocin, due to which the muscles of the uterus can begin to contract. The massage allows not only to stimulate labor, but also to prepare the skin of the nipples for breastfeeding the baby.

There are also folk remedies for stimulating labor and labor, but you should not try them on yourself. For example, certain teas and decoctions can adversely affect the health of the mother and her baby, because some herbs are contraindicated for pregnant women, as they can provoke a miscarriage.

How can you make labor pains easier during childbirth?

Doctors can help a pregnant woman relieve pain during labor and labor with drugs. However, don't rely on anesthesia. There is a possibility that the drug will negatively affect the mother and her baby.

The main way to relieve pain is correct breathing during childbirth and contractions. With its help, a woman in labor can relax. At the onset of a contraction, it is recommended to focus on the exhalation. At this moment, it is worthwhile to imagine that pain “leaves” the body along with the air. A woman in labor can "make some noise" during labor and childbirth. Sighs, groans and screams will ease the condition. Correct breathing should be learned in advance and exercised more often, because childbirth is stressful, due to which all poorly memorized information can be easily forgotten.

A woman in labor can relax thanks to massage and the simple gentle touch of a loved one. Contractions are the beginning of labor. It is at their onset that it is recommended to do a slow massage of the lower back. A woman at this time can stand or sit on a chair, operating on its back with her hands.

Lumbar back massage during childbirth is considered to be very effective. This is because the sacral nerve travels to the spinal cord from the uterus through the lower back. If you massage this area, then the pain during contractions will be less felt. It is very good if the spouse wants to be present during childbirth and help his beloved in this difficult moment.

Equally important psychological attitude... Positive emotions, thoughts that soon it will be possible to see the baby, will help reduce pain. In order to properly react to what is happening and not worry, a woman needs to understand how childbirth proceeds and what one can feel at this time.

In between contractions no need to wait for the next cut. This time is given to a woman to rest. With intense anticipation of the next contraction, you can quickly get tired.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that contractions are a natural process. All pregnant women go through this. The question of how contractions begin before childbirth worries many expectant mothers. It is worth noting that it is impossible to accurately describe all the sensations, since they are individual. Someone compares contractions with pain during menstruation, and someone with an intestinal disorder.

21 february 2019

By the time the baby arrives, most expectant mothers are ready to go.

The necessary medicines have been prepared, their belongings and the baby's tiny clothes have been packed, documents and medical records have been checked. Some of them tried to create a cozy and beautiful children's room, to purchase the best toys.

The climax of pregnancy is inevitably approaching and everything is ready for the appearance of the crumbs. And the closer this moment, the more alarming mommy. Of course, in the first place is the worry about the well-being of delivery.

But there is also a fear of contractions during pregnancy and the experience of missing the beginning of the labor process.

Physiology of contractions during pregnancy

Panic in pregnant women is associated with a lack of reliable information and, of course, experience. For some reason, it is the fights, despite the naturalness of this phenomenon, fanned by fables and myths. And negative stories from experienced acquaintances only exacerbate the situation. Each woman in labor has her own pain threshold. And knowing the physiology of each stage, accompanied by contractions, and learning how to react to them correctly, you can significantly reduce pain and alleviate your condition.

What's going on in the body?

Nature has provided and calculated everything to the smallest detail. The whole process of pregnancy proceeds according to a universal algorithm, and the change in states occurs under the influence of the leading hormones at a certain moment. The hormone of pregnancy progesterone, which successfully maintained all 9 months and the tone of the uterus, and the development of the baby before childbirth, gives way to estrogen and oxytocin.

The cervix, which is tightly closed during pregnancy, prevents the opening of the pharynx and the penetration of infections inside. Before giving birth, she must open up, clearing the way for the baby. For this, its tissues must become more elastic and pliable. Estrogen does an excellent job of doing this. It also makes the uterus sensitive to oxytocin and prostaglandins. Under their influence, contractions of the walls of the uterus begin, allowing the baby to take the correct position and move along the birth canal.

Contractions and hormone balance

The muscle contractions of the uterus are called contractions during pregnancy, which, depending on the period, have different intensities. With each contraction, the muscles of the uterus pull on the cervix, making it open. By the time of delivery, the cervix opens up to 12 cm, and the uterus becomes practically an extension of the vagina. The whole process is accompanied by a change in the level of hormones, which are intensively produced by the placenta, pituitary gland and fetus.

Oddly enough, but it is fear that can affect labor. He is able to increase both the duration of the preparatory contractions, which take away the strength of the mom, and the pain. The hormones cortisol and adrenaline, released into the bloodstream during stress, fear and anxiety, block the production of the main birth hormones.

False contractions during pregnancy

Changes in hormonal balance occur throughout pregnancy. Therefore, uterine contractions can appear long before childbirth. In this way, both the uterus and the cervix are prepared for future childbirth. These contractions during pregnancy are called false, training or Braxton Hicks.

What are the sensations during false contractions during pregnancy?

Of course, women who have given birth can easily distinguish false contractions from real ones. These unforgettable sensations cannot be confused with any other pain. But how should women behave during their first pregnancy? It makes no sense to go to the hospital for every incomprehensible symptom. You need to focus on your feelings:

1. These contractions during pregnancy practically do not cause pain, but, most likely, discomfort in the form of pulling or aching sensations. The uterus seems to be shrinking, which is already familiar to some from when it was in good shape. Contractions are felt in the upper or lower abdomen, and may be given to the groin.

2. The painful sensations are concentrated in one area and do not spread to the lower back and to other places.

3. They appear unexpectedly and gradually fade out. More often they occur in the evening or at night, when the body is relaxed and mommy listens to her feelings. Some, on the contrary, experience discomfort after physical exertion or stress.

4. They are characterized by irregularity and short duration. The duration of false contractions during pregnancy does not exceed a minute. And they are repeated at irregular intervals. They can occur several times (up to six) in an hour, or even a day.

The surest way to determine the falsity of a contraction during pregnancy is to record its duration and frequency. Unlike real contractions, sensations with false ones will not increase, but they will be repeated chaotically.

What can provoke false contractions during pregnancy?

Natural contractions of the uterus occur throughout most of pregnancy. But expectant mothers begin to feel them after 20 weeks. With the approach of childbirth, the likelihood of their appearance increases. Some women are fortunate enough not to experience false contractions during pregnancy at all, and this is not a pathology. This does not mean that there are no preparatory reductions. It's just that they may not be so intense, or the expectant mother did not notice them, did not attach importance. Also, the perception of false contractions during pregnancy depends on individual sensitivity.

However, there are provoking factors that increase the likelihood of unpleasant cramping pains. False contractions can manifest themselves under the influence of:

Physical activity;

Violent fetal activity;

Stress and nervous shocks;

Dehydration of the body;

An overflowing bladder;

Sexual activity.

What to do in case of false contractions?

For most pregnant women, false contractions do not cause intimidating discomfort. But for some women with a high pain threshold, training uterine contractions becomes a real torment. In this case, it is recommended:

1. Use a warm bath or shower, if there are no contraindications. Warm water will ease muscle tension. And the aromatic oils added to the water will calm the nervous system.

2. Go for a walk. Fresh air and slow walking will reduce discomfort.

3. Change your pose. An uncomfortable position can provoke tension in the uterus.

4. Lie down and relax. The pleasant music and the soothing aromas of the oils will help ease the discomfort.

False contractions during pregnancy are a good reason to take advantage of the knowledge of proper contraction breathing.

If training contractions bother you closer to childbirth, you need to watch for other signs. Since such training can calmly go from dress rehearsal to real contractions during pregnancy and signal the onset of labor.

How do real contractions start during pregnancy?

Real contractions during pregnancy start suddenly. Do not worry, it is simply impossible to let this moment pass. Even a fight that has begun during a night's rest will wake up the expectant mother. At this moment, there will obviously be no time for sleep. Women describe the onset of labor differently. But no matter what a woman experiences, they cannot be confused with training contractions.

True contractions are expressed:

Regularity;

Increased pain.

A gradual decrease in the intervals between contractions;

An increase in the duration of the contraction.

What will tell you about the approach of childbirth?

Even before the onset of contractions during pregnancy, a woman can predict the approach of the climax by the changes taking place in her. Under the influence of changing hormonal balance, immediately before childbirth begins:

1. Slightly reduce the weight to three kg or stop gaining weight. 2. Disappear appetite.

2. Excessive emotionality. Inadequate reactions to events, words are attributed to an increase in estrogen levels.

3. There is changeable mood, moodiness.

4. The instinct of nesting appears. Pregnant women have a desire to urgently start repairing or cleaning, rearrange furniture.

5. To lower the belly, which gives mommy the opportunity to breathe easier just before childbirth.

6. Reduce swelling of the face, hands. However, edema can appear on the legs due to fetal pressure on the lower abdomen and squeezing of blood vessels.

7. Feel pain in the lower back, which is explained by a change in the position of the fetus and the expansion of the pelvic bones.

Frequent urination, stool changes, and even vomiting may occur. All these signs are very individual: each pregnant woman manifests itself in different ways and at different times.

A sure symptom of approaching labor is the passage of the plug, manifested by secretions. They can be clear or bloody brown liquid. The plug can come off both weeks before childbirth and during labor.

The kid is also preparing for the upcoming process and stops violent movements.

If the fetal bladder bursts and water begins to drain, even without preliminary contractions during pregnancy, you should not doubt the advisability of visiting the hospital. This is a sure sign of the beginning of the generic process.

Following the discharge of water, contractions necessarily begin. But even if there is some pathology and the contractions do not start, an urgent need to go to the hospital.

What sensations accompany the onset of contractions during pregnancy?

The first contractions are recognized by most women intuitively. They cause tension in the abdomen and pulling aching pains that spread to the lower back, groin and are shingles in nature. Some people compare the sensations with menstrual cramps, only several times stronger. It is as if an invisible hand grasps and squeezes the uterus from within. Starting at the top of the abdomen with tension as the contraction increases during pregnancy, the pain intensifies, covers the entire abdomen. The lower back and pelvic bones are under intense pressure. Some women note just severe low back pain and the spread of sensations in the legs to the very toes. Gradually, the pain is released, and a pause appears, allowing you to rest.

The first contractions can last up to 15 seconds, with a break of 20-30 minutes between them. The duration of contractions during pregnancy gradually increases, and the rest period decreases. At the same time, pain sensations increase.

What does a primiparous woman need to know about contractions during pregnancy?

In nulliparous women, contractions begin minor pain that look more like discomfort. But even they cause panic. At these moments, you need to calm down and rest as much as possible. There is no need to fuss, try to finish some business. There is still hard work ahead that requires strength. Prenatal contractions in primiparous may last up to 8-10 hours.

If possible, this time should be devoted to relaxation and rest. Pregnant women are advised to record the time and duration of contractions. And it's not easy to keep track of time, but to record data. This will help determine the period when you should go to the hospital, and doctors track the dynamics of the process and detect possible deviations in time.

The duration of contractions, accompanied by pain, tension, gradually increases. And when between contractions intervals will be less than 15 minutes, do not postpone a visit to the clinic. If during pregnancy any pathologies were noted or water departed, bleeding began, you need to urgently call an ambulance, and not wait for an increase in the frequency of contractions during pregnancy.

It is common for women to panic and fear before their first birth. Therefore, at the first contractions, one of the relatives should be nearby. If this is not possible, when you feel pain, immediately inform your relatives, friends or even neighbors that you are giving birth.

Primiparous may experience weak generic independent activity. Because of this, after a certain period of contractions during pregnancy, with pronounced frequency and severe pain, the intensity may subside, and the painful sensations completely disappear. This does not mean that the contractions were false. In this case, urgent medical assistance is required, who can deal with the cause of the pathology and stimulate labor. Inaction in this position threatens the life of the baby and the woman in labor.

Features of prenatal contractions in multiparous women

Women who have given birth in advance feel the approach of childbirth. By the main signs, they can predict the beginning of the process. However, if no more than five years have passed since the previous birth, all processes can be accelerated... The body, having muscle memory, easily adjusts to changes and reacts to them more quickly.

In addition, the cervical tissue has not yet had time to come into prenatal shape. They stretch faster, and the neck opens. Unlike primiparous women, shortening of the neck occurs simultaneously with the opening.

Pain during contractions in multiparous people begins immediately more tangible... Rupture of the amniotic fluid and discharge of water are more common. The period of prenatal contractions does not last more than six hours, and sometimes rapid labor is observed. Therefore, it is not advisable for such women in labor to postpone a visit to the clinic until the last. If there is no desire to give birth at home or in an ambulance, you need to go to the hospital immediately after the appearance of contractions or take care of this in advance and wait for labor in the hospital under supervision.

Unlike the first birth, the process is not stimulated, but they are trying to slow down. During rapid childbirth, there is a high probability of injury to the baby and ruptures in the woman in labor. Therefore, a woman needs to listen to the recommendations of doctors during labor and childbirth.

How should pregnant women behave during labor?

Contractions during pregnancy will necessarily increase, become more prolonged, and the pain will intensify. Painful sensations cover almost the entire body, do not give an opportunity to rest, but practically merge into a series of attacks. It seems to the woman that it will never end. With a high pain threshold of a woman in labor, doctors can offer pain relievers. But it is worth remembering that you can independently influence your condition.

Nature provided natural pain relief during labor... The hormone endorphin, produced by the pituitary gland, can reduce pain. But this process is rather fragile. Screams, tears, fear, strong feelings, panic can break this mechanism and only aggravate the situation. It is impossible to relax physically with psychological tension. Therefore, women during contractions during pregnancy are advised to:

1. Use the relaxation techniques that you learned in the course.

2. Try to take positions in which the pain is not felt so acutely. You can just walk. Someone is helped by the squatting position, on all fours.

3. Use the time between contractions during pregnancy for rest.

4. During a contraction, especially at the peak of pain, use breathing techniques. Frequent intermittent breathing will relieve the condition.

5. Apply anesthetic massage. Massage in the lumbar, sacrum or neck area helps.

6. Do not refuse the help of relatives and listen to the recommendations of doctors.

Remember, each new contraction during pregnancy brings the wonderful moment of the baby closer.

He is also scared at these moments: the affectionate womb for some reason has become hostile. All painful sensations will quickly be forgotten. And this day will be the most wonderful day in your baby's life.

True contractions are contractions of the uterus, which lead to the opening of its cervix and promote the movement of the fetus through the birth canal. That is, generic activity. Often, its beginning is confused with preparatory or training fights. We will talk about how to distinguish true contractions from false ones, when you need to urgently go to the hospital and briefly about how to behave during childbirth.

Labor activity can begin not only with contractions, but also with the discharge of amniotic fluid. Moreover, if the amniotic sac breaks in the upper part, then the water will only leak. And if in the lower part, then the water leaves almost completely in a few minutes. But both the one and the other situation requires medical intervention. If real contractions do not start soon, the baby will not be born in the next 12 hours, the woman will most likely have a cesarean section. After all, the rupture of the membranes provokes the penetration of pathogenic bacteria to the child. In no case should you douche, take a bath, shave your crotch yourself, do an enema after the water has drained away. Also, you should not drink and eat a lot, since there is a possibility of an operation, which means anesthesia. Well, before the operation, the stomach must be empty, in order to avoid unpleasant and even dangerous consequences. You especially need to rush if the color of the amniotic fluid is green or brown, this is a symptom indicating fetal hypoxia.

Symptoms of true labor pains- This is pain, tension in the abdomen, which usually begins in the upper part of it, then spreads down and along the entire lower back. Such sensations appear every 20-30 minutes, and the intervals are reduced. And the pain usually builds up quickly too. When the intervals are less than 10 minutes, it's time to go to the hospital. Discharge of the mucous plug is not a reason for emergency hospitalization. But immediately you need to call an ambulance if there is bloody discharge from the genital tract, blood pressure has increased, the child very often moves or, conversely, has become quiet, a headache, or flies in front of the eyes, convulsions have begun, and other severe neurological symptoms have appeared.

After active true or labor pains have begun, it is undesirable for a woman to sit down. This is because in this position, strong pressure will be exerted on the child's head. And the woman herself can try different ways to speed up labor and pain relief. For example, you can and should walk if your strength allows. When a woman walks, the cervix opens much faster. This is all the more important until the fights have gained their strength. That is, the intervals between them are long. And it is better not to lie down at this time. Massage of the sacrum and correct, calm breathing also relieve pain well.

Often, true contractions begin after false ones, which do not lead to the opening of the cervix. And in this case, it is bad if the training of the uterus was long and literally exhausted the woman psychologically and physically. Because of this, real contractions may not be strong enough, and doctors will have to stimulate labor with medications.

Contractions are true and false according to the description and sometimes doctors cannot understand. A vaginal examination and observation of the woman in dynamics is required. The cervix must first flatten out completely, and then begin to open. Along the way, a mucous plug usually comes off.

If there is no disclosure, the woman is given antispasmodics. Although in many cases it is enough to sleep, take a bath and take a couple of valerian tablets to relieve discomfort.